According to the calendar, spring is here. I’m not sure Mother Nature has gotten that memo with the cooler and wetter weather that we have been experiencing. I’m sure we’ll be glad that we had the drizzly days to add to the water table when it turns off hot and dry in the summer. Even though the weather has not been ideal for trail riding, I know folks are hitting the trails. And if you haven’t started yet, I’m sure you will be soon. So here are a few things to keep in mind as you hit the trails this spring.
Before hauling your horse anywhere, it is important to prepare the trailer for the horse’s comfort and evaluate the equipment and perform any maintenance that may be needed. Most horse trailers aren’t used all that much in the winter, so it’s important to perform a spring safety check on the horse trailer before putting your four hoofed friend on the road.
Make sure that you inspect your horse trailer closely before taking your equine companion on their first trip. Take a close visual inspection of the trailer prior to hooking it up for the first time. Be sure there are no signs of rodent damage, corrosion to the safety chains or hitch mechanism, or loose wires hanging down under the trailer. Have your horse trailer inspected and have any necessary repairs made.
Prior to each trip, check the following:
- Trailer lights and turn signals
- Trailer brakes - working and adjusted properly
- Trailer hitch--is it secure?
- Trailer safety Cables/Chains
- Spare trailer and truck tires and tools to change a tire, including tire jack
- Trailer and truck tires - Check the air pressure in each tire, also check tread depth and any signs of abnormal wear
- Trailer floorboards - Lift the mats and check the floor very closely
- Be sure there are no sharp edges or loose equipment that could injure your horse
Take the trailer for an empty “test drive” before loading the animals and hitting the road. This test drive will give you one more opportunity to be sure everything is working properly.
Check these items before you hit the road. Breaking down on the road or finding something that is broken while on your trip can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.
Before you depart, make sure that your health papers are in order. Also, know the path of your trip, which routes might be best, how to avoid construction areas, where the rest stops are located, and how long it will take to get there. Most trips taken with horses are for recreation, and therefore, advance planning can help reduce the stress of the trip and make it more enjoyable.
Here’s an additional article on Trail Riding Etiquette:
No comments:
Post a Comment