In my opinion, there is nothing more fun than camping with your horse! It takes time to properly plan for the trip, but it's well worth all the preparation. Years ago, Cathy compiled a hand-written list which I still have. Even though camping has changed over the years (more amenities at hand), I've revised the list very little. Each time before embarking on a trip, I still go over the list just to make sure I haven't forgotten that one item I'd be wanting once I arrived at my destination. If you're a first-time horse camper, hopefully our list will help you in getting started. Most of all, enjoy your trip!!! (To get your horse trailer moving again, hit the "refresh" button" and you're on your way!)

     We divided the list into 3 parts: horse, people, camping.

•  fly wipe & mask

•  water bottle

•  map and/or GPS

•  hoof pick

•  insect repellent

•  drinking water

•  hay bag

•  sunglasses

•  logs/kindling/fire sticks

•  2 halters

•  swim suit

•  flashlight

•  saddle/bridle

•  sunscreen

•  matches

•  x-tra curb chain

•  aspirin

•  2 extension cords

•  x-tra reins

•  nightwear

•  adaptor plugs

•  saddle blanket

•  soap

•  clothesline/clothespins

•  2 felt pads

•  toothpaste

•  plastic bags/sheets

•  medicated ointment

•  towel/wash cloth

•  rug

•  electrolytes

•  toothbrush

•  sleeping bag

•  sedative

•  hand & body cream

•  pillow

•  banamine (get from your vet; keep at room temp)

•  body powder

•  food

•  wound spray

•  undies/sport bras

•  coffee

•  feed

•  dress shirt/jeans

•  paper plates, utensils, paper towels

•  dipper

•  riding shirts/jeans

•  lawn chair

•  hay

•  chaps

•  tools/hay snips

•  2 lead ropes

•  muck boots

•  bungee cords

•  horse blanket

•  shower shoes

•  toilet paper/potty chemical

•  breast collar

•  old tennis shoes for river

•  fan

•  x-tra girth

•  rain gear

•  power bar

•  health papers (good for 30 days)

•  plastic to cover saddle when tied up for lunch on trail

•  cooler

•  Coggins (good for 1 year; a must)

•  money

•  x-tra batteries/propane

•  water bucket

•  phone card

•  fly swatter

•  feed pan

•  visor/hat

•  bandaids, antiseptic ointment

•  picket line & "come along" (depending on campground)

•  shampoo

•  muck rake/shovel

•  brush

•  hair dryer

•  muck bucket

•  sponges

•  sweatshirts

•  tabletop grill/propane

•  hose for bathing

• rain poncho for choring

•  heater (I love mine!)

•  small salt block available to horse at all times

•  heavy coat/gloves

      One important note: before the packing ever begins, my husband and I make sure that the truck and trailer are ready to head down the road. For each long-haul, he has our mechanic check all systems. I always take extra oil on the trips and usually check it before leaving camp....just in case.

     Each spring, we have the trailer checked over, especially the wheels and brakes. My trailer "specialist" (Who, by the way, is Amish--keep in mind he drives a horse & buggy, but is a genius about motorized vehicles of all kinds!!!) wired my lights onto a heavy-duty plug after experiencing trouble with running lights coming home on an 8 hr. drive. Omer found that my smaller plug had too much "juice" coming through and had started to melt!

     Routine maintenance pays off in the long run--"an ounce of prevention...." theory.

     Happy & Safe Trails and Trailering!