7 Essentials For Trailering This Spring

Don’t leave home without these!

Photo by Kristen Kovatch

Now that spring is in the air and the weather is getting nicer, you’ll be more inclined to trailer out to go riding. Whether it be to a local horse show, trail ride or a long-distance adventure, make sure you’re prepared. These are some must-haves while trailering to make life easier and keep your horses safer!

1. USRider membership.

This is the AAA for horse owners: not only will they tow your vehicle if you break down, they will also tow your trailer and find accommodations for your horse. Even if you break down in your friend’s car and you’re not towing anything they also will give you a tow if you’re a member.

More info at: www.usrider.org

2. Trailer-Aid

This is a MUST have for any dual-axle trailer. It makes changing tires a breeze. You don’t even have to unload your ponies. It also doubles as a ramp to even out your living quarters when you’re parked on uneven ground overnight.

Available via SmartPak

3. A good spare tire with a cross lug wrench.

Make sure your lug wrench will fit your lug nuts on your trailer tires! It won’t help you if your lug wrench is too small.

4. WD-40

This stuff is liquid gold. Can’t get your lug nuts loose? Jack is impossible to crank up? Trailer plug is caked with dirt and not getting a good connection? Nothing a little squirt of WD-40 can’t fix.

You can pick up a can of this at your local automotive or Walmart store.

5. Banamine and a stocked first-aid kit.

Nothing will ruin your trip quicker than a colicing horse. I never leave the trailer without it. Even if your horse has a stomach of steel, your friend’s horse might not. Your first-aid kit should include all of the essentials for doctoring basic wounds yourself.

6. Electrolytes, hay and water

For long trips, make sure your horse stays well hydrated. Some horses will refuse to drink while being trailered. You can soak your hay with water, or feed hay cubes soaked in water, or bring a little grain and mix it with water until it turns to a mush. They might refuse to drink, but they probably won’t refuse to eat.

7. Water tanks.

Water tanks are usually very pricey and the nozzles tend to crack and break, leaving you without water upon destination. I have found that a 55 gallon barrel that you can pick up for pretty cheap and a hand-held water pump works best, is the most durable and the most economical way to go.

What do you never leave home without? Let us know in the comments section. Go riding!