USRider Equestrian Motor Plan

Hitch up! TM Spring 2013 Your Quarterly Guide to Trailer Safety & Travel

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Published by AIM Equine Network Click to Open ➠ table Contents of Welcome to Hitch Up! Welcome to the Spring 2013 issue of Hitch Up! magazine, brought to you by the talented staffs of USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, EquiSearch.com, and Active Interest Media keynotes Equine Network. In this issue, Rebecca Gimenez, PhD, describes a trailer ride from your horse’s perspective, then gives you ways to make the ride more comfortable.

Plus, experts Tom and Neva Scheve give you a spring Me m ber S tuneup checklist, and provide valuable after-winter

test-driving tips. tory If you’re a trail rider, turn to our destinations section, where we take you on three spring day rides not far from major cities in Kentucky, California, and Arizona. safe travels travels safe In this issue, we also tell you how to help keep your horse safe at home and on the road with an identifica- tion package, and relate the story of a USRider Member whose trailer broke down five hours from her home in Maine. hauling hints hauling And don’t miss our trailering-gear section with live links, USRider Community news, valuable USRider Member benefits, and more!

It´s FREE to Subscribe! desti Not a subscriber? Click here to go to the USRider NATIONS website, or click on the subscribe icon on any page.

How to Navigate Hitch Up! horsekeeping Sidebar Navigation Tools • Click the bar at right to jump to Click for additional any story. information. on-the-go gear on-the-go Page Buttons Close. At the bottom of each page. Listen to audio. • Click for previous and next pages. Click to play a video. • Click to go to our Facebook page. Download an item. USR

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This publication may briefly summarize some of the benefits of USRider membership. In the event of a conflict between this publication and the USRider Membership Agreement, the Membership USR Agreement shall control. Copies of the Membership Agreement are available at www.usrider.org. USRider does not endorse products featured in this publication; they are presented only to provide information to horse owners. USRider receives no income from advertising that appears in this publication, nor does it endorse any advertisers or products that appear. BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 2 Facebook now FREE! table Contents t of a b l e o

member story f Co Spring 2013 ntents Keynotes This issue: Large-Animal Rescue Training sched- keynotes uled; in-trailer first-aid kit; sticky-accelerator control steps; Julie Goodnight’s hay bag tip; more. Member Story

East Coast Emergency. This English-riding Me m ber S competitor’s trailer broke down in a cloud of

smoke five hours from her home in Maine. tory USRider quickly came to her aid. Safe Travels Your Horse’s Perspective. Follow this checklist travels safe from Rebecca Gimenez, PhD, to help make your Destinations trailer more quiet and comfortable for your horse. Hauling Hints

Get Ready to Roll. Has your trailer been stored hints hauling under cover — or parked in the weather — all winter? Here’s how to get it ready for spring, with experts Tom and Neva Scheve. Destinations

3 Scenic Spring Rides. Hitch up, and haul desti

your horse to day rides that are an easy drive from NATIONS major cities in Kentucky, California, and Arizona. Horsekeeping Equine ID Kit. Help keep your horse safe at USRider Community home and on the road by putting together an horsekeeping identification package. Here’s how. On-the-Go Gear This issue: A quiet-ride trailer; an insect-barrier

fly mask; a portable work light; boot/shoe protec- gear on-the-go tors; and neutral-colored fly apparel for your horse. Bonus video! USRider Community This issue: Know your USRider Member ID number; USRider expands its Service Provider USR Resources; alternative transportation defined; Co mm

USRider Member testimonials; more. unity USRider Benefits USRider recognizes benefits partners in the At USRider, the safety of our Members and their Horses is our top priority. To help us keep the focus on, as well as show our respect to, these invaluable components of USRider, we capitalize money-saving Winner’s Circle Advantage the words “Member” and “Horse” where these words relate to our membership program. USR BENEFITS Benefits Program.Bonus video! Cover photo by Heidi Melocco

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 3 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of keynotes Me m ber S tory safe travels travels safe hauling hints hauling desti NATIONS

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USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 4 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of Keynotes Large-Animal Rescue Training Scheduled

The USRider EKU Large Animal Incident Command System. 324, Eastern Kentucky University, k e y n

Emergency Rescue Training is Contributions to the Large Animal 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond KY keynotes o scheduled for April 5-7, 2013. Rescue Endowment Fund may be 40475-3102. The development tes 1 2 3 4 The Leg-Up Fund, created by sent to the Division of University office may be reached at (859) USRider in January 2002, assists Development, CPO 19A, Jones 622-1583. USR in training students at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Me m ber S Ky. Firefighters, emergency re- sponders, veterinary technicians, tory and veterinarians are also invited to the classes.

Class times for the 2013 Large travels safe Animal Emergency Rescue Train- ing are as follows: • Friday, April 5, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. • Saturday, April 6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Sunday, April 7, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. hints hauling The training will include an overview of animal physiology, The USRider EKU Large Animal Emergency Awareness Training will in- ropes, knots, vertical lifts, hitches, clude an overview of animal physiology, ropes, knots, vertical lifts, hitches, and mechanical-advantage haul and mechanical-advantage haul systems with a focus on the Incident systems with an emphasis on the Command System. desti NATIONS horsekeeping on-the-go gear on-the-go USR Co mm unity USR BENEFITS Photos COURTESY OF EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 5 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of HSUS Launches Safe Stalls The Humane Society of the Program participants will include United States is launching a new prescreened equine-rescue groups, k program to help horses rescued foster homes, trainers, farriers, e y n keynotes o

from cruelty or natural disasters, and other professionals across the tes

1

as well as those suffering from country. Participants may also be 2 neglect. individual horse owners and en- 3 4 The HSUS Safe Stalls Horse thusiasts who can supply transport,

Rescue Network will be a na- food, and other care for horses on Me m ber S tionwide system of horse-rescue their own property.

