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The weather’s warming up & you’re itching to load your horse up & do some trail riding. Before you saddle up and head out to the great outdoors, here’s a checklist of essentials to make your trip safe & enjoyable.

Check over your truck and trailer

• Check tire pressure & wear
• Make sure you have at least 2 spare tires and check the condition of each
• Check your floorboards for rot & cracks
• Check gates and latches for damage
• Check your hitch for wear
• Check your brake lights and turn signals
• Look for any sharp edges or rust holes
• Check the Weather Forecast prior to traveling and going out on the trail

Check your horse over – your horse should be able to:

• Be tied safely
• Stand calmly when being tacked up
• Go forward, backward, left, right & most importantly, stop on command
• Cross water, bridges or fallen trees if you anticipate any of those on your ride
• Load and unload from the trailer easily
• Be in good enough shape for the length of ride and terrain

What to bring with?

• Map of where you’re going, noting parking areas for trailers
• Copy of Health Papers if required and a Trail Pass
• Check the State Health rules for equine travel and papers
• Insulated Saddle bags
• Clothes appropriate for the weather that’s been forecasted, extra jacket, emergency type light weight poncho and a pair of gloves
• First aid kit for you & the horse, vet wrap and a bandana
• Tack that’s been thoroughly checked over along with extra reins, cinches, halter & lead lines (bring extra bridles, halters and lead lines in case of tack malfunction)
• Always carry at least one easy boot and a roll of Duck tape
• Fly spray for the horse, bug spray for you.
• Leatherman type tool, leather ties/boot laces to fix tack
• Water & hay, buckets & hay net
• Cooler with water & snacks for you (energy bars)
• A friend or cell phone – let someone know where you’re going & when you expect to be back if you’re going alone
• Compass or GPS
• Emergency contacts on you and your horse (name and phone number on horses halter in case the horse gets loose)

Trail riding can be fun & relaxing. Using this checklist can make it stress free.