A horseback riding vacation is a great way to experience the beauty of nature. Many areas that offer breath-taking scenery and quiet forest trails are only accessible by foot or horseback. Equestrian campgrounds are multiplying, catering to the weekend camper as well as the week-long outdoor adventure.
Preparing for a weekend camping trip or longer is made easier with some simple checklists. Whether it is your first overnight camping trip on the trail or you and your horse are camping pros, know the rules and regulations for the area being visited.
Overnight or Multiple Nights Packing Checklist for the Rider
- Plan meals and snacks
- Canteen/water bottle/extra water
- First aid kit
- Compass and maps
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Jacket
- Rain gear
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Toiletry Items
- Repair kits, including duct tape and safety pins
- Cellular phone
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Hat/cap
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Extra clothes
- Whistle to alert others of trouble
- Reflective gear for you and your horse for nighttime rides
- Radio
For the Horse
- Hay, grain and treats (bring extra just in case)
- Water from home
- Feed and water buckets
- Hay bags
- First aid kit
- Grooming supplies
- Fly spray, fly masks and blankets
- Hoof boots
- Saddle and pads
- Extra tack
- Halter and lead (bring an extra)
- Leg wraps
- Copy of health papers and owner papers
- Portable pen or tie line
- Manure fork and muck bucket
- Electrolytes
For the Trailer: Essential Items to Keep In Your Trailer in Case of Emergency
- Buckets and sponges
- Cell phone battery and charger
- Change for payphone
- Electricians tape
- Emergency numbers
- Extra halters and lead ropes
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kits
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Spare bulbs for trailer lights
- Extra fuses
- Spare tire, jack and tire iron
- Tire changing kit
- Toolbox
- Water
- WD-40
For Your Campsite
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Aluminium foil
- Charcoal
- Garbage bags
- Can opener
- Canteens
- Food
- Fuel
- Iodine water- treatment tablets
- Moist wipes
- Soap
- Rope
- Pillows
- Tarps
- Waterproof matches and lighter
- Ziploc plastic bags
Double-check the lists and mark the items off. Don’t think that items are still packed from the last trip, check for the items. Think through your and your horse’s necessities when packing for your camping trip. Do you have enough snacks packed in your saddlebags for the whole trip (hard candy such as Jolly Ranchers work well on the trail)?
Trail riding and camping are growing in popularity, especially with the baby-boomer population. Trail Rider is a great site to look for places to visit and extra tips to make the camping experience with your horse more memorable. The tips and checklists can make the first weekend or the fiftieth go smoother for you and your horse. Be prepared, enjoy nature’s beauty, but most importantly “leave no trace” by taking with you everything you brought in with you and your horse. Happy Trails!