groups, equine professionals, “Horse lovers across the coun- tory and enthusiasts who can provide try are joining together to find emergency care and shelter to solutions and respond to the call

horses in need. for help when horses are in dis- travels safe When animals are suffering tress,” said Elizabeth Zarkos, Safe The Humane Society of the from neglect or abuse, or are in Stalls network coordinator for The United States is launching Safe crisis because of a natural disas- HSUS. Stalls Horse Rescue Network, a ter, participants in the Safe Stalls Organizations and individuals

nationwide system of horse-res- program can provide to law en- interested in becoming partic- hints hauling cue groups, equine professionals, forcement and communities a ipants in The HSUS Safe Stalls and enthusiasts who can provide network of local resources to help Horse Rescue Network can apply emergency care and shelter to horses needing immediate inter- online at www.humanesociety. horses in need. vention and housing. org/safestalls. USR desti NATIONS Organize Your Grooming Tools When you’re on the road with your horse, can you always find the brush you need

right when you need it? The Husky Bucket Jockey is a hardware-store tool caddy, but horsekeeping makes a great grooming kit for on-the-go equestrians. The Husky Bucket Jockey sits over a standard five-gallon bucket. Its pockets fit currycombs, brushes, hoof picks, thermometer, supplements, treats, and more. GEAR TIP And there’s plenty of room inside the bucket for your other supplies, such as gear on-the-go protective boots, a small canister of feed, and large brushes. The bucket is sturdy and won’t get overly dirty when you set it on the ground while grooming your horse at the trail- er. Plus, if you ever need an extra bucket, you’ll have one

with you! USR

— Heidi Melocco Co mm

This bucket cover designed to unity tote tools will help you organize your grooming supplies as you travel with your equine friend. USR

HEIDI MELOCCO PHOTO BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 6 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of Sticky Accelerator: 3 Steps to Control A sticky accelerator can happen mediately shift your vehicle into the flow of traffic, turn off your to any vehicle for a variety of rea- neutral. The engine will continue to vehicle’s engine. k sons, ranging from a broken motor rev (that is, the crankshaft will con- Step 3: Get a tow. Don’t attempt e y n keynotes o mount to an intrusive floor mat to tinue to revolve) and may rev even to restart your vehicle. Have your tes

1 a system glitch, so it’s best to be higher with your vehicle out of gear. vehicle towed to the nearest deal- 2 3 prepared. (Over-revving causes permanent er for your vehicle brand. Original 4 First, don’t panic. Your first in- engine damage.) However, unlike equipment manufacturer (OEM) stinct will be immediately to turn vehicles made prior to the 1980s, dealers have the latest information Me m ber S off the engine. But beware; if you modern vehicles have built-in and Technical Service Bulletins

do this in many vehicles, you’ll rev-limiting devices designed to pro- (TSBs) for their vehicle brand, plus tory lose power steering, power brak- tect the engine from over-revving. diagnostic equipment designed for ing, and turn-signal functions. Step 2: Pull over. Find the near- that vehicle. Dealers are also most

Instead, follow these steps. est, safest place to move off the likely to be aware of issues affect- travels safe Step 1: Shift into neutral. Im- road. When you’re safely out of ing that particular vehicle. USR

Step 1: Shift into Neutral Step 2: Pull Over Step 3: Get a Tow hauling hints hauling desti NATIONS

HEIDI MELOCCO PHOTOs horsekeeping q Clean the Mud P Even if the temperatures are rising in your area, it’s not safe to on-the-go gear on-the-go $j give your horse a full bath until Seasonal Tip it’s consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. But you do need to clean dried mud from his legs to help reduce the risk of sores, especially if you plan to apply shipping boots. To clean your horse’s legs, gently curry them with two USR Co mm small, soft-rubber currycombs from top to bottom. HEIDI MELOCCO PHOTO

Also, schedule some pedicure time to enhance hoof In early spring, check your unity health. Clean, wash, and disinfect your horse’s feet, then horse’s legs for mud, and groom massage hoof oil into his coronary band. his legs frequently until it’s warm

— Julie Goodnight enough for a full bath. USR BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 7 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of In-Trailer First-Aid Kit When you trailer your horse, you’ll have access even if your ■ Equine thermometer even for a short distance, it’s im- trailer becomes compromised in ■ Stethoscope k portant to prepare for a potential an accident. e y n ■ Mosquito forceps keynotes o emergency. The following items ■ Betadine antiseptic soap ■ Scissors tes

1 assembled into a fist-aid kit will ■ Hydrogen peroxide ■ Twitch 2 3 4 help you handle most situations. ■ Nitrofurozone or triple-antibiot- ■ Bucket Discuss this list with your own vet- ic dressing ■ Water (10 gallons or more) erinarian; he or she may have oth- Me m ber S ■ Furox antibacterial spray powder er suggestions that are appropriate Give all medications on the ■ O pthalmic ointment/saline eye advice of your own veterinarian or for you and your situation. Keep tory wash (without cortisone or this kit in your towing vehicle, so the vet treating your horse’s con- steroids) dition. Improper use of tranquil- ■ 2 rolls of cotton izers and other medication can safe travels travels safe ■ 4 rolls of gauze (4- or 6-inch) result in your horse’s death. ■ Gauze squares Know your horse’s normal vital ■ Clean standing bandages signs and how to take them. (2 quilt or fleece with outer (For more on vital signs, visit Equi Search.com, and enter “Vital Signs” wraps) hints hauling ■ Adhesive tape into the site’s search engine.) — James Hamilton, DVM ■ Vetrap or Co-Flex cohesive flexible bandage HEIDI MELOCCO PHOTO For detailed information on first- ■ Elastikon sticky roll bandage When you trailer your horse, aid treatment, preventing stress

