Horse Trailering Checklist

Everything you'll need for your vehicle, your horse, and yourself before a journey with the horse trailer.

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Under the laws of nature, the best way to avoid any kind of an emergency is to be fully prepared for one—whether you are making a long distance, cross-country haul or a short trek down the road to the show grounds.

What you will need for the towing vehicle & trailer:

  • Spare tires for the towing vehicle and trailer (inflated to proper PSI)
  • A jack and tire iron or lug wrench
  • Three emergency triangles or flares (triangles are best)
  • Extra supply of coolant/engine oil/transmission and power steering fluids, plus a funnel and service rags
  • WD-40 or other lubricant
  • Chocks to safely block wheels
  • Flash light and extra batteries
  • Tape (electrical and duct)
  • Spare fuses and bulbs for exterior and interior lights
  • A charged fire extinguisher
  • Sharp knife and wire cutters
  • Tool kit
  • Jugs of clean water (can be used for radiator or horses)
  • Jumper cables
  • Spare belts and hoses
  • Tow chain or cable
  • Portable compressor
  • Quick fix tire repair kit
  • Broom/shovel/manure fork and disposal bags
  • Vehicle registrations for the towing vehicle and trailer
  • Proof of insurance

What you will need for your horse:

  • A spare halter for each horse
  • Extra lead ropes for each horse
  • A bucket and sponge
  • Feed buckets
  • Hay and feed
  • Water
  • Fly repellent
  • 100 feet of 1/2″ rope
  • An equine first-aid kit
  • Identification information on each horse
  • Brand inspection papers (when applicable)
  • Health certificate (when applicable)

For You:

  • Orange safety vest
  • Work gloves
  • Extra cash and credit card
  • Driver’s license
  • Road atlas
  • Cellular phone and/or CB radio (in rural mountainous areas without cell phone service a CB radio may be more valuable)
  • Phone directory with numbers for your veterinarian, insurance company, emergency roadside assistance numbers and numbers of family/or friends who can be notified if you become incapacitated
  • First-aid kit

Further Reading
First Aid Kits for Horses and Riders

The authors, an identical twin team, live and ranch in northwest Montana. Along with raising a few Appaloosa horses, they are also professional equine photographers.

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Authors, Kim and Kari Baker are long time Appaloosa breeders living in northwest Montana. Besides breeding horses this twin duo also combine their knowledge and talents as equine photographers and...

3 COMMENTS

  1. Very good! There were a couple of things I didn’t think about and will be adding to my trailer’s list. Most everything else I have already prepared. Thanks for the information!

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