Getting organized before a trip with your horse can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to pack both for yourself and your equine pals.
Even if you’ve already found a Stable Away, you want to make sure you have everything you need to keep your horses comfortable in their home-away-from-home.
Here is a comprehensive checklist of everything you might need to gather before hitting the road with your horse!
Your Checklist:
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Food and supplements:
Make sure you have enough grain, supplements, and hay for the length of your trip.
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Molasses:
Just in case the water at your Stable Away doesn’t quite taste the same as water at home, you can add some molasses to help encourage your horse to drink.
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Horse blankets and sheets:
These items can be seasonal, but keep in mind that the weather may not be the same at your destination as it is as home, so make sure you double-check the forecast before packing.
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First aid kit:
Include bandages, leg wraps, gauze pads, thermometer, stethoscope, Betadine® or other wound cleanser, antibiotic ointment, eye wash, Duct tape, Epsom salts, sedative paste, and latex gloves.
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Hay nets:
Don’t forget that you’ll need enough hay for the trip back, too.
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Buckets:
Depending on how far you’ll be traveling, you may need to stop several times along the way to offer your horses water and the opportunity for a good stretch.
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Fly masks and fly spray
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Rubber ground mat
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Portable electric fencing:
Check in with your Stable Away ahead of time to see if there is adequate fencing for your horse. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring some.
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Broom, shovel, and fork:
Even if you have Stable Away arrangements already, don’t forget that you may need to pick out your trailer along the way.
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Rope
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Twine
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Halters and lead ropes:
It’s always a good idea to have a few extra halters and lead ropes on hand, just in case.
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Treats
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Mounting block
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Shavings or other bedding:
Pelleted bedding that expands with water can be a good choice for traveling, as it takes up less space than bags of shavings.
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Tack:
Don’t forget saddles, saddle blankets, girths, bridles, breast plates, etc.
What Is a Stable Away?
Whether you’re planning a long trip and need to make a few overnight stops along the way or you simply need a comfy, convenient place to house your horse once you reach your destination, using a Stable Away service can really come in handy.
Oftentimes, stable owners who have an extra stall or two will offer to temporarily board your horse while you’re away from home.
If you’re looking for a Stable Away, click here to learn more about where to go about finding one.
If you have some extra stalls you’d like to offer to traveling horse owners, click here
to learn more about how you can advertise your Stable Away services.
Article by Guest Writer Gabrielle Pastorek