■ desti even for a short distance, it’s 24-inch length of 6-inch PVC and injury, and pre-trip prepara- important to prepare for a po- pipe split in half for splinting; tion, see Hawkins Guide: Equine NATIONS tential emergency. (Never leave make sure it fits your horse’s Emergencies on the Road, by your trailer windows open when legs James Hamilton, DVM, and Neva you’re in motion; flying debris ■ Butazolidin paste Kittrell Scheve, available through could hurt your horse’s eyes.) ■ Banamine granules or paste EquiSpirit Trailer Company. horsekeeping

Avoid Full Hay Bags on-the-go gear on-the-go If you provide a hay bag to your horse in a slant-load trailer, make sure it’s not packed full. While the hay bag could accommodate more than a flake, packing the hay in will limit your horse’s nose-to-tail room and make him stand with his nose glued to the bag, without USR

TRAILER TIP ample breathing room. Co mm In a slant-load trailer, When using a hay bag,

check how much room unity consider your horse’s nose-to-tail space, your horse has from and make sure packing in the goodies nose to tail before tak- doesn’t pack your horse in too tightly. ing up too much space — Julie Goodnight USR

with a full hay bag. HEIDI MELOCCO PHOTO BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 8 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of Member Story East Coast Emergency keynotes member Me m ber S st o tory r y 1 2 3 safe travels travels safe hauling hints hauling

USRider Member Clarissa Edelston was driving home from the Chron- desti This English- icle of the Horse Amateur Team Championships awards in Lexington, riding competi- Virginia, when her trailer broke down. Edelston, aboard Body ’n’ Soul NATIONS (aka Poptart), is second from right. tor’s trailer broke As a combined training/event- Switch to USRider horsekeeping down in a cloud of ing competitor, I drive up and During one memorable occa- down the East Coast from Maine sion, my truck died on I-95 in smoke five hours to Virginia and as far west as Scarborough, Maine, 120 miles Rochester, New York, for events. I from home. My previous motor from home in often travel alone with two horses plan suggested that while they on-the-go gear on-the-go Maine. USRider in tow and my Jack Russell Terri- could find someone to tow the ers in the truck. truck, I’d have to leave the trailer quickly came to Whenever preparing for a trip, I and its equine occupants by the check the weather forecasts so I side of the road for the night. her aid. can plan trips around snowy and Shortly thereafter, I switched USR

icy conditions. to USRider. I was a little leery, Co mm Despite regular maintenance of because Maine isn’t exactly the my tow vehicle and gooseneck equine capital of the country. unity Exiss trailer, I feel hugely vulnera- I wondered whether USRider ble to the whims of the mechan- would be able to provide the

ical gods. I’m in my 60s and defi- resources it advertised in such a USR nitely not a gearhead. sparsely settled area. BENEFITS

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However, my skepticism was already passed that exit and the re- unfounded. Over the years, I’ve turn would require a 20-mile circle. had the occasional need for a tire Michelle called again with a new change or jumpstart, and USRi- repair location a few miles ahead

der has always come through in Chichester, New Hampshire. She keynotes promptly. assured me that she had already spoken with the owner who had A ‘Real Emergency’ agreed to wait for our arrival. (It Then my first real emergency was late Saturday afternoon and member

made me a true believer in USRi- getting later!) Me m ber S

der. This happened as my daugh- Plus, Michelle had already con- st o tory ter and I were returning to Maine tacted a local barn owner who r y 1

from Virginia late on a Saturday would retrieve and board the 2 3 afternoon with two horses in the horses if an overnight stay was

trailer. necessary. She had arranged this travels safe I was on the downhill lap near contingency plan without my USRider Member Clarissa Concord, New Hampshire, com- even asking. Edelston, a combined train- plimenting myself on how easily ing/eventing competitor, the 14-hour trip had gone. Nervous Drive

hauls her horses several I had only five hours to go I set off at a crawl, but the im- hints hauling thousand miles each year. when a passing driver gained my mediate outpouring of smoke “The comfort that I can call attention and made “pull over” made me sufficiently nervous that for information or help at motions. I quickly pulled over and called any time and get a knowl- Curious, but not yet alarmed, Michelle again. (We were practi- I complied. The other driver fol- cally best friends by now!) edgeable, friendly, helpful desti person every time is worth lowed us to the shoulder. “Your She told me that she’d already NATIONS the price of my USRider trailer wheel is smoking! I think tried to convince the repairman membership,” she says. your brake is locked on.” to come to us, but he’d refused I thanked her and began to take because he couldn’t make any stock. Clearly, the brake wasn’t repairs on the road. horsekeeping locked on, as the wheel had been I told Michelle about the copi- turning freely. But something was ous smoke. She agreed to call wrong. the repairman again, explain the symptoms, and make sure he Quick Response thought it was safe for me to on-the-go gear on-the-go I called USRider from the side drive. of the road and a delightful young Michelle promptly called back woman named Michelle asked to say that because the distance how she could help. I shakily ex- was so short, the repairman plained my problem and gave her thought it should be fine for me USR

my estimated coordinates. to limp along slowly. Co mm I was envisioning a long night I continued to drive, white- roadside with smushed grano- knuckled and whimpering, and unity la bars for dinner. But Michelle easily found Bill’s RV Repair Shop quickly called back with directions with Michelle’s directions. I was

to a nearby repair shop. never so relieved as when I spied USR We then determined that I’d that sign! BENEFITS

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At the Shop of the emergency barn, Bill even Bill himself greeted knew the owner and vouched for us and began to hunt him. through his inventory

for the necessary parts. Homeward Bound keynotes I was a little con- I can’t tell you how relieved I was cerned that we’d have to have a competent, friendly voice to unload the horses at the end of the telephone to walk

in front of the shop, me through the entire ordeal. member but Bill was quite im- USRider is terrific. Every repair Me m ber S

pressed with my Trailer shop USRider has referred me to st o tory has been great! r Aid drive-on trailer jack, y 1

which lifted the affect- While it sometimes seems as 2 3 ed wheel clear off the though I have more than the usu-

ground, allowing the al number of problems, I do haul travels safe horses to remain on my horses several thousand miles board. each year, sometimes over hideous The smoking bearing terrain. The comfort that I can call was pried out and the for information or help at any time

wheel shaft buffed to and get a knowledgeable, friendly, hints hauling something like tolerable helpful person every time is worth smoothness. Wonder of the price of my USRider member- “I recommend USRider con- wonders, the shop had a replace- ship. stantly to everyone I know ment bearing kit of the right size I recommend USRider constant-

who travels with horses,” in stock, and it could be inserted ly to everyone I know who travels desti says Clarissa Edelston. “And with horses. And I gave both my over the shaft. NATIONS I gave both my daughters We were able to continue on daughters (also eventers) their very (also eventers) their very our way home after only a couple own USRider memberships for own USRider memberships of hours’ delay, thanking our lucky Christmas.

