You take a lot of precautions when you haul your horse to a trail ride or a one-day show. You make sure that your truck and trailer are in perfect working condition. You choose the most appropriate bridle paths and show grounds. You wear a helmet and use reliable tack. But, do you prepare for the unscrupulous actions of others? If you leave anything of value lying inside the cab of your truck, you could become a victim of the classic smash-and-grab: Where thieves break through your truck’s window to reach their targets. That leaves you to deal with your insurance agent and a lot of broken glass.
One preventive measure is to stow anything of value out of sight. This may seem like common sense, but a glimpse into the cabs of many trucks left unattended in horse show parking lots or at the staging area of bridle paths often reveals loose change, tote bags, cell phones and expensive outerwear openly displayed on the front seat. That’s an invitation to a fast-fingered thief. Here are a few security measures.
When planning a trail ride, only take along the essentials. Stash your cell phone in a case that will clip onto your belt or slip it into one of the trendy, colorful neoprene cases that strap around your calf just below your knee. Put your ID and a few dollars into a small fanny pack or slip them into a wafer-thin coin purse that you can tuck into your jeans pocket. At horse shows, collect everything you might need and cart all of it along to where you’re camping out for the day. Leather tack, show hats and helmets, and nice halters can be quickly snatched for quick resale at consignment shops or online auction sites.
Finally, whenever you haul your horse, always conduct a “sabotage check” before you hit the road for the trip home. This is especially important if you’ve left your rig at a recreational site teeming with non-horsey people. Believe it or not, some nefarious types might find it funny to unhook your trailer’s safety chains or unplug your electrical wiring. Rather than discovering that you’ve fallen prey to such misguided hijinks in the midst of a crowded freeway, inspect your rig before loading up your horse. A few moments of forethought and preventive measures will help make for a safer journey.