What are your trailer tack room necessities?

[normandy_shores]

I have a TON of stuff in there because it functions as my regular tack room right now, but make sure you have first aid and at least a few basic grooming items. It’s a shame to get somewhere and need either of those things. If you have a spare girth, keep it in there. I’ve known so many people to load up their saddle and tack, tack up at their destination, and discover they have no girth!

For organization, I have a gridwall and baskets I can hang. I bought mine through the organized barn. While the product is great, they are priced higher than other places and frankly the shipping/customer service sucked. There are other places you can source a wire rack with hanging baskets. Check out organizedbarn.com and http://horsetraileraccessorystore.com/ for ideas of things you might need/want. Also, a trailer aid for changing tires is very helpful!

[Bicoastal]

[QUOTE=Equitational;8023153]
Attaching the butt bar is the first thing I do after the horse is fully inside the trailer (before tying) and I undo the butt bar before I untie the horse when unloading.[/QUOTE]

I thought the COTH rule of thumb was untie first, butt bar second -to prevent Dobbin from setting back after the butt bar is dropped.

[Equitational]

[QUOTE=Bicoastal;8024308]
I thought the COTH rule of thumb was untie first, butt bar second -to prevent Dobbin from setting back after the butt bar is dropped.[/QUOTE]

Yes that is what I meant! LOL, untie at head THEN undo butt bar (to prevent the horse from pulling back).

[Hiddenspot]

Fire extinguisher and extra helmet first came to mind. One thing I didn’t see anyone mention was WD40. It really got me out of a pinch twice. Once the tack room door was stuck locked and came right open after a spray of WD. Other was the tongue latch on the trailer was stuck and got it fixed with WD.

[Simbalism]

I always have an extra halter and lead, a full set of grooming supplies (including shampoo, sponge, sweat scraper), horse and human first aid kit. I had a rack added to my dressing room and have a shovel, manure fork, rake, and broom hanging. I have at least 4 large buckets for feed and water when going away for show, clinic, etc. I also have a bucket for washing horse. I have a plastic container with drawers to hold towels and other miscellaneous items. I keep a wrap rack in the dressing room to hold polos, quilts, and standing wraps. I also have extra gloves, girth, bridle, spurs, lunge whip, riding crop/bat. Can you tell I practically live out of trailer dressing room…hehe.

[SCI]

I carry everything, including the kitchen sink in mine. Some other things people haven’t mentioned yet but are needed/helpful if you plan to go to overnight shows:
Tool box - hammer, screw drivers, nails, staple nails, bungy cords, i-hooks, zip ties, flash light, extension cord, double-end snaps, etc. (I could go on and on)
Fan
Hose

[SCI]

And don’t forget to thank your parents - every time - for buying you a trailer and hauling you places! If they are not horse people this probably isn’t the way they’d like to spend their weekends!

Also, be sure to take care of your trailer by cleaning it out, closing the windows and doors, etc when not in use. When you hook up to go somewhere always check your running lights, turn signals, and brakes. It will also need yearly servicing by a mechanic that knows about horse trailers. The emergency brake battery will need to be checked/changed, the wheels will need to be packed, etc. Your parents may not know this needs to be done.

[Kimberly_L]

Since SCI mentioned trailer maintenance it might interest you that I just published an article in the Chronicle’s January 23rd issue about the top things you should check on your trailer.

[Prime_Time_Rider]

Buckets, snaps for buckets, bungie cords a water container made for camping with a nifty spiket (bought at Wal Mart), a folding camping chair with drink holder, spare leather halter and lead rope, hoof pick, brush, and lightweight cooler for horse. Manure fork and small shovel. small folding step ladder when traveling to show or hunt.

[Flypony]

[QUOTE=Equitational;8023086]
I have a Featherlite, not sure on the model number but it looks like those 9407 pictures I saw on Google (its a two horse bumper pull with a ramp, extra tall heigh, mangers and dressing room). I’ve had one horse panic, rear and she got on top of the mangers in a freak accident (we hadn’t left the barn yet). She tore up her head (flap of skin needed many many stitches) but my nothing happened to the trailer! The horse made a full recovery and hauls fine now in a big stock trailer. Since then I’ve been more careful and only hauled horses who have had a lot of trailering experience (I’ve heard of other similar freak accidents with the mangers like that).

Also, make sure you get a good vehicle meant for towing (3/4 ton truck/SUV).[/QUOTE]
I have the same trailer. I hardly ever take other peoples horses. I made the exception this summer. Upon arrival at our destination, the horse did the same as equitational’s. Both horse and trailer were unharmed. I guess that is one time the height works against it.