for Christmas.” Shown is stars for USRider. Though we — Clarissa Edelston horsekeeping Edelston’s horse, Body ’n’ didn’t need to call on the services Hampden, Maine Soul (aka Poptart) in action. USRider Wants Your Feedback

Do you have an experience with USRider you'd like to share? gear on-the-go We’d love to hear it. We’re always looking for topics of interest to our readers — and, that’s you. Much of the information in each issue of Hitch Up! comes from our unique perspective as the only motor plan to provide emer-

gency roadside assistance to horse owners. Our staff members USR

— with their experiences at USRider and as horse owners — along Co mm with our Members and readers, are the driving force behind what we publish in Hitch Up! unity This is your magazine, and we encourage you to have a voice. Please e-mail your feedback, articles, and story ideas to usrider@ usrider.org. We also love photos and short videos. USR BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 11 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of Safe Travels Your Horse’s Perspective BY REBECCA GIMENEZ, PhD keynotes Me m ber S tory s tr a fe safe travels travels safe av e l s 1 2 3 hauling hints hauling

CLiX Photo desti

If your horse could tell you how his trailer felt to him, would he rate NATIONS Follow this expert you as a conscientious and careful driver who made an effort to min- checklist to help imize his traumas and terrors on the road? Read on to learn how to make his ride quiet and comfortable. horsekeeping make your trail- “Ack! What was that?” said Prin- and brace yourself for the potholes er more quiet and cess nervously to her trailer com- and stop signs.” panion. Did you ever wonder if the con- comfortable for “It’s a chain banging over your versations in the back of your trailer

head,” replied Gus, an older geld- would sound something like this, if gear on-the-go your horse. ing, as the two balanced carefully in horses could speak like we do? the trailer. “They haven’t fixed it in Would your horse rate you high- years, and I don’t seem to be able ly as a conscientious and careful to make them understand that it driver who made an effort to min- hurts my ears, too.” imize his traumas and terrors on USR

The horses rode in silence for a the road? Co mm few minutes. Then Princess cried, Here, I’ll give you a way to find “Owww! I hit my head!” out exactly what your horse goes unity Gus, his legs braced, nodded. through when you haul him. Then “They hit the brakes too hard. You’ll I’ll give you a checklist to follow to

learn this route to the trailhead make your trailer more quiet and USR pretty quickly, so you can balance comfortable. BENEFITS

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Go For a Ride Take a Buddy Check the Tires The best way to sim- ulate riding in your trail- er the way your horses

perceive it is to hitch the keynotes trailer correctly to your tow vehicle, leave the horses at home, and have someone drive it around your property. Me m ber S Oh, and be sure to tory stand in the back of the CLiX Photo Heidi melocco Photo trailer with your hands fuse to get into a trailer, scramble boards. Noted animal behavior-

tied firmly behind your back and s and injure themselves in trailers ist Temple Grandin, PhD (www. tr a fe safe travels travels safe without anything to lean on or attempting to balance, etc. templegrandin.com), has prov- use as support. And be blind- av Be sure to stay safe as you go en that weird shadows and light e l folded, so you can’t see the up- s 1

through this learning experience. patterns can scare prey animals 2 coming stop signs, potholes, and and prevent them from loading 3 Improve the Sensory sharp curves. or walking forward. hauling hints hauling Of course, riding in your trail- Experience ■ Take a buddy. As a herd ani- er is technically illegal and for a Perform the following mainte- mal, horses tend to be calmer good reason — it’s dangerous. nance procedures to make your when hauled with a buddy But if you do this driving across trailer a nicer travel environment instead of alone, especially your own property or on anoth- for your horse. I call this my Sen- young and fractious horses. er private road with the owner’s sory-Improvement Checklist. Allow your horse to see some desti permission, it’s a huge eye open- ■ Oil moving parts. Lubricate part of his buddy in the trailer, NATIONS er. You’ll discover exactly what all jointed, hinged, or moving but limit his ability to bite, kick, your horse sees, hears, feels, and parts (springs, latches, hinges, or crush other horses. smells when riding in your trailer. pins, etc.). This will make your ■ Check the tires. Make sure And it’ll demonstrate very clear- trailer quieter. that all the tires have the man- horsekeeping ly to you why you must regularly ■ Secure moving parts. With ufacturer’s recommended air evaluate your trailer for environ- duct tape, secure all hanging pressure for maximum support mental, structural, and engineer- chains or other moving parts and minimal friction on the ing considerations. And you’ll that can squeak, bang, or clank. road. Buy an air-pressure gauge, on-the-go gear on-the-go improve your driving habits when Many trailers are horrifically or have a tire professional you’re towing your most precious squeaky and boast very loud check the tires for you. Optimal cargo. metal on metal sounds that tire pressure will make the ride It’s quite humbling to realize you will never hear unless you smoother and quieter. what your horse has to submit to check while it is being driven. If ■ Maximize ventilation. Very as a wild prey animal entering a you need to, hire a trailer ex- USR few hauling scenarios require Co mm cave-like trailer. pert or welder to fix loose-part prevention of air moving over And if you had the driver vary sound sources. the horses. Provide as much unity her driving — fast, slow, careful, ■ Eliminate shadows. Look ventilation as you can. Horses reckless, bumpy, and smooth over for horse-eating shadows and generate so much heat, and different surfaces — you’d realize dancing light in odd places, very few trailers have sufficient USR why so many horses grow to re- such as a crack in the floor- ventilation, especially when BENEFITS

