Are one of many equestrians fleeing the ice and snow of the northern United States and making the pilgrimage to sunny Florida? It’s a long trip for many equestrians who are trailering their own horses. Whether you can do it all in a day’s drive or have to stop overnight at least once, trailering horses over a long distance can be stressful for you and your horse. The right horse trailer accessories can reduce your stress and ensure your horse arrives in Florida ready for the winter competition season.
Protect Your Horse in the Trailer
Anytime you transport a horse, you take a risk. We have to trust that other drivers on the road will be respectful, that our horse will make good decisions and stay calm, and we have to trust the safety equipment we use. When it comes to protecting our horse’s legs on a long-haul, it’s important to use shipping boots that are both protective and comfortable, as your horse will be wearing them for several hours.
The TuffRider Oxford Shipping Boots offer fool-proof protection for any horse or pony. Filled with 15 mm pu foam and lined with fleece, these boots will protect your horse’s legs from hoof to knee without restricting blood flow or risking tendon damage from improperly applied wraps.
If your horse needs more support and you’re confident in your wrapping skills, Lettia No-Bow Wraps offer tendon support and protection, while reducing the risk of a bowed tendon. Super soft and padded, these wraps have reduced bulk to prevent overtightening. Plus, they’re available in black, which means you won’t have to arrive at the show in poop-stained white wraps.
Warn other drivers that you’ve got precious cargo on board with this trailer decal from Dapplebay Equestrian. Made from super tough vinyl, this decal will last for years to come. Featuring three horses and the phrase, “Stay Off Our Rumps!,” this playful sticker will warn other drivers that you need extra room in an artistic way.
Match Your Horse’s Hunger
If your horse goes without hay for a long period of time, they could develop ulcers or even colic due to the added stress of trailering. The best way to keep your horse healthy is to keep them eating. A slow-feed hay net will ensure your hay lasts twice as long as it normally would and your horse keeps nibbling for the whole ride.
The TuffRider Web-Front Slow-Feeder Hay Bag slows down your horse’s rate of hay consumption and is more convenient than traditional hay nets, which are notoriously difficult to fill. To fill this hay bag, simply unclip the lobster claw style snaps from two d-rings, fill it up with as much hay as you’d like, and snap it back shut. Thanks to our signature rip-stop fabric, this hay bag is designed to hold up to even the most aggressive horses. A solid back made from the same rip-stop fabric prevents hay from falling out, further extending the time frame your horse will have access to hay in the trailer.
Reduce The Stress of Trailering Horses
Does your halter fit your horse well? While it may be fine for a short walk from their stall to the pasture, wearing an ill-fitting halter for hours at a time in a trailer is a different story. To reduce your horse’s stress, make sure they’re as comfortable as possible, including their halter.
The Henri de Rivel Stress Free Halter is designed to reduce pressure points on your horse’s head, while offering all-day comfort for long trailer rides. A contoured crown piece offers cut-outs around your horse’s sensitive ears to ensure they have full freedom of movement and to reduce pressure on the ears themselves. Comfortable padding prevents rubbing as your trailer bumps along the highway. Plus, this leather halter will break in case of emergency, preventing scary injuries like strangulation.
Keep Your Clipped Horses Cozy
As you drive from the northern parts of the United States to Florida, you’ll encounter a wide variety of weather conditions, from possible snow and ice to cool temperatures to balmy Florida beaches. Many equestrians clip their horse’s winter coat prior to the drive so they won’t overheat in the sudden warm weather upon arrival. But that also means that you may have to take extra precaution to keep them from getting too cold during the first part of your trip.
The TuffRider Closed Front Medium Weight Stable Blanket is perfect to keep clipped horses warm and cozy while you drive south to warmer temperatures. Reinforced surcingles and leg straps keep the blanket secure, while the blanket’s lining keeps your horse’s coat smooth and shiny. For extra warmth and durability, pair the stable blanket with a turnout sheet, like the TuffRider 1200 D Comfy Detachable Neck Turnout Sheet.
Shield Your Horse from Road Dust
Trailering horses means putting your horse in a dusty environment. While it’s important to have as much ventilation through your trailer as possible, that also means added dust in the air inside the trailer. Too much dust can irritate your horse’s eyes. A large piece of dust could also cause serious problems, like a scratched cornea or eye ulcer. Keep a few essential horse trailer accessories on hand to prevent dust from irritating your horse.
The TuffRider Zebra Print Fly Mask protects your horse’s eyes and ears from dust particles flying around the trailer. Plus, the fun zebra print will help prevent flies from bothering your horse when you arrive in Florida.
Take your dust protection one step further with the TuffRider Scrim Sheet. Once you begin to travel into a warmer climate, take the time to swap your horse’s blankets for this scrim sheet. Made from a lightweight mesh material with stretchy panels and a fleece-lined wither, your horse will stay cool and comfortable thanks to this sheet. Perfect to keep the dust off your horse’s coat, this scrim sheet guarantees you’ll arrive in Florida with your horse looking just as shiny as when you left.
Stock Up on Horse Trailering Essentials with Breeches.com
Take inventory of your horse trailering accessories well before you leave for Florida. Take the time to make sure you have everything you need so you can avoid a last-minute panic. The right horse trailer transport equipment can keep your horse safe and reduce stress for both of you.
Shop all of our products now on Breeches.com.