Trailer Emergency Kit

Dr. James Hamilton, DVM, coauthored "Equine Emergencies on the Road" with Neva Scheve and recommends the following items for your trailering emergency kit.

• Properly inflated spare tire that matches the other trailer tires

• Tire iron(s) that fits the lug nuts on both tow vehicle and trailer

• Wheel chocks

• Bottle jack or other jack for tow vehicle

• Drive-on trailer jack (plastic or metal)

• Electrical tape

• Duct tape

• Flashlight with spare batteries (ideally also with cigarette lighter recharger)

• Three emergency flares or triangle signs

• Sharp knife

• Water: 20 gallons per horse (enough for drinking, cooling an overheated horse, cleaning wounds)

• Bucket and sponge

• Spare halter and lead rope

• Extra fuses and light bulbs for running lights and interior trailer lights

• Fire extinguisher rated for chemical and tire fires

• WD-40 or other spray lubricant

• Broom, shovel, manure fork, garbage bags

• Jumper cables

• Tool kit

• Spare belts and hoses

• Tow strap or chain

• Cell phone or CB radio

• Work gloves

• Portable air compressor

• Paperwork: proof of insurance, vehicle and trailer registration, health certificate, registration papers, negative Coggins test, brand inspection or permanent travel card

• Road service membership and phone numbers

• Stabling guide listing horse hotels across the country

• Equine first-aid kit (ask your veterinarian for items to include)

For winter travel:
• Shovel

• Kitty litter or sand

• Red flag to attach to antennae

• Horse blankets

• Human blankets

• Candle

• Matches or lighter

• Tire chains

• Food and water