Horsebox organisation

[Beebo]

We have just bought our first horsebox, a 3.5t van conversion, for taking ponies to PC comps etc. Any top tips for organising the little jockey area? What would you always want to have with you? How do you store things so you can find them? I'm so excited to get it all sorted, it's like a giant Playmobil set for me right now! ??

 

[milliepops]

Depends a bit on what you're starting with, but mine was basic so...
I had one of those hanging tidy things with loads of pockets which took stuff like grooming kit, spurs, spare bits and bobs all to hand.
First aid kit in a clear plastic box with a lid to keep it clean and tidy.
have you got bridle hooks/saddle rack etc? spare hooks for coats or show jackets etc. I also had a whip tidy on the wall inside the door to keep them out of the way but easy to grab from outside.
I kept spare rugs & spare wheel on the luton so not clogging up the grooms area as I didn't need constant access to them.

 

[scats]

I have hanging hooks that have a spare headcollar and leadrop that live in the van. The other hooks I use for bridle, my jacket etc. I have a grooming kit that stays in my locker cupboard, also a tub of treats and two whips- short and long. Under my seat area I have a fleece/cooler rug that lives in there, plus a first aid kit and a water container and collapsible bucket. I also have towels in there all the time that sit on top of the cupboard and my skip bucket and little rake thing.

My saddle rack is in the locker cupboard so stays free of hay. I also keep my comp boots in there all the time as I only ride in them when I’m competing and it’s one less thing to think about.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

In addition to a number of things mentioned above, I keep:
Under passenger seat: Human 1st aid kit, hi vis jacket, headcollar and rope, spare crash hat.
Pocket on passenger door: at least 2 x pairs of gloves tucked in plastic bags.
Drivers door pocket: small absorbent towel
Glove box: copy of insurance cert, spare fags,
Clear box on luton: old but waterproof rainsheet, fleece.
Green box on luton: equine 1st aid kit
Pile of towels in back, on top of tack lockerl
I rarely put tack in the side locker as prefer to chuck it in the back... I do have a collapsible saddle holder in side locker and in the back tho.
Side locker holds water containers, buckets for washing and drinking, sponges , fly sprays, grooming stuff etc.
Lots of hooks for coats, bridles etc.

Garden seat cushions are great to use for bench seat as shower proof and hay slides off.

I have a bag that travels on floor in back, has thermos, mugs, tea, coffee, sugar and milk portions in, saves queuing at events

Happy stocking up!

 

[Beebo]

Brilliant, thanks! I've ordered broom holders, and hanging pockets so far... Just wondering if there's a place for fairy lights in my beaten up old van!

 

[MrsMozartleto]

Hate to be a party pooper, but remember your weight limit, especially with a 3.5t box.

That aside, Yay! for new lorry ? I hope you have lots of happy outings.

Chocolate. We always had chocolate. And crisps.

 

[TGM]

Rather boring and mundane, but make sure you have an equine recovery policy for when you breakdown. Make sure their breakdown number is in your phone and have a card with the number on in your glove compartment. Try and take a fully charged power bank with you, particularly on longer journeys, as mobile phone batteries have a nasty habit of dying just when you need them most.

 

[Pippity]

I have a fire extinguisher in the driver side pocket, a combined human/equine first aid kit in the glove box, and a hi-vis vest on the back of the driver seat.

 

[Squeak]

I used the damage free attachment things to stick up a plastic mirror (for doing up stocks and ties) and also a couple of hooks for jackets and stuff. I was expecting them to fall down after a couple of months or over the winter when it got damp but they're still up and strong.