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Maximize Ventilation Check the Headroom Check for Danger Zones keynotes Me m ber S tory s tr a fe safe travels travels safe av e l Heidi melocco Photo CLiX Photo Heidi melocco Photo s 1

2 stalled in traffic. Consider in- sorb the heat from the sun on move any metal pieces that 3 stalling lightweight plastic fans the metal.) could catch a halter — or an hauling hints hauling or even air conditioning behind ■ Check the headroom. Make eyeball. Run your fingers along the trailer stalls. Note that heat sure that a standard-sized every edge of the dividers, is rarely necessary. horse has at least 30 inches of walls, gates, bars, etc., where ■ Minimize dust. Minimize room above the withers so he your horse might rub or bump, lightweight shavings and fluffy can raise and lower his head to reduce risk of injury. USR hay in the trailer. Anything that and neck to balance, and so desti increases the dust blowing he can clear his respiratory Rebecca Gimenez, PhD (animal NATIONS around and into your horse’s passages. If you must tie your physiology), is a primary instructor respiratory system will poten- horse in the trailer (and there for Technical Large Animal Emer- tially compromise his health. are good reasons for doing so gency Rescue. Rebecca Gimenez, horsekeeping For trailer bedding, consider in many trailers),make sure he PhD (animal physiology), is a commercial, bagged shavings. can lower his head at least to primary instructor for Technical Wet your horse’s hay, even in withers level. Large Animal Emergency Rescue. the hay net. ■ Improve the stalls. Make A Major in the United States Army ■ Monitor the temperature. sure the trailer provides Reserve, she’s a decorated Iraq gear on-the-go Install a wireless constant dig- enough room for your horse to War veteran. She’s a past Logistics ital thermometer transmitter position his legs forward and in the trailer at wither height sideways to balance if you’re Officer for the American Veteri- (about five feet up the trail- forced to turn or brake sud- nary Medical Association’s Veter- er wall where horses can’t denly. Add thick padding to the inary Medical Assistance Team, destroy it). Put the receiver dividers, chest and butt bars, which serves as first responders to USR Co mm in your vehicle. This allows and trailer walls at body height ensure high-quality care of ani-

you to constantly monitor the to minimize scratches — and mals during disasters and emer- unity temperature that your horse worse. gencies. She’s an invited lecturer is exposed to. (Tip: Install the ■ Check for danger zones. on animal-rescue topics around

thermometer on a Styrofoam Check for and fix any rusty, the world and is a noted equine USR backing so that it doesn’t ab- dangerous rough spots. Re- journalist. BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 14 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of Hauling Hints Get Ready to Roll By Tom and Neva kittrell Scheve keynotes Here’s a handy

checklist for Me m ber S getting your tory trailer in

shape for travels safe spring for a safe, smooth h a u hauling hints hauling ride. 1 2 3 hints l ing

cate lamm PHOTO As you prepare your trailer for spring, start with the tires and wheels. Your whole trailer and your equine friend are riding on them. desti Has your trailer been There may not be an engine, stored under cover — but there are a few important NATIONS or parked out in the parts that need maintenance, weather —all winter? starting with the tires and If so, it’s time to get it wheels, because your whole horsekeeping ready to roll. If you take trailer and your equine friend just a little time to pre- are riding on them. pare your trailer, you’ll If your trailer has been be ready to roll at a parked in the same place for a moment’s notice. while, the tires have probably on-the-go gear on-the-go Spring is also a good lost air pressure; they could time to either learn or also be suffering from dry rot. If refresh your trailer-load- the tires have been standing on CLiX PHOTO ing and driving skills, so bare ground or another moist Thoroughly inspect the floor you and your horse will be able surface, the chance of rot is USR

and undercarriage. These to enjoy the trailering experience. even greater. Co mm are the only things keeping Also, the bearings and brakes your horse off the road, so ■ Tires and wheels. A trailer is ba- will need to be checked. Before unity don’t take them for granted. sically a box on wheels. There you take that first trip in your aren’t a whole lot of mechanics trailer, have the bearings re-

involved, as there are with a car packed (unless you have Nev’r USR or truck. Lube axles) and the brakes BENEFITS

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adjusted. Most body slide-in-ball mount with the shops and trailer-ser- correct-size ball on your tow vice shops can do all vehicle. this for you. If you use a weight-distribu- ■ Floor and under- tion system, find those spring keynotes carriage. The next bars that you may have stored most important away in the garage, so you check is the floor don’t have to hunt for them and undercarriage. when you’re in a hurry.

These are the only ■ Trailer body. Check over the Me m ber S things keeping your body of your trailer to make

horse off the road, sure no rust or corrosion has tory so don’t take them appeared over the winter. for granted. Check all the quick-release

If you have a wood floor, make features in the butt/breast bars travels safe sure the boards are in perfect and dividers. Replace any pad- condition. If you have an alumi- ding, carpeting, or other materi- num floor, you must still check als that could have deteriorated for corrosion under the mats. or molded in the wet weather. h a u

Some people believe that ■ Trailer essentials. Now you’re hints hauling 1 hints l ing since an aluminum floor ready to pack the trailer with doesn’t rust, it’ll last forever. emergency essentials, such as a

