When packing equipment and supplies for a weeklong camping trip, space may be limited in your horse trailer so plan accordingly. | Photo: iStock
Q. I own a two-horse trailer that doesn’t have much storage space. A friend and I are planning a weeklong camping trip to a state park with our horses. At home both horses are fed grass hay and alfalfa hay and go through about three bales of grass hay and one of alfalfa a week. I can’t figure out how to transport four or more large bales of hay. Do you have any suggestions?
A. Your trip sounds like a lot of fun! Having packed for just a couple of days camping with a horse, I can appreciate the amount of equipment you need to take, and that space will be at a premium. I do have a few ideas for you to consider. Some are cheaper than others, and some might not be as practical, depending on your setup.
Install a Trailer Hay Rack
You could invest in having a hay rack installed on top of your horse trailer. This is an expensive solution but could be worth the investment if these sorts of trips are something you plan to do regularly. Also, installing some kind of winch could aid in getting bales up and down. Check with your trailer manufacturer to make sure you’re not overloading your trailer or changing its center of gravity by adding roof racks
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Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist who owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works as a consultant with owners/trainers and veterinarians across the United States and globally to take the guesswork out of feeding horses and provides services to select companies. As a nutritionist she works with all equids, from WEG competitors to Miniature donkeys and everything in between. Born in England, she earned her undergraduate degree at Edinburgh University, in Scotland, and her master’s and doctorate in nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Growing up, she competed in a wide array of disciplines and was an active member of the U.K. Pony Club. Today, she serves as the district commissioner for the Salt River Pony Club.
Packing Feed for a Horse Trip When You Have No Room
Q. I own a two-horse trailer that doesn’t have much storage space. A friend and I are planning a weeklong camping trip to a state park with our horses. At home both horses are fed grass hay and alfalfa hay and go through about three bales of grass hay and one of alfalfa a week. I can’t figure out how to transport four or more large bales of hay. Do you have any suggestions?
A. Your trip sounds like a lot of fun! Having packed for just a couple of days camping with a horse, I can appreciate the amount of equipment you need to take, and that space will be at a premium. I do have a few ideas for you to consider. Some are cheaper than others, and some might not be as practical, depending on your setup.
Install a Trailer Hay Rack
You could invest in having a hay rack installed on top of your horse trailer. This is an expensive solution but could be worth the investment if these sorts of trips are something you plan to do regularly. Also, installing some kind of winch could aid in getting bales up and down. Check with your trailer manufacturer to make sure you’re not overloading your trailer or changing its center of gravity by adding roof racks
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Written by:
Clair Thunes, PhD
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