Tips and Equipment needed for going out and about

[JulesRules]

Having just bought my first trailer I am wondering how people transport their saddles, tack etc and what pieces of equipment are must haves for going out and about?

I was wondering whether one of those saddle holder/tack box type things that can go in the back of the 4x4 is a worthwhile investment. Do people have a mirror for shows (tying stock etc) and how do people carry water? Any other tips?

I am planning on going out to fun rides, shows and just general hacking.

All advice gratefully received

Thanks

 

[Dizzleton]

I always ensure I have the following things whilst travelling:

1: First Aid kit - For both human and equine needs
2: Spare leadropes
3: Enough food and water for the horse


With regards to transporting tack, it depends what type of trailer you have. I know you can get a tackpack for Ifor Williams, but I found them to be a bit small and awkward to use. Usually if there is enough room I'll put my tack in the boot of my car as there is usually plenty of room.

To carry water, I use a collapsible bucket and a water container that holds around 10 litres. I usually bring 1 extra-large haynet, stuffed as full as possible so the horse always has something to eat.

It's always good to carry a mirror for shows to check your appearance before presenting yourself before the judge!

Make sure your horse is tied securely to a breakable string/equi-ping and his legs are well protected with travel boots/bandages. Putting a thin fleece rug on will stop the horse getting chilly too.

But most of all, have fun!

 

[PolarSkye]

Having just bought my first trailer I am wondering how people transport their saddles, tack etc and what pieces of equipment are must haves for going out and about?

I was wondering whether one of those saddle holder/tack box type things that can go in the back of the 4x4 is a worthwhile investment. Do people have a mirror for shows (tying stock etc) and how do people carry water? Any other tips?

I am planning on going out to fun rides, shows and just general hacking.

All advice gratefully received

Thanks

If you're only ever going to transport your horse on his own, what about putting a collapsible saddle/bridle rack in the half he won't be occupying? Failing that, back seat or boot of car is fine. Mirror for tying stock? Wing mirror works fine . Water? Just one of those water containers and carry in trailer on opposite side of hoss (secured with some bungie) or on back seat of car.

Other things I would travel with:

- Spare bailer twine
- Hoof pick
- Grooming kit complete with fly spray, mane and tail and copious baby wipes (for him and for you)
- Lunge line
- Spares of anything you feel might break . . . leadrope, headcollar, stirru leathers, boots, etc.
- A towel
- First aid kit (horsey and human)
- Bandages and gamgee (just in case)
- Spare (full) haynet
- Bottles of water (for you) and perhaps a banana or something else for a boost of energy
- Full hip flask (for that hit of dutch courage )
- Lunge whip (for reluctant loaders)
- A fully-charged mobile phone with emergency vet/AA/contact numbers pre-loaded
- Paper maps - it's awful getting lost
- Spare/dry clothes for you . . . nothing worse than getting soaked/falling off and having to drive home in filthy/dripping clothes
- Cash

Hope that helps and HAVE FUN!

P

 

[Happy Hunter]

as above +
Second Change of clothes - its just nice to be comfy driving home!
in car phone chargeror spare PAYG cheapie mobile
i always try to have £10 or so for emergency tack shop raiding (Plaiting bands, ect)
1st aid kit
SPARE GIRTH! (experienced this, not funny!)
Spare rug for equine - incase one gets sweaty, rained on or isnt enough/ suddenly arctic
in the Car I save space by having a nice Saddle bag to hold gloves and hairband ect.
Sturdy tack box/first aid makes a good mounting block - but when on your own someone has to put it away before riding off!
Paper map - SatNav's die!
Emergency contact details written down - if phone battery goes can you remember your vet's number!?!?
Try and have a flash of hot water - useful for 1st aid (and a cuppa!)

have fun!

 

[JulesRules]

Sorry - I guess what I should have explained is that I usually go out with a friend in a lorry, so a trailer is a bit of a change as in the lorry we have lots of space to put all the stuff.

I will probably often have a friends horse with me, so thinking back of car for kit/tack etc.

The bailing twine loops are all ready to go for tie ups both inside and out

I am thinking along the lines of getting a nice tack box either saddle rack kind or mounting block kind with spares of all the stuff I might need and keep it in the trailer. I can then just quickly whip it into the back of the car when I hitch up. Does anybody have a folding mounting block? Ive seen such a thing, or do you just use a ramp or convenient log?

I normally have to spend ages getting all the stuff I might need into my friends lorry the night before so I guess I'm just trying to streamline the process.

First aid kit is a good call. I probably would have forgotten that...and duck tape and bailing twine in order to avert all emergencies...

Thanks for the suggestions and advice so far...