Not true. If you haven’t been tool box, flares or triangles, jack 2 keeping it clean with soap and (I recommend the Trailer-Aid), 3 water, the alkaline in urine and tire iron, spare tire (USRider desti manure will cause corrosion. recommends two spare tires), If you can’t get underneath knife, extra halters, lead ropes, NATIONS to check the support beams, etc. For a complete list of trailer take your trailer to a body or essentials, as well as a complete heidi melocco Photos trailer-service shop and have pre-trip checklist, click here, and horsekeeping Make sure the inside of it checked. Have them fix any scroll down the web page. the coupler hasn’t worn rust or corrosion. and that the mechanism If you’ve hauled over roads On-the-Road Check is working perfectly. Also, where salt has been applied Once you’re certain your trailer make sure the safety for winter traction, wash off is physically ready to go, take it on-the-go gear on-the-go chains/cables are still in your trailer’s underside A lot of out for a test drive without your “like new” condition. If you damage can occur underneath horse. You may be using the same have a tag-along trailer from the chemicals and mois- truck you used last year, but you (top), make sure you have ture spraying up from the road. still want to check that the trailer the right slide-in-ball mount ■ Coupler. Make sure the inside sits level and nothing has changed USR with the correct-size ball on with your hitch setup. of the coupler hasn’t worn and Co mm your tow vehicle. that the mechanism is working Check the brake adjustment by perfectly. Also, make sure the driving very slowly in a parking lot unity safety chains/cables are still in or private area. Reach down to the “like new” condition. brake controller on the dash, and

If you have a tag-along trailer, activate the brakes with the slider. USR make sure you have the right If the brakes are working, you’ll BENEFITS

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feel the brakes grab. iarize yourself with the way it han- Adjust them at the dles. Practice backing and turning controller box so the corners. brakes activate at ex- Finally, it’s time to load up your

actly the same time, or horse, and take him out for a keynotes very slightly before, as short spin. He may be rusty about the brakes on your tow loading and it’ll be helpful to get vehicle. him used to traveling in a trailer Make sure you don’t again.

have any stress frac- While you’re at it, this is a good Me m ber S tures, rust, or breaks time to get out the leg wraps and

in the frame mounting head bumper. Are they still in tory under the truck. If you good condition, or do they need have a different vehicle to be replaced?

this year, it’s important This probably sounds like a lot travels safe that all the right hitch of trouble, but don’t lose sight of components are in- the fact that every time you go stalled. out on the road, you are putting Get your registration yourself and your horse(s) at risk. h a u heidi melocco Photo and license plate updat- When you take the time and hints hauling 1 hints l ing Check over the body of ed. Renew your membership to effort to make sure you have the your trailer to make sure no USRider. safest rig possible, you increase

rust or corrosion has ap- Then drive your rig (still without your chances of having a fun and 2 peared over the winter. your horse) around just to famil- safe trip. USR 3 desti NATIONS

Tom and Neva Scheve have written three books on horse trailers, including

the nationally recognized textbook, The horsekeeping Complete Guide to Buying, Maintain- ing, and Servicing a Horse Trailer. Neva is also the author of Hawkins Guide: Horse Trailering on the Road

and Hawkins Guide: Equine Emergencies on the Road. She trav- gear on-the-go els nationwide to give seminars on all aspects of horse trailers. Neva, a horsewoman for more than 30 years, competes in dres- CLiX PHOTO sage and carriage driving. She’s a member of the Moore County Once you’re certain your Equine Emergency Response Unit in North Carolina and the Veteri- trailer is physically ready nary Medical Assistance Team, part of the Federal Emergency to go, take it out for a test USR

Management Agency. Co mm drive without your horse. Both Tom and Neva are designers, developers, and owners of the EquiSpirit, EquiBreeze, and Thoro-Sport lines of horse trailers. unity The Scheves reside in Southern Pines, N.C. To reach them, call (877) 575-1771, send an e-mail to [email protected], or visit

www.equispirit.com. USR BENEFITS

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haul your horse to Me m ber S day rides that are tory an easy drive from

major cities in travels safe Kentucky, Califor- nia, and Arizona. hauling hints hauling

Carter Caves State Park offers deciduous for- est, rock outcroppings, D estin

lake views, and creeks. desti a NATIONS You’ll pass through the ti o ns mature hardwoods of 1 2 3 Tygart State Forest and a scenic valley created

by Smokey Creek. horsekeeping PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARTER CAVES STATE PARK Springtime riding offers warm Caves Rd./KY-182. days, cool nights, and lengthening Eastbound directions: Take In- daylight. Here are three day rides terstate 64 west to U.S. Route 60, Exit 161, toward Olive Hill. Turn located within hauling distance of gear on-the-go urban centers in Kentucky, Califor- left onto U.S. 60/KY-182. Turn left nia, and Arizona. onto Carter Caves Rd./KY-182. History: Carter Caves State Park Carter Caves State Resort was created in 1946, when cit- Park, Olive Hill, Kentucky izens of Carter and surrounding Closest city: Lexington, Kentucky. USR

counties donated land for a state Co mm Travel distance: 84 miles. park. The donated land contained Westbound directions: Take impressive caves. With addition- unity Interstate 64 east to U.S. Route al land purchased later, the park 60, and take Exit 161, toward Ol- now consists of 2,000 acres. The

ive Hill. Turn left onto U.S. Route park is also home to Smokey USR 60/KY-182. Turn left onto Carter Bridge, one of the large natural BENEFITS

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bridges in Kentucky, and includes ends near the park’s stables. Smokey Lake, the Caveland You’ll share the trail with hikers Lodge, picnic areas, and equestri- and mountain bikers as you pass an trails. through the mature hardwoods of

Terrain: Carter Caves State Park Tygart State Forest and a scenic keynotes offers deciduous forest, rocky out- valley created by Smokey Creek. croppings, lake views, and creeks. You’ll pass the remains of the his- Map: No map available online; toric Kiser Homeplace, one of the contact the park for information. earliest settlements in the area. Top ride: Kiser Hollow Trail is The terrain is rocky with several Me m ber S a 10-mile loop that begins and steep grades. tory

North Shore Lake San Shore Lake San Antonio is on the

Antonio, Bradley, California right. travels safe Closest city: San Francisco, History: Lake San Antonio was California. created in 1965 through the Travel distance: 113 miles. damming of the San Antonio Riv- Southbound directions: Take er. The lake provides groundwater

