We just returned from our yearly trip to Colorado.  As usual, it was beautiful and we had a wonderful time. Met some old friends and made some new friends on the trail.  Of course we found some new areas we want to check out next year.  Along the way, we did encounter a few problems.  So, the purpose of this article is to help anyone getting ready to travel with their horses.  A lot of this is probably “old hat” to a lot of you, but could serve as a reminder or could help those new to traveling with their horses.

First of all, check the mechanics of your hauling vehicle.  Have your trusted mechanic go thru it and check those hoses, tires, cooling system, and whatever else he thinks is important.  Make sure that spare tire is accessible and in good condition.  A few of us were comfortable having a good spare only to realize it was locked and-oops-can’t find the key.  That’s when you need the bolt cutters! (yes, this has happened to more than one of us!)  If you have time, give the truck and trailer a good washing and wax job.  That makes the crud you’ll pick up easier to clean off when you get back home.  Then there is the trailer.  Again, check tires and that important spare.  Even though our tires were in good condition, we ran over pointy things that make your tire flat in about 10 seconds.  Not good when your spare is locked and you can’t find the key!  Oh yes, make sure the brakes are in good condition on both the hauling vehicle and trailer.  This will make your descent down the mountains much more comfortable.  A few have even installed the “jake brake” or “exhaust brake” to help.  Make your horse as comfortable as possible also.  Make sure he has good ventilation, fly mask to protect his face, sawdust or shavings, feed is optional.  Some don’t like to let the horse eat while traveling in fear that he might choke.  Personally, I let my horse snack on Bermuda hay, but this is your option.  Also, some use shipping boots which does help protect legs in case of an accident.

We always travel with cell phones.  Of course, there are lots of places with no coverage, but you can usually find a place where you can get out.  We also give each person a walkie talkie.  How nice to be able to tell your traveling partner that you need a break, ask directions, etc.  Oh speaking of directions, make sure you have plenty of good maps of the area you will be visiting.  Both road maps and good topo maps are a must.  Course a nice GPS helps a lot!  We always stop and ask people about trails and they are always anxious to help.  Forest Rangers usually can give you some good information.  Oh yeah! Speaking of Forest Rangers, some places require that you have certified weed free hay.  As we now know for a fact, they will give you a $50 ticket for having un-certified hay.  Even if you just have it in your truck, they can still fine you.  Same with your coggins papers.  Check with the state you are visiting by calling their State Vet to see what health requirements they have in place.  Sometimes its just a Coggins and a health certificate, but you need to check.