A Guide to Camping With Your Horse

A guide and handy hints

2023 Newsletter Article

Camping with your horse might seem like a daunting task but with the right preparation, supplies and checklist, it's actually not as difficult as it may seem and a great deal of fun!

Hopefully you find the following information useful and it encourages you to give it a go and maybe even join us for an upcoming ARCA challenge.

So first thing I like to consider is what I need to bring! I write my checklist to ensure I've considered everything so that I can tick it off as it's packed. Below is my typical check list - give or take a few items depending on the type of event

• Horse

• Float

• Wine

Obviously if it's more than one night, it's 2 (or 3) x wine!

But in all seriousness, at the end of this article, I will include a more extensive list to get you thinking about what you might find handy - or perhaps something you haven't considered you might need.

After you decide white or red, you may also need to consider where you and your equine buddy are sleeping. Some event provide yars, however often these are highly sought after, and are a good option if your horse is a social butterfly too.

So once you've read the event information, and worked out if you need to book, pay etc best get onto that ASAP. It really is an easy option and often nice for your horse to have direct night-long company. If you horse loves a good bro-mance, is a stage 5 clinger, likes his space or perhaps a Houdini - you may want to consider your own yards. SO make sure you know how you're going to attach them before you get there (oh and make sure you DO attach them to your float! I have woken to my horse and her yard a few floats away!). DO make sure you know how to set them up (in the day and night), and DO DEFINITELY pack your pins in needed. Add that to the wine list or else you might be sharing it in return for sharing your neighbours pins (because twigs don't cut it and driving a few hours home for yours or tying your horse to the float 24/7 isn't really an option... not that of course, ermmmm... I'd know! haha).

If your horse isn't a settled camper or likes to go visiting in the night when you've gone and got yourself warm and toasty - then you may like to consider an addition of electric tape. Portable battery operated units can be found online, at some Stockfeeds and at farm shops. Do be aware however, that almost all events will still require you to have metal yards and electric tape along isn't sufficient. Also consider that your horse may not be able to move around as much as usual to keep warm - so pack him an extra beanie, maybe some leg warmers.

Once your horse's accomodation needs are sorted - it's time for you! No need for anything fancy! A tent or swag works. Often I've laid the seats back in my car and put down a mattress. Bare in mind - you may need to fill the footwell to make it flat (perhaps with an esky!?) and DO make sure you either park on level ground or with your pillow on the high end! I normally prefer to sleep in my float. These days I've gotten wiser and my horse travels on pine shavings to soak up any urine and on arrival I sweep it out, lay down a tarp, roll out my bed and pour myself a wine! No need for guy ropes or tent pegs! Quick, comfy and effective!

It's not okay for your horse to be a clinger, but if you are and want to park with your mates, don't always rely on them saving you a spot. Often events have park attendants. If they have hi-vis - they are important! Listed to them, follow their lead, I would suggest going in convoy if you want to buddy up. Also useful knowing help is right ahead or behind should you need it!

At the event – there's a few things to consider! When in their yard, it's useful to make sure your horse is almost always occupied – pack more hay than you think you might need! It's so nice to go for a wander around the grounds or register and hear, "If you have a grey horse please report to the office to collect" – knowing full well your horse is black!

If your horse is a fussy drinker it might be worth bringing your own water. Or pack some molasses to sweeten the deal. Also – FLY SPRAY! ... and outdoor fogger and more repellent. Sand fly bites take a long time to clear! I think they're a summer thing but I don't like to take chances!

Pack yourself more blankets than you think you'll need and more wine too. Both are great ways to keep warm! You can always bring both home unused. You can buy these cool heat packs from camping stores to put in your pockets too! Oh, and baling twine (and cable ties)! For fixing things, first aid, fixing more things! You never know when you'll need them!

Don't forget marshmallows in case there's a bonfire and if you have a generator and a Thermomix, I have a great piña colada or espresso martini recipe. FYI – the Thermomix travels really well in the gullet of a dressage saddle.

The beauty of camping is knowing you're there, at the event, your horse is settled and no ridiculous early morning or late evening travelling to/from the event! If you're like me – a bit new school and don't wear a watch – also make sure you have a way to charge your phone to keep an eye on the time! No point going that extra mile to be there, relaxed and then run late! You can buy small battery charging packs if you don't have another source of power! Handy tip! Set alarms! I'm always set a "time to get ready" alarm so I don't lose track of time!

With the right preparation, some cheese, good friends, your horse and a glass of wine – camping at horse events can be a fun, memorable experience!

We hope we've inspired you to join the Horsemens Team at the next ARCA challenge.

Feel free to follow me for more helpful articles like, "Why you should go to sleep before midnight when your dressage is at 8am" or "How to toast an English muffin on a lighter."

Official Camping Checklist

• Wine

• Cheese

• Horse

• Horse float

• Hay and Feed

• Feed & water buckets

• Water / Molasses / Electrolytes

• Tack: Saddle, bridle, girth, saddle pads, boots and any other necessary equipment

• Horse rugs

• Grooming kit

• First Aid Kit

• Tent

• Sleeping Bag / Swag

• Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress

• Pillow

• Camp Chairs

• Camp Table

• Lanterns / Headlamps / Torch

• Camping Stove / BBQ

• Cooking Utensils

• Esky

• Food and Snacks

• Drinks

• Rubbish Bags

• Portable Toilet / Shovel (in case)

• Towel for if there's showers

• Personal Items: Clothes, toiletries

• Riding Helmet

• Riding Boots

• Riding Gloves

• Riding Clothes

• Insect Repellent

• Sunscreen, sunnies, hat

• Event Information

• Cash (for coffee)

• Portable yards

• Portable Generator

• Charge

• Thermomix

• Wine