Take enough water to last at least two days for each horse. This may mean taking full plastic jugs and refilling them. Water in a camp may not be potable for humans, so take plenty of water for yourself, too. If you're camping out of your horse trailer, you can usually have a water tank installed in your tack compartment or dressing area.
5. Prepare for Departure
When traveling, you should always carry papers that prove your horse ownership, plus any health certificates and current Coggins results required by states you plan to drive through.
In some eastern states, health certificates are required to get into state parks or private horse camps.
Also plan vaccination boosters for your horse around camping season, so you know he'll be protected from communicable diseases. And don't forget to update routine vaccinations (West Nile virus, tetanus, flu, rabies). Ask your vet what else may be recommended for the regions in which you may be traveling, such as Potomac Horse Fever, etc.
Before you head out, schedule an appointment with your shoer. Horses should be shod at least one week before a trip. This allows the shoes to seat themselves on the hooves, and for you to get a couple of rides in at home. Ask your farrier what he recommends in case a shoe comes loose or gets pulled off. If you're capable of resetting a shoe yourself, have your farrier make an extra set of shoes to take with you. Just be sure to label which hoof each shoe goes on-left front (LF), right front (RF), left hind (LH), right hind (RH)-and get some nails to fit the shoe holes. If you're not comfortable hammering on a set of horseshoes, no problem. Just carry along a set of emergency hoof boots.
6. Make a List-Check It Twice
Your horse-camping checklist should include everything required to keep your horse healthy and comfortable. Think "necessities"-feed, water, buckets, blankets (both summer and winter, rain and snow), halters, lead ropes, hammer, nails, fly sprays, saddles, pads, bridles, brushes, first aid kit, medications, food, water, and so on. Write it all down, so you can check off your list as you pack your rig.
Do the same for yourself, so you make sure you've got the essentials: clothing, extra socks, outerwear, boots, food, emergency equipment, spare tire, tire jack, firewood, toothbrush, medications, books, camera, toilet paper, bath towels and soap, etc. Check off this list, too.
Once you and your horse settle into a camping routine, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner! Plus, as trips expand, you'll discover other camps and hear of this or that great spot. You'll find you're enjoying one of the fastest growing recreational trail riding adventures: horse-camping!
