Horse Trailer Essentials

Items You Should Always Have in Your Horse Trailer

Here’s a helpful guide of the items that you should absolutely always have on hand in your horse trailer when traveling. This is a complete guide that has everything you might need from personal items to horse items to truck items and everything in between.

Truck & Trailer Tools

A flat or blown tire is inevitable, so you’re going to want to make sure that you have all the tools necessary to make your job easier, to get you back on the road. The less time your horse(s) can be stuck on the side of the road, the better. First and foremost, we want to make sure you know how to change a tire (if you don’t then get watching internet tutorial videos or ask a handy friend to teach you). After that lesson, you can start getting all your tools together:

• A tire iron (make sure that it fits the tires for your trailer) • Trailer block • WD-40 • Flashlight • A full toolset (they make portable ones that stash away pretty easily) • Utility knife

First-Aid For Your Horse

Once again, it isn’t a question of if, it’s a matter of when your horse will hurt itself. And trust me, chances are, they take every opportunity to do it while on the road. I have several favorite first aid items, but you should have these equine first-aid basics on hand:

• Vet wrap (LOTS) • Gauze • Roll cotton • Leg wraps • Bute/Banamine • Mineral oil • Thermometer • Antimicrobial skin and wound cleanser • Blood stopping powder/solution • Saline solution • Scissors • Latex gloves • Probiotics for traveling

Horse Care

Because you never know when your trip might go longer than you intended. So make sure you pack: • At least 2 extra buckets (one for water, an extra just because) • Extra hay, pellets, or grain • A pitchfork • A broom • A horse blanket • Extra halters

Human Things

Everyone knows that your horses are more important but you do need some items for yourself as well, so make sure to pack these items to ensure you are comfortable on your journey, no matter what gets thrown your way: • Spare clothing (even underwear) • Rain gear • Sunscreen • Advil/Tylenol • A human first aid kit • Pillow and blanket • Bottled water and some non-perishable snacks such as granola bars • Plastic cutlery • Toilet paper • Folding chairs (optional) • Gloves • Jacket (if cold)

Horse Tack Items

Everyone needs extra tack in their horse trailer and I always live by the two extra rule. You should always have at least two extra of these items living in your trailer 24/7: • Reins • Stirrup leathers • Bits • Grooming brushes • Saddle pads • An extra rope (you never know!) • Cinches • Breast collards • Bridles

BENEFITS OF EQUINE MASSAGE

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Have you ever heard of equine massage? We have an expert who has been servicing our four-legged friends for quite some time, Tranquil Spirit Holistic Therapies owner Ashlee Kuppens. He has owned and operated an equine massage business for over seven years.

“My focus has always been to help horses and increase their performance while focusing on creating a calming and healing atmosphere,” Kuppens said.

Kuppens recently joined Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine for a Q&A.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EQUINE MASSAGE?

Equine Massage Therapy can benefit a horse in a multitude of ways. Oftentimes we think of massage as relaxing and a luxury but it is a benefit to all aspects of the horses well being. With massage one will notice an increase in flexibility, improved performance and faster healing durations. Massage can also help reduce stress and help establish a comfortable and smoother transition for horses who have been abused, neglected or are overcoming training blocks. Massage Therapy stretches from the horse’s mind into the fibers of their muscles. •Massage can help reduce stress and help establish a comfortable and smoother transition for horses who have been abused, neglected or are overcoming training blocks.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A MASSAGE THERAPIST?

I always was fond of holistic treatments being an athlete myself for many years. As I started to enter the performance world with equestrian athletes I saw a lack of holistic preventive care. I wanted to blend the world of holistic care and equestrian athletes making a seamless transition to add to ones performance schedule. It was as if my soul was being pulled to expand an industry that was just barely on its feet. I traveled to Carmel, California and took my first certification for Equine Massage Therapy. Since then I have expanded my knowledge over the years and obtained my Licensed in Massage Therapy from the State of Arizona and completed other Equine Certifications.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROCESS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED WORKING ON A NEW HORSE?

When first evaluating a horse I will address and palpate the horse’s entire body while discussing any discomfort the owner has seen in the horse. After the sore areas are taking into account, I go to my tool box and grab any essential oils that may benefit the horse’s current status. Each horse will then get to choose their aroma therapy option. These oils can create a calming and relaxing effect before engaging in any massage techniques. Once this step is complete the full body session will begin.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

My favorite thing about my job is watching the transition for both horse and rider. I get to see a shift from discomfort to relaxation. Building relationships with horses and their owners really drives me to be the best I can be. I have just as strong of relationships with horses as I do with the people.

WHAT KIND OF HORSE ATHLETES BENEFIT THE MOST FROM EQUINE MASSAGE?

Each discipline asks for different skills from horses and most times we see a certain breed that is better suited for that specific type of riding. These disciplines engaged different muscles and created different states of mind for each horse. All equine athletes benefit from massage but if I had to choose a specific type of athlete that may benefit the most from massage it would be mounted patrol horses or ranch horses. Mounted Patrol Horses are expected to have the best stamina to control a crowd but also have the mental stress of staying in control through fireworks, crowds, loud music, and even sometimes physical threats. Massage allows them to enter a state of tranquility for their mind and a sense of relaxation for their muscles. Increases blood flow and allowing blocked energy to move through their body and reduces the effects of stress. Ranch horses also never get a day off. They are expected to help ranchers and farms care for livestock or produce food that feeds the land. They care for calves and carry their ranchers over vast mountains and rangelands. Oftentimes they too must be mentally strong and have physical stamina like no other horse. Massage allows them to be free of work that he does for the people and allows him to have relaxed muscles to be prepped for his next day of work ahead.