U.S. Highway 101 south toward to the area, and keeps the river hints hauling Interstate 80 east toward Oak- flowing year-round. The lake also land/San Jose. Take the Lock- serves as a freshwater recreation wood/Paris Valley Rd. exit. Turn area. Equestrian trails begin at right onto Lockwood San Lucas the Los Robles Equestrian facility. D estin

Rd. Turn left onto Lockwood-Jo- Formerly known as Horseworld, it desti

lon Rd. Turn left onto Jolon Rd was a popular equestrian destina- a NATIONS ti o ns (County Rd. G14). Continue on tion on California’s Central Coast

1 Jolon Rd. (County Rd. G18). Turn in the 1980s. It was shut down 2 3 right onto New Pleyto Rd. North for a number of years, before be-

North Shore Lake San horsekeeping Antonio in Bradley, Califor- nia, offers rolling hills and lake views. You’ll see stun- ning views of the lake as you weave in and out of gear on-the-go lush, rustic landscape and oak-studded hills. USR Co mm unity USR BENEFITS PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTH SHORE LAKE SAN ANTONIO STATE PARK

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ing renovated and brought back the lake as you weave in and out into service in the late 1990s. of lush, rustic landscape and oak Terrain: North Shore Lake San studded hills. The trail is home to Antonio offers rolling hills and a vast array of wildlife, including

lake views. bald eagles, deer, badgers, coy- keynotes Map: Visit the Monterey County otes, bobcats, raccoons, squirrels, Parks website, www.co.monterey. and hawks. You’ll find two rest ca.us/parks/images/sanantonio/ areas along the trail, one with a 1a-North-Shore-Map-1lg.jpg. panoramic view of the lake. Water Top ride: Ten miles of trails start troughs and portable restrooms Me m ber S at the Los Robles Equestrian Cen- are located at the rest areas.

ter. You’ll see stunning views of Fee: Day use fee is $10. tory

Catalina State Park, Ave. Turn left on E. Glenn St. Turn travels safe Tucson, Arizona right onto North Oracle Rd. Turn Closest city: Phoenix, Arizona. right. The state park entrance is Travel distance: 109 miles. on the left. Southbound directions: Take History: The 8,340-acre Catalina

Interstate 10 east to Exit 240/ State Park resides on land that hints hauling Tangerine Rd. Turn left onto Tan- was once slated for a housing The Canyon Loop trail in gerine Rd, then turn right at E. development. In 1974, public Catalina State Park, Tuc- Innovation Park Dr. The state park pressure resulted in 4,000 acres son, Arizona, offers an easy entrance is on the left. of the former Rancho Romero, along with adjacent land, being D estin two-hour ride, with views of Directions from downtown desti set aside as a state park. The Tucson: Head west on E. Broad- a NATIONS

mountain ridges, through ti o ns cactus- and mesquite- way Blvd. Turn right onto N. Eu- early history of the land includes

1

a cattle ranching operation owned covered terrain. clid Ave. Continue onto North 1st 2 by the Romero family, which was 3 established in 1844. horsekeeping Terrain: Catalina State Park of- fers desert terrain, with saguaro cactus, creeks, and riparian hab- itat. You’ll also enjoy mountain views. on-the-go gear on-the-go Map: Visit the Arizona State Parks website, www.azstate parks.com/ Parks/CATA/map.html. Top ride: The Canyon Loop trail offers an easy two-hour ride, with USR

views of mountain ridges, through Co mm cactus- and mesquite-covered ter- rain. The single-track trail takes you unity across a creek several times, where your horse can drink as you take in

the riparian habitat. USR BENEFITS PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF CATALINA STATE PARK Fee: Day use fee is $6. USR

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By a. maestro keynotes

One way to iden- Help keep tify your horse if a natural disaster

your horse safe at Me m ber S looms is to braid home and on the a tag into his mane or tory road by putting tail that has your

together an iden- contact travels safe informa- tification package. tion en- Here’s how. closed.

You can help keep your horse that, should something unexpect- horse to buy. Thieves take hors- hints hauling safe, especially on the road, by ed happen, you and your equine es from private property, horse putting together an identification companion will soon be reunited. shows, boarding stables, etc. package. • Natural disasters. Horses are You may be surprised to learn Why ID Your Horse sometimes separated from their that horse owners all over North Horse owners can find them- owners as the result of natural desti America often end up in a position selves in several situations that disasters. Hurricanes, tornadoes, NATIONS of having to prove to someone — make equine identification a floods, fires, and even earth- including themselves — that the must. In any one of these situa- quakes can create situations horse they see in front of them is tions, you and your horse stand a where horses get out of their actually the one they own. better chance of becoming reunit- enclosures or are deliberately H Orse horsekeeping Theft, natural disasters, and ac- ed if your horse has some form turned loose in an effort to save k eeping cidents can leave your horse in a of identification. their lives. Rescue workers may

compromised situation, and you in • Theft. People often steal horses take horses from their stalls or 1 2 a panic. for resale to the slaughterhouse pastures and haul them to safe-

Identifying your horse ahead of or to unknowing individuals ty. If you’re absent at the time gear on-the-go time is the best way of ensuring who are simply looking for a of the rescue, you may have no way of knowing where your horse ended up, unless he has identification. Freeze branding is an ef- • Accidents. Trail riders in wilder- USR

fective way to identify your ness parks or other remote ar- Co mm horse. A cold iron applied eas can become separated from to the horse’s neck destroys their horses. Horses sometimes unity the skin cells that produce get loose at shows or at facili- hair color. The hair grows ties far from home, ending up

back in white in the shape in situations with strangers who USR of the brand. have no idea where the horse BENEFITS

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belongs. Trailering accidents can is applied to also result in a lost horse. the horse’s neck, shoul- Do-It-Yourself ID Kit der, or rump.

