TripTips USRIDER MEMBERTIP----------------------------
Know the Health Requirements
PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO
Well before your trip, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to complete the required health requirements for your travels.
For those who travel with horses, USRider provides contact information for each state veterinarian in the United States. To find this information, log on to the USRider website, and click on Travel Safety. From there, click on Transportation Info, then State Equine Info. Well before your trip, contact the state veterinarian for every state you plan to travel through, as well as your destination state. The state veterinarian’s office can provide you with up-to-date information on vaccination and testing requirements, such as those you’ll need for a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate). Then schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get your horse tested and vaccinated, and to complete the paperwork.
TRAILERINGTIP-------------------------------------
Check Tire Tread Check the tires on your tow vehicle and trailer once per month; tires can lose traction long before they’re worn out. Testing by Consumer Reports® shows that tread can give up a significant amount of grip when it’s still at the halfway point. A new tire has a groove depth of about 10/32nds of an inch. When the grooves reach 2/32nds of an inch deep, they’re considered bald. With diminished tread comes the augmented risk for an accident. If you don’t have a depth gauge, use coins to check tire tread. Consumer Reports offers the following guidelines: • Place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If the PHOTO BY CATE LAMM tread always covers part of Lincoln’s head, there’s more than Check the tires on your tow vehicle and trailer 2/32nds of an inch depth remaining. once per month; tires can lose traction long • Place a quarter into several tread grooves across the tire. If the before they’re worn out. tread always covers a part of Washington’s head, there’s more than 4/32nds of an inch depth remaining. • Place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If the tread always covers the top of the Lincoln Memorial, there’s more than 6/32nds of an inch depth remaining. • Complete the measurement by placing the coin into additional locations at least 15 inches apart around the each tire’s central circumferential groove, as well as in its inner and outer grooves. This will help detect uneven wear caused by mechanical or service conditions. USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion
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Spring 2019
