Horse Trailer Must-Haves: What Every Equestrian Should Pack
Michelle DrumWhen you're traveling to a competition, your horse trailer is so much more than just a ride. It's your mobile tack room, pop-up vet clinic, feed station, and dressing room. Whether you’re heading to a local schooling show or heading to an overnight competition or a few days away with your horse and some friends, being organized and well-equipped can make all the difference in performance and peace of mind. Here's a checklist of must-haves every serious equestrian should keep in their trailer to stay safe, efficient, and ready for anything.
Must-have trailer safety gear for emergencies
Safety should be priority #1 when hauling horses and equestrians. Even the best-maintained rigs can run into trouble, so make sure your trailer is stocked with these key emergency items before you hit the road.
1. Spare tire, tandem axle tire jack, and lug wrench
Blowouts happen—often when you least expect them. Before you even think about loading up, make sure you have all the proper equipment in case a blowout happens on your trailer. That includes the right trailer tires, a tandem axle tire jack, and lug wrench. Carry a properly inflated spare tire and make sure your jack and lug wrench are rated for the weight of your trailer.
Bonus tip: Practice changing a tire at home so you're not troubleshooting roadside for the first time.
2. Wheel chocks and reflective triangles
If you need to pull over on a shoulder or in a busy lot, stabilize your trailer with wheel chocks and set up reflective triangles behind your rig to alert oncoming traffic. Safety for both horses and humans starts with visibility and stability.
3. Fire extinguisher
Trailers with electrical hookups, generators, or even hay storage can be at risk of fire. A charged, vehicle-rated fire extinguisher should be mounted in an easily accessible spot, ideally in both the tow vehicle and the trailer tack room.
4. First-aid kits for horses and humans
- Equine first-aid kit: Stock yours with leg wraps, vet wrap, antiseptic spray, thermometer, electrolyte paste, hoof pick, and a digital thermometer.
- Human first-aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, pain relievers, and any personal medications you might need in a pinch.
Learn more: Horse First Aid Kit Essentials
Horse comfort essentials
A comfortable horse travels better, recovers faster, and performs at their best in the ring. Whether you're traveling across town or several states away, these essentials help minimize stress and keep your equine athlete feeling their best en route to competition.
6. Clean water and buckets
Hydration is non-negotiable during travel. Always carry fresh water from home (some horses are picky about taste changes) and bring at least two sturdy buckets—one for drinking, one for rinsing. Collapsible or stackable styles save space in crowded tack rooms.
Learn more: How Much Water Should Your Horse Drink in a Day?
7. Hay nets or bags
Offer free-choice hay during the haul to keep your horse busy and relaxed. Make sure nets are securely tied and hung at a safe height to avoid tangling or pawing. Slow-feed nets are a great option for longer trips.
8. Bedding or shavings
A cushioned trailer floor helps reduce fatigue and protects joints during long hauls. Use enough clean shavings or bedding to absorb urine and provide traction, but avoid over-packing, which can create dust or tripping hazards.
Learn more: 5 Types of Horse Trailer Flooring and How to Choose One
9. Fly spray and other grooming supplies
Keep fly spray on hand, along with a basic grooming kit (brushes, hoof pick, sweat scraper) to help your horse stay clean and comfortable, especially before tacking up.
Learn more: 6 Best Fly Sprays for Horses That Really Work
10. Blankets or sheets (weather dependent)
Be ready for temperature swings, especially during early mornings or late-night hauls. A blanket or stable sheet can keep your horse warm during cooler temps, while a breathable fly sheet may help in hot or buggy conditions.
Learn more: Caring For Your Horse On a Hot Day | Caring for Your Horse in the Winter
Tack and gear storage
At a show, time and efficiency matter. Whether you're prepping for your ride or packing up between classes, having an organized trailer setup can make or break your day. These storage tips help you keep everything in its place so you’re not scrambling when it's go-time.
11. Tack hooks, bridle racks, and saddle stands
Install heavy-duty hooks or foldable racks inside your tack room to hang bridles, halters, and martingales neatly. Use a saddle stand (or two) to keep saddles off the floor and prevent warping or damage in transit.
