How to Plan a Camping Trip with Your Horse

If you are an avid trail rider already, then a camping trip that includes your horse is amazing. ! OK, so it's more work, but you will both enjoy it provided you do a bit of planning . . .

The Old Gray Mare suggests that you carefully research your destination site. States provide relevant information for National and State Parks including permissible uses of trails, directions, camping details and other important information on websites or from the Departments of Tourism (here's a link of JUST ONE STATE-SPONSORED LISTING: http://www.horseandtravel.com/states/nebraska_camping_campsites.html - This listing even refers you to all other states' campgrounds.)

Of course, you should never go without firm reservations that define dates and participants of your trip. As you firm up your final destination plans, secure trail maps for horse riders, inquire about campsites and know as much as you can about accommodations. Compile a list of veterinarians and farriers at your destination to cover any emergencies. Yes, and one more thing to plan into the trip '" don't go alone; bring a good friend, family members; leave a good itinerary with one or more people who are going along on your camping trip.

You can expect different levels of campsites with little or no conveniences (from "bare bones" to improved) in Parks. Assume the more improved areas get crowded so get to your location early.

Since you may be on the road for a number of hours or even overnight, make sure to research available directories geared specifically to the traveling rider and horse. If you do not usually travel far away or out of state with your horse, consider an in-state destination that can accommodate your horse.

Now that you have thoroughly researched and planned the travel and destination, focus on rig preparation. Make very certain that all mechanical aspects of vehicle and trailer have been serviced and are as safe as necessary. Be sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency flares and necessary tools to change tires.

It's vacation time and your planning and trip organization is well underway. So ask yourself these very important questions: Does my horse load and travel well; is he calm or does he get worked up; does he preoccupy himself by munching on hay; does he balance himself; how does he react to different circumstances and strange places? Making a practice run with a nervous horse to a nearby trail is a good idea '" it's a kind of "practice run." If he's a seasoned traveler to shows or trails, then he's ready whenever you are.
Well, that's the basics '" now concentrate on what your horse will need for the trip.

Tack: Bridle/Headstall, Noseband, Breast Collar or Martingale '" Leather, bit and hardware should be in sound condition, clean and familiar to your horse. Now is not the time to introduce a new bridle and/or bit. However, even if you normally do not use a martingale/breast plate on your horse, these are good accessories on an extended trail ride. Likewise, you may be riding hills and rough trails so even a crupper could be a useful addition to your accessories list for this trip. Since you are planning ahead, you can responsibly introduce your horse to equipment ahead of time.

Saddle '" Bring the saddle that is most comfortable for you AND your horse. Be sure it is clean and in great condition; also check straps and accessories for soundness. Bring the cinch/girth that is comfortable for your horse and make sure it is in top condition as well. Include a clean saddle pad/blanket for your horse's comfort.

Leg Boots or Splint Boots '" Include a set of protective boots to protect your horse's legs from injuries. You will encounter rocks, sticks, brush and water, not to mention the terrain.

Horse Sheets '" Your horse will be more comfortable if you protect him against flies with a fly protective sheet or, in case of rain, with a rain sheet. Use a dress sheet or a light stable sheet to guard against cool winds.
Horse Cooler '" Bring a cooler to provide cozy warmth for possible chills after the ride. If you return from the trails and your horse is even slightly warm, wrap him, then blow him out. Never just tie him up.

Cleaning, Grooming Items '" Take extra time to put together your horse's grooming kit, and all basic cleaning and grooming tools. Your list should include several brushes including stiff and soft body brushes, curries, polo wraps, hoof picks, sweat blade, fly spray, towel, wipes.

First Aid Kit '" Be sure you do not leave on this trip without a Horse First Aid Kit. Consider this as a must have necessity for this trip. You can assemble one yourself or purchase a professionally-prepared Equine First Aid Kit. It is The Old Gray Mare preference to use a professional Kit to which you can add specific items for your horse and because you do not want to leave anything to chance.

Ideally, you have now made a detailed list of all the horse items you need for this vacation. It is probably a great idea to build several categories including:

- campsite and trail information that details directions, etc.
- horse items such as riding gear, grooming equipment, first aid
- horse feed such as water, grain, hay and treats
- horse clothing such as sheets, coolers, leg protection, tail wraps
- rider clothing and, of course,
- your food and other necessary items

Water '" This is an important requirement and The Old Gray Mare suggests you focus on it in some detail. Bring along no less than 5 or 10 gallons of barn water, more if you have the containers and space. If you break down or stop to rest during trucking, you will be able to keep your horse hydrated. Extra water makes it easier to transition your horse to the new location's water. If he is not a big drinker, try adding a teaspoon or two of table salt to his grain to encourage increased drinking. Pinch his skin to check hydration level - at the pinch, the elevated skin should remain in a little peak for about 30 seconds. (Hint: The best place to check your horse's hydration is mid-neck level.)

Grain '" Carefully measure out his regular grain portions. Bring several days' extra grain portions in case of unexpected delay. Give only the grain that he is used to and plan no changes during the trip. A convenient way of bringing grain is to package each meal portion in large freezer zippered bags, and stack them in a convenient box. Always prevent accidental access to feed by the horse if somehow he gets loose.

Hay '" Load ample roughage supply for the trip. Be responsible at the campsite and do not leave mounds of hay lying around. Dispose of any unused hay along with the manure.

Sanitary Maintenance '" Treat the campsite as you would your home. Do not leave soiled bedding, manure or other refuse; clean up daily and it will not be a major chore when it is time to pack up and leave.

Presumably you are not a novice camper and have some idea about food and drinks for yourself and your fellow travelers. A good rule of thumb for this trip is to bring ample food, water, munchies '" pack as you would for any other camping trip. Include plenty of bottled water for the humans, too.
Pack clothing adequate for the season. Expect day/night temperature fluctuations; vary clothing items accordingly. Bring along appropriate cold or hot days' wear based on your comfort level and that of your traveling companions. Layer the clothing you wear.

The Old Gray Mare discusses only the basics in this article '" add necessities based on your needs, that of your horse and your geographical location (i.e., clothing, blankets, etc.). The secret to successfully planning this vacation is to make THE CHECKLIST. Write it down. Refine it. Add to it. Then tweak it. Finally, pare it down to the final list with its different parts. If you did your homework, you have everything planned and organized.

So load up the horse and get going.

As Roy Rogers might say, "Happy trails to you!"

This article is written by The Old Gray Mare of www.DressYourHorse.com.