Taking an extended trip with your four-legged friends? What you pack in their suitcase matters just as much as what is in yours.
A trip to Black Prong Equestrian Village is the perfect getaway for equestrians looking for warmer weather and adventure. While our facilities are designed to accommodate both you and your horse, while you are packing up for your trip, here are a few things to keep in mind.
What to Pack in your Horse’s Suitcase
Photo by: Angela Norton
While there are feed store options close by, it is always a good idea to make sure you have everything you need to tide you over until you can make it to the feed store. In addition to bringing horse feed, water buckets, feed pans, and hay nets, you might want to bring a few gallons of water from home. Horses can sometimes be picky and refuse water if it is not what they are used to. Bringing water from home can help get their tastebuds acclimated and help keep them hydrated during your long drive.
Before tossing in a few bags of shavings to your packing list, keep in mind that Black Prong Equestrian Village sells three different types of bagged shavings for our guests’ convenience. We will even deliver them to your barn before your arrival upon request!
Tack Essentials
When you are planning what to pack, tack is often one of the first items included in that list. Whether you are packing a harness for your carriage or a saddle for trail riding through the Goethe State Forest, you don’t want to forget anything you might need. Having spare items, such as extra lead ropes, halters, saddle pads, bridles, bits, and reins can help if items break or get misplaced. If your trip is planned to last longer than a week, you might want to consider packing a few items for tack repairs. Zip ties and scissors always come in handy in a pinch and tossing in a bottle of saddle oil couldn’t hurt.
Grooming Items
Photo by Chris Bair on Unsplash
You don’t want to be gearing up for a trail ride and realize you forgot your brushes and can’t properly groom your horse before your adventure. Make sure you fill a bucket with your favorite grooming tools and stash them in your trailer. Add your shampoos, fly sprays, and any other products you might need.
One item that is often overlooked when packing for your horse is an equine first aid kit. Accidents can happen when least expected, so having a first aid kit to keep in your trailer is important. This can be filled with ointments, liniments, vet wrap, gauze, and antibacterial wound treatments.
Nearby Feed Store Options
Even with the best packing list, it is still easy to forget important items. If you realize you forgot something once you arrive, head down to The Market at Black Prong! Located in the Black Prong front office, The Market is stocked with beverages, snacks, and a few equine essentials. You can find items such as buckets, liniment, brushes, fly spray and more right here on-site.
Can’t find what you need at The Market? There are several feed stores nearby that will have what you need!
Williston:
Sparr Building and Farm Supply
Distance: 16 minutes
Distance: 15 minutes
Ocala:
Distance: 21 minutes
Distance: 20 minutes
Ocala Breeders’ Feed and Supply
Distance: 28 minutes
Last but not least, make sure you grab all of your travel and Coggins papers before you hit the road.
Safe travels and happy trails!