12. Trunks and organizer bins
Stackable trunks or storage bins are perfect for grooming tools, wraps, fly sprays, and other show-day necessities. Label each bin by discipline or purpose (“jump gear,” “grooming,” “medical,” etc.) to speed up your routine.
13. Secure storage for show gear
Competition gear should be clean, protected, and easy to grab. Use garment bags for show coats and pads, and keep polished boots or helmets in protective cases or padded compartments. Bungee cords and cargo nets can prevent shifting during travel.
14. Extra halters and lead ropes
Toss in a few spares, because halters break, lead ropes get muddy, and having backups saves time and stress. Choose durable options that are easy to find in a rush (hint: bright colors help).
Trailer organization and convenience items
When you’re hauling to a show, efficiency is everything. These small but mighty tools help keep your trailer organized and your setup streamlined so you can focus on the ride, not the hassle.
15. Trailer tie rings and bungee ties
Secure your horse safely during tacking and untacking with heavy-duty tie rings and bungee-style trailer ties. Choose ones with panic snaps for safety and durability, especially when your horse is fired up on show day.
16. Mounting block
Essential for quick tack-ups at the trailer. A lightweight, portable mounting block saves your horse’s back (and your legs) and is especially handy if warm-up rings are a walk away.
17. Step stool or foldable ladder
Need to braid, check a roof vent, or reach the top shelf in your tack room? A small folding ladder or sturdy step stool is a game-changer for vertically challenged riders or crowded trailer spaces.
18. Flashlights or headlamps
Early mornings and late-night loadouts are part of the competition lifestyle. Keep a rechargeable flashlight or LED headlamp in your tack area–this is especially helpful for braiding in the dark or spotting lost gear.
19. Duct tape, baling twine, and zip ties
The holy trinity of emergency fixes. From temporary repairs on buckets and boots to makeshift hooks and hanging rings, you’ll be glad you packed extras. Keep a stash in every tack trunk.
Equine paperwork and tech must-haves
When you're headed to a show, missing paperwork or a dead phone battery can derail your day faster than a thrown shoe. These must-haves keep your haul legal, your horses documented, and your plans on track.
20. Coggins, health certificates, and vaccination records
Most shows require current Coggins tests and health certificates, especially for interstate travel. Keep printed and digital copies laminated and in a waterproof folder in your truck or trailer. Organize by horse if you’re hauling multiples.
21. Emergency contact sheet
Prepare a hard copy with your name, emergency contacts, vet info, and horse details (name, breed, age, medical history, insurance). Post it somewhere visible in the trailer in case of an accident when you're not present.
22. Trailer registration and insurance
Just like your tow vehicle, your trailer needs valid registration and proof of insurance. Store these in a glovebox folder or tack room binder so you’re ready if you're stopped or need roadside assistance.
23. Charged phone and portable power bank
Your phone is your map, your contact list, your schedule, and often your entry pass. Keep it charged and pack a reliable power bank or two, especially if you're using apps for ride times or show management.
Show day gamechanger: quick stall setup kit
Once you arrive at the showgrounds, time is of the essence, especially if your horse is antsy or you've got an early ride time. Having a dedicated stall setup kit makes unloading and settling in much faster and less stressful.
We recommend keeping a small toolbox or plastic tackle box stocked with everything you need to set up your stall in one grab-and-go place.
Some must-haves include:
- Bucket straps and double-end snaps
- Screw eyes and wall staples
- Zip ties and scissors
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A hammer and screwdriver
Yard knife or blade for cutting hay strings and shavings bags
Label it and stash it somewhere easy to grab so you're not digging through your trailer after a long haul.
Prepare for the unexpected
From emergency gear to grooming tools and tech essentials, a well-stocked trailer is key to a smooth and successful show experience. Investing the time to pack smart means fewer last-minute scrambles and a better focus on what really matters: bringing your best ride into the ring. Use this list as your go-to guide before your next haul, and you’ll be ready for whatever the road (or the warm-up ring) throws your way.
At Farm House Tack, we know a thing or two (or three) about hauling horses. Browse our full collection of horse trailer supplies to find the tools, gear, and essentials that keep your hauls safe, organized, and show-ready.
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