June is a great time to hit the road with your horses. There are so many great adventures from showing to trail rides, it can be a great time to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and sunshine. Before you load up and head out, there are a few things to make sure that you are road ready and set up for success. Here are some tips for making summer travel a breeze:
Tune-up – Often, horse trailers don’t get as much usage during the winter months, and this can mean that there are some issues that need to be addressed before taking a trip off the property with horses in tow. Just like regular maintenance for your truck, taking your horse trailer in for a proper check-up can ensure safe travels down the road. Top on the list include brakes, tires, and lights. An emergency road kit and knowledge of what to do in the case of a breakdown or a how to change a flat tire is essential when horses are onboard.
Interior Upkeep – Regular maintenance should also involve the interior of the horse trailer. Ensure flooring is solid, safe and includes slip resistant rubber matting is a top priority. Check trailer walls to make sure that there are no sharp surfaces and padding is in good repair for comfortable transit. Vents should be open to allow air to flow through and help keep horses cool. Confirm dropdown doors, bars and screens are functional but avoid allowing horses to hang their heads our of the trailer when it is motion as it can pose risk of devastating injuries.
Travel Essentials – Things can change on the road and having an extra few day’s rations of grain and hay is always a good idea. Similarly, you may want to invest in a tank to bring water from home. Everyone knows the adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” Horses can be fickle when it comes to drinking water from new sources. Keeping horses hydrated is important for their health, especially in the heat of summer. A first aid kit for your horse should also have a home in the trailer and be checked before each trip to make sure it is fully stocked.
Packing List – Have you ever spent hours on the road, just to get to your destination and discover that you forgot something important? When it comes to horse gear, these types of things aren’t easy to replace on a whim. Making a list and checking that all the items make it from the stable to the trailer seems simple but is very effective. In the case of certain equipment, it may even make sense to pack a spare, like an extra girth or reins. Invest in travel organizers, like hooks, saddle racks, and carts, that can help keep expensive tack safe and secured during travel.
For horse lovers, summer is one of the most active and fun seasons of the year. Taking the time to make sure that your rig is road ready can help make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. At American Stalls, we care about the details when and can help make sure that no matter where you are headed this season, your horse will have a beautiful, safe, and comfortable space to come home to at the end of the journey.
