Planning a Good Emergency Kit for Your Horse Lorry or Trailer

As the new competition season approaches, ensuring your horse transport is in top condition is vital for safety and reliability. Beyond regular servicing, carrying a well-prepared emergency kit in your lorry or trailer can offer peace of mind, helping you handle unexpected breakdowns or weather challenges effectively. Experienced horse owners strongly recommend having certain items on hand to stay self-sufficient when out and about. Here’s a detailed guide to assembling a practical and efficient emergency kit:

Essential Items for Your Equine Emergency Kit

• Bungees: Strong, flexible nylon-covered elastic straps with hooks, perfect for securing broken parts or holding partitions and doors in place during windy conditions.
• Gorilla tape: A heavy-duty, waterproof tape useful for quick repairs such as sealing cracked compartments or fixing riding boots on the go.
• Reliable torch or flashlight: Crucial for breakdowns in the dark. Choose one with a stand fitting to allow hands-free lighting and better beam positioning.
• Red warning triangle: A legal safety requirement to alert other road users if your vehicle breaks down.
• Flashing yellow lamp: Useful for signalling your presence when your vehicle lights fail, with adhesive fittings to stick on the lorry or trailer.
• Miners lamps: Additional lighting options that provide focused light while keeping both hands free, ideal if you’re short of assistance.
• Hi-visibility clothing: Keep warm and visible roadside with fluorescent jackets or gilets stored in your towing vehicle or lorry.
• Hammer and hand tools: Essential for removing stuck trailer pins or applying brute force when necessary. Include screwdrivers and a sharp folding knife for versatile use.
• Extra bailer twine and sturdy cord: For tasks that bungees can’t manage, lengths of strong string, twine, or rope are invaluable.

Breakdown Cover: A Must-Have for Horse Transport

While friends might assist with local breakdowns, travelling longer distances without professional breakdown cover can leave you stranded. Unlike standard vehicles, many recovery services will not tow a horsebox or trailer with a horse on board. Dedicated breakdown cover for horse transport arranges separate recovery for both horse and vehicle, ensuring your horse’s welfare and your peace of mind. This cover usually costs between £200-£300 annually, a small price compared to emergency recovery fees that can exceed £1,000. Many insurers offer this as an add-on when renewing your horsebox insurance.

First Aid Kit: Be Ready for Equine and Human Emergencies

Always keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your lorry or towing vehicle. Include separate supplies for both horses and humans, regularly checking expiry dates and replacing used items. While larger events typically have medical and veterinary coverage, being self-sufficient on the roadside or at smaller shows is crucial. Consider packing items such as disposable gloves, gauze, antiseptics, bandages, and a hoof pick. A fire extinguisher is also advisable for horseboxes for added safety.

Top Tips for Safe Horse Transport Travel

• Allow ample travel time to avoid rushed journeys, reducing stress on both driver and horse.
• Check weather updates for the entire route to prepare for any adverse conditions.
• Plan around roadworks and potential delays to ensure smooth passage.
• Travel with a companion who can assist or even drive if required.
• Inspect your emergency kit at the beginning of the season and re-check regularly throughout the year, replacing any damaged or expired items.
• Pack extra hay, water, and feed for your horse, accounting for possible unexpected delays.
• Keep insurance documents and breakdown contact details handy in the driver’s cab.
• Preparation minimizes stress, helping you react calmly and effectively when troubles arise.

Additional Advice for Horse Transport Preparedness

Beyond your emergency kit, it’s important to practice loading and unloading your horse calmly to reduce fuss in emergency situations. Carry your horse’s passport and veterinary contact details at all times - these are legal requirements and also vital in emergencies. In colder months, include extra rugs and consider winter-ready kit items like thermal gloves and foil blankets. Check the vehicle for proper ventilation and temperature control to keep your horse comfortable during travel.

For those looking to purchase horses or horse transport equipment, it’s always wise to seek reputable breeders and sellers. Keeping your transport and emergency equipment up-to-date not only ensures safety but promotes responsible horse ownership and welfare.

By following this guide and making safety your priority, you can enjoy the competition season with confidence knowing you and your horse are well-prepared for any unexpected challenges on the road.