Thanks for adding those extra tips on health requirements and emergency info. Health requirements in the different states you are traveling through is probably something that is easy to overlook, so I’m glad you pointed it out.

The one thing I do whenever I trailer — even if I’m going to a park that I know well — is bring water from home. My guy is pretty good about settling and drinking wherever we are, but some horses are picky and won’t drink if the water tastes/smells different. Plus, you never know what’s going to happen. You might break down and end up stranded on the road, or the showgrounds may lose power and have no water! I have 2-3 office water cooler bottles that I fill before every trip. I grabbed them from my old office when they were going to chuck them (not return, but throw out) but I’ve seen them in places like Home Depot, too. The plastic caps they come with usually just pop right back on.

Another thing to check if you are going out of state — the health requirements for each state you will go through. Many require a Health Certificate within 30 days, and Coggins within a year; my vet told me that some states like Florida require Coggins within six months. I believe each state’s Dept. of Agriculture has the information available on request.

For people like me, who may frequently trailer alone: Write up a sheet of emergency information, including vet contacts and insurance info, somewhere in your trailer and/or truck. If something should happen to you, emergency personnel can contact someone who can make decisions regarding your horse’s welfare.