I’ve been in the horse-trailer business
for 27 years, and I’ve owned horses
for 40 years. During that time, I’ve
learned a thing or two. One important
lesson I’ve learned is that emergencies
can happen to anybody at any time.
Whatever the emergency, you can
greatly influence the outcome by being
prepared. The following tips will help
you anticipate the types of emergencies
you might encounter, so you can
plan for them in advance and be ready
when they happen.
� ��� ������ ������� ��
�������������� Store a human
first-aid kit in your tow vehicle to treat
minor injuries. In extreme situations,
you may be incapacitated. Help first
responders handle your horse by posting
a visible notice in your trailer listing
names and numbers to call for help.
Also, plug those numbers into your cell
phone contact list with the initials “ICE
horse.”
� ���� ����� ������� ��-
������ Even if your horse is a seasoned
traveler, he can still hurt himself
in the trailer or while riding during a
day trip. Make sure your trailer is safe.
Check for any sharp edges or protrusions
inside that could cause injury.
Use only removable interior dividers,
bars, and center posts, in case you
need to get him out of a trapped situation.
Carry a well-stocked equine first-aid
kit so you can tend to his injuries. Ask
your veterinarian to teach you emergency-treatment
techniques. Preventive
measures — such as wrapping your
horse’s legs during travel — will greatly
reduce the possibility of injury.
������� ® ���������� ����� ����
����� ��� ���������� � ������ ����
������� ����� BY NEVA KITTRELL SCHEVE
������ ��� ����� ��� ���� ��� ��� �����
HEIDI NYLAND PHOTO
� ��� ���� �� ��������� An
accident can happen at any time.
Lessen this risk by being the best and
most responsible driver you can be.
Enhance your control by properly
setting up your rig, making sure your
tow vehicle is rated to tow the weight
of your loaded trailer, and using the
proper hitch.
Carry spare halters and lead ropes
in your vehicle or trailer so you’ll be
prepared if — heaven forbid — your
horse gets loose on the highway during
an accident.
� ��� ��� � ��� ����� Have a
spare tire that’s in good condition so
you’ll be able to get back on the road
quickly in the event you get a flat tire.
In fact, have at least one spare tire for
both your tow vehicle and trailer.
�� E-MAIL US SEND TO
A FRIEND
Loading up your horse for recreation,
clinic, or show? Wait! First, anticipate
and prepare for a trailering emergency
with these expert tips.
� ���� ����� ������ �����
Lessen the chance of a breakdown with
a pre-trip check of fluid levels and tire
condition. Follow a prescribed maintenance
schedule, as well, to help avoid
a roadside breakdown.
� ������ ����� �� � ������
���� If you get stuck in a traffic jam in
hot weather, your horse could become
very stressed. Keep 10 to 20 gallons
of water on board at all times to help
keep your horse cool. Offer him water
to drink and rinse him off.
If you’re a Member of USRider,
you’ve accepted the possibility that
you may need help. But membership
is only part of your plan. It could be a
little while before help actually arrives,
so if you’ve taken the precautions
recommended here, you’ll be much
more confident to handle any situation.
Remember: Hope is not an effective
strategy. USR
Neva Kittrell Scheve and her husband,
Tom, owners of EquiSpirit Trailers, have
written three books on trailers including
The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining,
and Servicing a Horse Trailer,
a nationally recognized textbook.
They reside in Southern Pines,
North Carolina.
If there is a trailering topic
you would like for us to cover,
please e-mail us.
SUBSCRIBE
NOW FREE!
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