On the road again

Whether you’re the kind of rider whose diary revolves around competition entries, or your idea of a good time involves finding great new hacking routes to explore, it’s likely that travelling with your horse is at least a semi-regular occurrence. No matter how often you load up and box out, though, the experience can become a stressful one – particularly if your horse isn’t a confident traveller or you feel underprepared for the journey. We asked three top competition grooms for their tried-and-tested tips and life hacks to help make every road trip a successful one.

Preparation is key

Most of the trips you’ll take with your horse will be planned well ahead of time, giving you the luxury of making a list, checking it twice, and loading up at your leisure. But with horses, it pays to expect the unexpected, so you should always ensure your mode of transport is ready for action, particularly if it doesn’t get used regularly.

After every journey, check your horsebox or towing vehicle’s oil and coolant levels, and inspect each tyre as well. Some loss of pressure’s normal after a longer journey but refilling your tyres promptly will give you a chance to see if any are suffering from a slow leak, which will require actioning by your mechanic.

Always ensure your box or vehicle has sufficient fuel for another trip, too – this could prove essential in case of an emergency outing. Likewise, keep a full water canister and bucket stored so you don’t have to worry about filling and packing them if you do need to load up and go in a hurry.

Make a habit of inspecting windows, floors, doors and ramps, too, so you can spot any areas of damage as soon as they appear. Often, an early repair will prove significantly cheaper than a delayed one, because continued use can cause more widespread damage – and can put your horse at risk, too.

Finally, ask a friend to watch while you test the indicators, taillights, and brake lights.

TOP TIP

Don’t forget to bring your horse’s passport with you every time you take him out in the trailer or lorry – this is a legal requirement.

For more travelling tips pick up a copy of September Horse&Rider, on sale 22 July 2021.