Under the laws of nature, the best way to avoid any kind of an emergency is to be fully prepared for one—whether you are making a long distance, cross-country haul or a short trek down the road to the show grounds.
What you will need for the towing vehicle & trailer:
- Spare tires for the towing vehicle and trailer (inflated to proper PSI)
- A jack and tire iron or lug wrench
- Three emergency triangles or flares (triangles are best)
- Extra supply of coolant/engine oil/transmission and power steering fluids, plus a funnel and service rags
- WD-40 or other lubricant
- Chocks to safely block wheels
- Flash light and extra batteries
- Tape (electrical and duct)
- Spare fuses and bulbs for exterior and interior lights
- A charged fire extinguisher
- Sharp knife and wire cutters
- Tool kit
- Jugs of clean water (can be used for radiator or horses)
- Jumper cables
- Spare belts and hoses
- Tow chain or cable
- Portable compressor
- Quick fix tire repair kit
- Broom/shovel/manure fork and disposal bags
- Vehicle registrations for the towing vehicle and trailer
- Proof of insurance
What you will need for the horse:
- A spare halter for each horse
- Extra lead ropes for each horse
- A bucket and sponge
- Feed buckets
- Hay and feed
- Water
- Fly repellent
- 100 feet of 1/2" rope
- An equine first-aid kit
- Identification information on each horse
- Brand inspection papers (when applicable)
- Health certificate (when applicable)
For You:
- Orange safety vest
- Work gloves
- Extra cash and credit card
- Driver's license
- Road atlas
- Cellular phone and/or CB radio (in rural mountainous areas without cell phone service a CB radio may be more valuable)
- Phone directory with numbers for your veterinarian, insurance company, emergency roadside assistance numbers and numbers of family/or friends who can be notified if you become incapacitated
- First-aid kit
The authors, an identical twin team, live and ranch in northwest Montana. Along with raising a few Appaloosa horses, they are also professional equine photographers.