Horse Trailering Checklist

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.