Tips  For  Camping  With  Equine

For each trip planned, be sure to remember the family/friends you leave behind.  Don't forget to give them the phone number at the camp/ranch where they can get a message to you in case of emergency.  For many rides, your cell phones may not be usable.

General Items:

·                Current Coggins Papers for each horse ALWAYS, (and Health Certificate if traveling out of Texas )

·                Current Registration – Truck and Trailer

·                Confirmation of reservation where you will stay if the location provides such

·                Map to where we are going.  . 

·                Saddles (w/breast collars preferred when riding in hills) and other essential tack; (1 extra set of reins recommended)

·                Saddlebags or cantle bags (if you have them) with hoof pick, pliers, wire cutters, spare latigo leather strips

·                Camera and film, extra batteries

·                You will get thirsty riding.  Bring water canteens or plenty of bottled water for the trail

·                Lawn chairs and folding table (if you have one) and something for "shade" if natural shade is not available

·                Wood for Campfire, fresh butane for lamp, and fresh batteries for your flashlights

·                Trash bags (large “contractor” type is preferred; some locations require you to collect your horses leavings and throw it away)

·                Musical instrument and music

·                Give phone number/s to ___ relatives and/or ___ friends/neighbors on how you may be reached in case of emergency

·                Phone numbers of people YOU may need to reach while away or in case of emergency

·                Plans on taking care of your animals left at home while you’re away

Horse Care Items:  (Things to remember when packing)

·          Feed (for number of days camping) Morning and evening feedings

·          Hay (for number of days camping) Remember extra hay for nighttime

·          Feed pans for each horse

·          Scoop for feed

·          Hay bags

·          Water buckets

·          Water hose (s) and a "Y" faucet connector (with cut-off valves) when sharing water hookup

·          Portable pens or strong rope picket line for high-tying if possible (preferable to trailer tying)

·          Grooming supplies (and basic horse meds for minor cuts/scrapes,  just in case...)

·          Fly Spray (and foil-pack fly wipes for use on the trail on ears and around horses faces when the other wears off in summer heat)

·          Extra Blanket or Saddle Pad for each horse

·          Plastic Bag or saddle cover (in case of rain at night)

·           “Horse apple” picker or pitch fork for clean-up

If You Have A Trailer With Living Quarters:

·          Fill fresh water tanks

·          Full propane tanks

·          Generator (if location does not provide electricity)

·          Extra gasoline for generator (most gas stations are not conveniently close)

·          Heavy duty extension cord (one may be needed to share with another trailer or camp site)

Meal Prep Checklist:  (Meal prep items to remember)

·                Cups (reusable or foam disposable)

·                Glasses (reusable or disposable)

·                Plastic forks, spoons, knives

·                Serving spoons

·                Paper Towels

·                Napkins

·                Plates

·                Skillet

·                Sauce Pan

·                Can Opener

·                Paring Knife

·                Cooking and Grilling Utensils

·                Dish Detergent

·                Wet Ones (disposable wipes)

       How do you plan to cook??  (Over campfire, Coleman stove, portable grill, etc.)

·          Charcoal (if needed), lighter fluid, matches or disposable butane lighter

·          Disposable propane canisters (if Coleman-type stove) and for lantern

 Food:

       Plan food needs by the number of breakfast meals, lunches, evening meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks

       Ice Chest (s) for food storage.  It is suggested that you take more ice than you think you’ll need.

Personal Items:

·                Even in summer, long sleeves and wide-brim hats are advisable (When you realize you are sunburned, it's too late) Don't forget the sunscreen.

·                Pack clothes as if there will be one EXTRA day (in case it rains and you get soaked)

·                Raincoats or ponchos (just in case....)

·                For Cold Weather: Long Johns, heavy coat, heavy gloves, winterized cover-alls, “toe warmers”, scarf

·                Take an extra pair of boots

·                Pillows, blankets, sleepwear

·                Insect repellant (especially if you are allergic to chiggers and ticks, etc.)

·                Soap, toothbrushes, washcloths, towels, and other personal hygiene products

·                What are you going to wear walking to/from the shower? (Tennis shoes too, perhaps...)

·                REMEMBER your prescription medicine

NOTE:  You may not need all of the above for every ride, but something you "forgot" may not be easy to secure on the "other end".