TOP 10 MUST-HAVES WHILE HAULING

1. Shoeing Equipment

The two things that are always in my trailer are 1- a rasp, and 2- a set of nippers. If I have learned anything after being on the road for 15 years, it to expect the unexpected. So I pack both of these in case a horse springs a shoe. (Partially pulls one). You never plan on this happening, but its a REAL pain when it does and no one has any equipment to pull the shoe fully. Pull your ponies shoe, give his foot a quick rasp for any sharp edges and head off to the races.

2. VET BOX.

Old bay is not bullet proof. Any one who has a horse knows they can turn a paper cut into 50 stitches and an ICU stay. A few things I like to personally keep in the vet box are non stick gauze bandages, vet wrap, duct tape, plast-o tape, a thermometer, and colik eaze made by Silver Lining Herbs.

3.FEED

Bring some. Keep your horses on their normal diet as much as possible. We try to bring our own hay, because the stress of the competition environment is hard enough on them, let alone them trying to digest your hauling partners mixture. Personally, I like to use Nag Bags, in the trailer and stalling at shows. It slows some down, but it also does keep their mind off the stress of the new environment. We also feed a complete feed so we are not packing 27 different bags of supplements to the barrel race. The complete feed I use is Tri-max made by Purina Equine Canada. I use this feed specifically because it has a pro and pre biotic in it, to promote gut health, is loaded with omegas which increase shine and immune function, and biotic which promotes foot health.

4. Hauling Wraps

My horses don't get in the trailer without support for the long haul. They get no bow stalling wraps to haul. We prefer these to some of the therapeutic methods, because they are not heat nor cooling sensitive.

5. Soft Rides

Gravel is deceiving. There can be shards of extremely sharp rock that produce abscesses for a hobby. Prevent as much as possible. The soft rides are also great if your stalling is on cement, as they can go on all 4 feet, and act as a cushion. My top horses haul in these boots as well.

6. Large Water tubs

Again, get some. Keep your horses hydrated. I am personally not in the habit of refilling pails of water every hour at the barrel race. Horses are individuals, they drink different amounts at different times of the day, so why not just keep a plentiful water supply in front of them at all times,

7.Electrolytes

HYDRATION. HYDRATION. HYDRATION. Making sure your horse is hydrated, helps them perform at their peak. Its also not a bad idea for you to get some for yourself. Ever been to a barrel race in 35 above. HEAT STROKE. This will help avoid it.

8. TIRE CHANGING KIT

Flares, a tire-ramp, a tire wrench, impact wrench. AMA? Find a few items that can help you change a tire in a pinch. Not all areas work on Sunday's. And there is nothing worse than being stranded on a busy road with a trailer load of horses.

9. Blender

Smoothies? Seriously, they are delicious on a hot day. And if you use fresh fruit, they help increase your immune function, which is being stressed from wear of travel. Its important to keep yourself healthy too.

10.BBQ

Because.... WHY NOT? Cook your own smokies, steak, hot dogs, burgers, pork chops, chicken, chicken wings (if your feeling really motivated), potatoes, corn on the cob, etc. This is a walking buffet maker. You can get a mini, which is easy to store, and cooks a meal in under 30 minutes. I have given a lot of hacks out but this is by far my favorite. When your on the road for a long time, this is sometimes the closest thing to a home cooked meal you get. Which in translation is PURE GOLD.

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