Keep a packing checklist on your cell phone. We load the hay and grain after that, and then load the horses last.”ġ1. Load all the tack, one horse’s items at a time. Purchase extra hay bags like the Weaver slow feed hay bag.ġ0. “This lets us easily swap out with emptier bags at stops.” I’ll put a ‘babysitter’ next to a more fractious horse, for example.”ĩ. “I do this to ensure all the horses are comfortable. “Horses can get stressed and crampy when traveling, and you don’t want to be digging through all your other gear to find meds and other supplies.”Ĩ. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission. Products we feature have been selected by our editorial staff. “You never know when you’ll need to cut a halter, lead rope, or hay bag in an emergency.” Keep a pair of heavy-duty scissors in each area of the trailer. “Horses can be exposed to diseases when they travel, so I’m big on disinfecting our trailers with bleach after they’ve been used, so that germs don’t keep spreading.”Ħ. Left to right, from opposite page: Save floor space with overhead shelving for hat carriers and other items reduce tack clutter by having extra hooks added where possible create a permanent packing plan and list of items, storing it on your phone.ĥ. “This cuts the time you have to spend searching for a particular item when you need it.”Īdvice from: Bear Smith, all-around trainer and owner of BJ Ranch, Eustis, Florida. Put everything in its own spot when you reload the trailer. But the work tack is taken out, and we vacuum the tackroom floor, making sure it’s all clean before the next horse show.”Ĥ. The bridles are hung correctly and all the show saddles are clean and in their bags. “The majority of the show tack stays in the trailer, and it’s hung up in the same spot every time. “We do this before each show, and also wax the trailer every few months to help preserve the finish.”ģ. Before parking it at a show, we also clean out the back of the trailer once the horses are unloaded.”Ģ. This helps reduce damage to the floor from the horses’ urine, and also helps keep it smelling fresher. I pressure-wash the floor, and spread baking soda on it before we replace the mats. “We take out all the mats and wash the entire area where the horses are in the trailer. Clean out all the shavings after every show and clean the floor. King, manager of Simons Show Horses, Aubrey, Texas.ġ. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started.Īdvice from: R.J. Luckily for you, others who haul horses have discovered great ways to care for their trailers, and are willing to share their secrets. Use the tips here to protect your investment. Your horse trailer will last longer and serve you better if you take good regular care of it. It’s easy to close the doors and walk away, thinking, “I’ll tackle it later.” But for the sake of your investment, not to mention your horses’ comfort and your own peace of mind the next time you use the trailer, you’re best off to keep it clean, organized, and maintained as you go. We’ve all stared into our horse trailers, dismayed by messy tack rooms, dirty compartments, filthy floors, and maintenance issues.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |