Ready! Set! Ride! March Edition

As March peeks out from behind the clouds, it’s impossible not to think about the adventures in store for you and your horse. From shows to trail rides and everything in between, we have your guide to gearing up for what most regions consider the best time of year to ride!

• Pull a new Coggins and update important vaccines for your region. Many show and trail facilities require a negative and current Coggins. Don’t wait, some clinics can take a couple weeks to run the blood and complete the paperwork.
• Thoroughly clean and check the condition of all of your tack. No one is motivated to clean tack when you can’t feel your hands and nothing is harder on leather than winter weather. Much like your skin, the leather drys out and needs extra care and conditioning. Pay special attention to attachment points and stitching. Look for cracks and don’t be afraid to test the leather a little bit by hand after you have conditioned or oiled it. Better to realize its in poor condition now than lose a rein or stirrup while in the battlefield…er show ring!
• Make an appointment to get your trailer serviced. Just like your car, trailers need regular maintenance to remain safe. Tire tread needs to be checked, floor boards and metal flooring needs to be examined. Your local trailer dealership or repair-person can handle this for you. Call to request an inspection ASAP as there is often a wait list. Make sure you have a spare tire and a Trailer Aid so you can be your own hero if you get a flat!
• Be prepared with an equine first aid kit and essentials to keep in the trailer. These essentials are towels, water buckets and several gallons of water (jugs), halter, lead rope, fire extinguisher, flairs, flashlight, knife and duct tape. A first aid kit should contain a thermometer, dry bandaging materials, sterile bandages, vet wrap and bandage scissors. Depending on you and your vets comfort level they may suggest the addition of specific IV or oral medications to help with emergencies.
• Don’t overlook comfort items, what issues did you and your horse face last year? Maybe it was the deer flies and you would like to invest in a fly sheet that covers your horses hind quarters or maybe you just want your drinks to stay cold and need to go out and buy a new cooler for your horse show set up. Whatever it is I’m sure you and your horse deserve it!
• Like your mom tells you, drink water, wear sunscreen and don’t forget to have fun!