Get Ready For Spring Horse Riding

When the temperatures plummet, you and your horse tend to stay inside while your horse trailer sits unused. Once the weather becomes acceptable for riding, you'll need to do some proactive preparation before you can safely ride again. We've gathered up everything you need to do to get your trailer and your horse ready for riding. For all your horse trailer needs, visit True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose, Colorado. We proudly serve those in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Fountain and Cañon City, Colorado.

Spring Cleaning of Your Horse Trailer

Winter takes a toll on your horse trailer, especially if you store it outside, where it’s exposed to the elements. Gunk can build up on the exterior, the moving parts become stiffer, and the extreme temperatures can be rough on construction materials. You will want to tend to your horse trailer before you hit the road in the spring.

Start by thoroughly washing the interior and exterior of your horse trailer. Don't forget to clean the roof of the trailer where plenty of build-up can occur. Focus on getting it as clean as possible now to start your riding season off strong.

Next, you'll want to inspect your horse trailer to spot any issues that may need to be fixed before you travel. Check your floor. The wood can weaken over time due to moisture from urine or water, which compromises its stability and your horse’s safety. Look for rotted wood, discoloration, cracks, and so on.

Test all your lights to ensure they work, such as your brake lights and turn signals. Now is a good time to pack up spare bulbs so you'll be prepared if one goes out on the road.

Your tires should be replaced every seven years or as needed. Make sure that they have sufficient tread depth and are inflated to the correct air pressure. Then, take your horse trailer out for a test drive to ensure it turns, brakes, and accelerates as usual.

Finally, you'll want to go through the items stored in your horse trailer. Is there anything you don't really need? It's amazing how quickly odds and ends can add up. Is there anything that should be replaced? Now is a good time to be out with the old and in with the new.

Preparing Your Horse

Your horse needs to get ready for spring riding as well. First, check up on their immunization status. Talk with your vet to see if your horse is in need of any immunizations before you do any traveling. Second, get your horse conditioned. If your horse hasn't ridden much this winter, they won't be at their usual level of performance. Going too hard when spring hits can cause overexertion or injury. In general, it takes about three weeks of intentional workouts to get your animal back in shape.

It’s also helpful to get your horse used to traveling in a trailer again. Practice loading and unloading to refresh their memory of the process. You can even take a few practice drives to help make your next actual trip go smoother.

Preparing For Travel

When the weather gets nicer, you'll be able to hit the road to get to competitions or trail rides further from home. For all the states you plan on visiting, make sure you have paperwork to show your horse has had the right tests done. Gather up all these records in advance to make for hassle-free traveling. Look over your calendar to identify the competitions you want to go on. You can also start to make plans for trail riding with friends. Finally, clean your tack, brushes, and other gear now rather than when the weather is good and you'll be aching to get on the trail!

We hope you found this guide helpful! For all your horse trailer needs, visit True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose, Colorado. We proudly serve those in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Fountain and Cañon City, Colorado. Our friendly staff can help you with whatever you need, so stop by today!