
Horse Trailer Packing Essentials: Surviving Horse Ownership on the Road
We may be in the grips of winter (even in places where winter typically doesn’t *really* exist), but it’s never too early to start thinking about what should be in your trailer once you’re ready to hit the road again.
When hauling your horses to shows, events, or to hit the trails, the focus is always to keep your animals, and yourself, safe. But let’s face it, sometimes we find ourselves on the side of the road in emergency situations. Whether stranded on the side of a highway or stuck in a muddy field, it’s essential to be prepared.
So, what are the must-haves that should be kept in every horse trailer? Here’s a list of essentials that will save you time, frustration, and maybe even a few tears.
Fire Extinguisher
Why? Because fire is not the kind of excitement you need when hauling horses. Horse trailers are often loaded with flammable materials like hay, bedding, propane, and many times extra fuel on long destinations or for the generator. A fire extinguisher isn’t just a good idea — it’s a must-have.
Keep it within reach, not tucked away somewhere you’ll have to scramble for it. It’s also a good idea to check it regularly to make sure it’s still full and functional. (If you ever do need to use it, we hope it’s for something minor, like a campfire gone a little rogue, not a full-blown trailer inferno).
Spare Tire and Tools to Change It
Flat tires happen — even to the most seasoned travelers. Your horse trailer is just as susceptible to tire issues as your car or truck. And unlike the car, a flat on a horse trailer can leave you in a pretty tight spot. Trying to manage a load of horses while waiting for roadside assistance is not ideal, so be prepared.
In your trailer should be a full spare tire, a jack, and the tools necessary to change the flat (lug wrench, any necessary adaptors). This isn’t just about keeping your trailer in tip-top shape; it’s about your peace of mind. After all, you never know when you’ll find yourself in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire and an irritable horse. The more you prepare for the worst, the more you’ll be able to laugh at the situation when it inevitably happens. (And trust me, it will happen).
Another pro tip: don’t wait until you’re on the road with a flat tire to practice changing one. Work on that at home before you haul so that you’re not panicked when it does happen to you.
Flashlight
It’s dark on the road, especially when you’re dealing with a surprise horse emergency after sunset. Whether trying to load a horse after dark or checking the trailer for damage, having a reliable flashlight can make all the difference. A flashlight is also a great tool for inspection before you hit the road. You never know when you’ll need to check the tires, trailer lights, or make sure your horse hasn’t eaten all his hay. Keep extra batteries on hand, because no one needs a flashlight that’s just a glorified paperweight.
Basic Electrical Toolkit
Trailer wiring is sketchy… at best. This is amplified when you’re always plugging and unplugging things (you know, like you do with a trailer). So you should always have a set of basic electrical supplies as well as some rudimentary knowledge on how to use them. A great starter set includes:
- Combination pliers (it’s a combination of pliers, crimpers, and strippers)
- Connectors
- Electrical tape
- Fuses
- Wire nuts
Common Automotive Fluids
You can save yourself a lot of heartache and stress if you have some basic automotive fluids on hand. These include:
- Coolant
- Oil
- Brake fluid
- DEF if you drive a diesel that needs it
Common Horse Medications
Horses, being the divas they are, sometimes need a little extra TLC while traveling for long periods. Whether it’s a scraped knee, or a muscle ache after a long ride, having a basic horse medicine kit on hand can save you time and stress. Your trailer’s medicine cabinet should at least include:
- Banamine or another anti-inflammatory
- Bute (phenylbutazone) for pain relief
- Electrolytes for hydration
- Wound ointments and dressings
- Antiseptic spray or wipes
- Bandaging supplies
- Standing wraps
- Quilts
These are just a few examples, but depending on your horse’s needs and medical history, you may need additional items. Don’t forget to pack a thermometer and gloves, too, just in case things get messy. And if you’re totally at a loss on what you should include, you can always get a handy pre-made equine first-aid kit like this one. Just make sure you check your supplies regularly and keep it well stocked.
Extra Blankets for Winter
Ah, winter. A time of beauty, magic, and trying to keep yourself and your horse from turning into an ice sculpture. If you plan to travel during colder months, make sure you have extra blankets in the trailer for yourself and your horse. You never know if you’ll need to leave them in the trailer for a while to wait out the weather. Having a well-stocked set of blankets will help keep you and your horse comfortable in light of an emergency with no heat is not a bad idea. Think about possibly adding an emergency heat source for yourself, too.
Ice and Water
In the same spirit of keeping things on hand to take care of you and your horse during cold weather, you’ll also want supplies on hand to help you and your horse stay cool and hydrated in warm weather. If you have a cooler, keep as much ice with you as possible. In hot weather, you can put it on the floor of the trailer to help assuage the heat from the road. Also make sure you have plenty of water for you and your horses.
Charged Wireless Phone Charger
Horses are unpredictable, trailers break down, and phone batteries die when you need them the most. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a charged wireless phone charger in your trailer. Imagine being on the side of the road, your horse is calm (thank goodness), your spare tire is ready to go, but your phone is dead. Sure, you could have *all* the equipment in the world, but if you can’t call for help, it’s pretty much useless.
A good wireless phone charger can keep your phone alive when you’re stuck, or at least give you enough juice to send a “help, I’m stranded with horses” text to a friend.
Other Miscellaneous Essentials
While these items are the top of the list, there are a few more things that might come in handy in case you get stuck out in the middle of nowhere:
– Water and snacks for both you and your horse (because, let’s face it, we all need a snack during a stressful situation).
– Rope and duct tape — if you can’t fix it with duct tape and rope, then maybe you’re not thinking hard enough.
– A first-aid kit for you, not just the horses (because you will eventually hurt yourself, I mean you are hauling horses). Check out these cute ones that I handcraft.
The reality is, horse owners are some of the most prepared (and sometimes over-prepared) people out there. While you can’t predict every possible disaster, these essentials will at least give you the upper hand in most situations. So pack up your fire extinguisher, throw in an extra blanket, and make sure that phone charger is good to go! And remember: A little bit of humor and preparation can make any emergency a lot easier to handle.