Getting Ready to Hit The Road

by Lisa Kiley | Published in Saddle Up Magazine June 2023

June is a great month to get out on the road and take your horse on an adventure, whether that is a clinic, trail ride, or horse show, there are some things to think about before you load your horse up in the trailer.  While there are different considerations based on the length of the trip, there are some things that every hauler should think about no matter if you are hauling around the corner or across the country.  Here are some tips for getting ready for a trip off the farm:

1. Tune-up – the first thing is to make sure that everything with the trailer is in good working order when it comes to the mechanics.  For horse trailers, this is everything from breaks to hitches, axels to tires.  Similarly, the truck you are hauling with should also be in good order and the right match for your horse trailer.  While a truck may be able to pull a trailer, it needs to be able to stop that trailer when it is full of horses, which requires more power.  Have your truck and trailer maintained on a regular schedule by a trusted mechanic.

2. Spare on Hand – Checking the spare tire is important for safety.  It may be sitting on the side of the trailer right where you need it, but is it in good condition? Left too long, it may dry rot and be useless when you need it most.  It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with changing a tire on a trailer and having all the supplies to do so.  Knowing how to efficiently change a tire can be the difference between a minor set back and a ruined weekend. 

3. Light check – Break lights on a trailer are a number one priority for safety but turn signals and running lights are important too. Going down the road, having a well-lit exterior of the trailer is makes it safe for you and your horse on the highway.  Don’t forget to check the interior lights too, which can be very helpful if you travel in the wee hours of the morning or into the night.  Get in the habit of doing a light check each time before you hit the road.

4. Flooring – The type of flooring that you have in the trailer will determine what type of maintenance your trailer requires.  If your trailer has a wood floor, you need to keep a close eye on the boards to make sure that there is no issue with rotting and this floor requires extra cleaning to make it last.  Other floor options are more durable, but it is still a good practice to monitor flooring for any weaknesses or signs of wear.  For the comfort of your horse, the floor should be matted with rubber which will help prevent slipping.  Add a low dust bedding which can also aid in comfort and traction and clean thoroughgoingly after each use.

5. Bee Aware – If your horse trailer has been sitting vacant over the winter, it might have become a host for flying friends from birds to bees or wasps.  Take the time to look around the interior roof of the trailer and see if you can spot any nests that will need to be removed.  It is also a good time to examine the interior walls for any needed repairs that could cause discomfort during transit. 

6. Ventilation – This is also a good time to make sure that your top vents are working and are propped up in the correct direction.  Open toward the front brings cool air in from the outside and is usually the way you want to open them for warm weather traveling.  Vents open to the back allow for trapped air to escape and are typically set that way for cool weather traveling. Check to make sure that windows and screens are working in the trailer as well.  While horses need ventilation when traveling, don’t allow horses to keep their heads out of trailer windows as it poses many safety risks and can cause devastating injury. 

7. Water Wise – Horses can be particular about the water they drink.  Horse will often reject offered water on the road, which can become dangerous if the horse becomes dehydrated.  One solution is to use a product like a Horse Hydrator, that filters water and removes tastes that can be off putting to your horse, encouraging him to drink more.  Another option is to bring water from home.  There are many convenient tank sizes that are made to easily fit into spaces of your trailer or in the flat bed of the truck.  This ensures that you have a water source no matter where you travel. 

8. Get Organized – If you are heading somewhere to ride or show, having the right organization equipment when you travel can be a game changer.  Well situated hooks and racks can keep your tack safe and secured as you are heading from point A to B.  Once you get to a location, having a rolling dolly or saddle cart can save your back moving tack from one area to another.  Rolling muck carts can also be a huge time saver and can be used to move other supplies like hay and shavings in addition to muck tubs. 

9. First Aid – Before you hit the road, having a stocked first aid kit for humans and horses is important.  If you’re not sure what to pack, there are some great resources online that provide lists of essentials or buy a prepacked version.  You may want to also pack an emergency kit for you and your horse.  This can be anything from rain gear to road flares and extra food, pack things that are suitable for the areas where you will be traveling. 

10. Vet Check – Depending on where you are hauling, you may need to have paperwork on the horses in tow, often this is a Coggins test and/or a health certificate.  Take the time to investigate the requirements for the state you are in and will be traveling to so that all your papers are in order.  If you are going to a show, check with the association or management to ensure that you have all the paperwork you need upon arrival.  There are even apps that can help organize and store your horse’s information.

Summer is a great time to get out, hit the road and enjoy spending time with our horses and friends.  Cashmans hopes you have a safe travels when you’re out and about.  If you are passing through Ohio, think about stopping in to visit, we have convenient parking for any size rig and plenty of supplies to keep you and your horses happy!