The easiest way to identify your The heat kills keynotes horse is to build an identification the hair-pro- packet. Here’s how. ducing cells, • Document markings. First, and the document your horse’s mark- To make an equine ID kit, take photos of your horse horse’s hair ings. If your horse is a pure- Me m ber S from each side (top photo), and from the front and the doesn’t grow bred, you’ll already have this in back (bottom photos). Make two prints of all four photos, back in the

the registration packet. (If not, tory and keep one set with each of the two ID kits you create. affected area. tap to view a PDF of a form.) Hot brands On the drawings, note all your • Microchip. Electronic identifi- aren’t as popular for identifica-

cation microchips are becoming travels safe horse’s white markings, chest- tion purposes now that freeze more widely used in the horse nuts, and cowlicks. Chestnuts brands and marks are available. world. A veterinarian injects this are the horny, irregular growths • Lip tattoo. Racehorses have on the inside of a horse’s legs. tiny computer chip into a liga- long received lip tattoos for You can find cowlicks in the ment in the horse’s neck. Each identification. Some horse own-

center of hair whorls on his chip contains a unique number hints hauling ers prefer this method of iden- forehead, and often on the that corresponds to the owner’s tification over branding or mark- neck and throatlatch. information, which a microchip ing, because the tattoo can’t be • Take photos. Take photos of registering company maintains seen unless the horse’s mouth your horse from the front, back, electronically. is examined. Lip tattoos even and both sides. • Halter tag. Halter tags are tually fade and become hard to desti • Make copies. Make two cop- sold in tack stores and through read. NATIONS ies of both the form and the equine catalogs. The tag can be • DNA testing. Purebred hors- photos. Put those together with engraved with one or two lines, es can be identified using DNA copies of your horse’s Coggins including your phone number testing. A strand of the horse’s papers and any other significant and address. Of course, this H Orse horsekeeping information. method is only effective if your mane is sent to a testing labora- k eeping • Keep them handy. Keep one horse is wearing the tagged tory, with the participating pure- halter. bred registry recording the re- ID kit in your home and anoth- 1 er at the barn or in your truck’s • Freeze brand. In this meth- sults. A DNA test is considered 2 od, a cold iron is applied to the valid evidence when proving a glove box. Not only will you gear on-the-go always have ready access to a horse’s neck, where it destroys horse’s ownership in a court of copy, but if disaster strikes your the cells in the skin that produce law. house or your barn, you’ll have color in the hair. The hair in that • Hoof brand. Hot-branding a another one offsite. area grows back in white, in the hoof mark, done by a farrier, is shape of the brand. With white painless. Because the horse’s hoof grows regularly, the mark USR Other Types of ID or gray horses, the hair doesn’t Co mm You also have several different grow back. These permanent isn’t permanent and must be options for marking your horse. marks are recorded with a reapplied. USR unity Some owners use only one of freeze-branding registry. these methods, while some com- • Hot brand. Brands traditionally A. Maestro is a freelance writer bine several to ensure their horse used for marking cattle also can and horse owner based in USR will be identified in any situation. be used on horses. A hot iron California. BENEFITS

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MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. keynotes And exactly in our service area. 24/7 Nationwide Roadside Assistance for You and Your Horse Me m ber S Join today and ride safely with a membership that includes:

• Up 100 miles free towing • Emergency farrier referrals tory • Emergency stabling assistance • Coverage in any vehicle • Emergency veterinarian referrals • Service on dual wheeled vehicles and horse trailers safe travels travels safe Peace of mind with every membership. JOINJOIN TODAY.TODAY. hauling hints hauling desti NATIONS horsekeeping on-the-go gear on-the-go USR Co mm

Find Us On

Facebook unity WWW.USRIDER.ORG (800) 844-1409 USR

Offi cial Roadside Assistance BENEFITS Partner of the AQHA Administered by Motor Club of America Enterprises, Inc. USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 23 Facebook now FREE!

USRiderAds-NEW.indd 6 5/3/12 10:06 AM table Contents of On-the-Go-Gear

By Lauren Back

Quiet Trailer keynotes Research shows that excessive noise and vibration in a trailer can contribute to a horse’s stress while travel- ing. 4-Star Trailers’ Quiet Ride design reduces these factors, giving your horse a more comfortable mobile Me m ber S environment. Rubber torsion axles provide a smoother and quieter ride than leaf-spring suspensions. Air-ride suspensions, an optional feature, absorb vibrations and tory reduce road noise. The cushioned floor covering pro- vides safe footing, reduces noise, and is easy to main- tain. Cost: Contact your 4-Star Dealer for a quote. Click above to watch a video about 4-Star Trailers. travels safe

Portable Work Light Fly Mask

Trailer maintenance and horse care after dark are Keep your horse’s head hints hauling common when traveling. Larson Electronics’ portable protected from flies, biting Magnalight MUL-15-4V is configured with a 16-foot insects, and sun bleaching coil cord ending in a cigarette plug adapter, a 21-foot with Cactus Gear’s Insect straight cord with ring terminals, or a 16- Barrier Mask. Polyvinyl

foot straight cord with battery clamps. coated mesh provides desti comfortable protection. This durable light is available with a NATIONS choice of spotlight or flood configura- An elastic jaw strap and tions, capable of creating a light beam soft fleece binding add that reaches up to 70-by-60 feet. Attach safety and comfort.

the 3-by-4-inch unit to your tow vehicle Tough hook-and-loop horsekeeping with the magnetic closures guarantee an base (included). accurate fit and long life. Cost: $177.55. Cost: $17.95. - On on-the-go gear on-the-go - the g

Three-Horse Trailer o ge

The EquiBreeze Safe Ride Trailer, by EquiSpirit, al- a r 1 2 lows you to haul three horses, while providing more space than some traditional configurations and in- USR

creasing safety; in particular, you can unload any one Co mm horse without disturbing the others. The 10-foot-long rear stalls allow even taller horses to stretch out their unity necks and balance comfortably, while, at a little over 26 feet, the trailer remains a relatively compact size.

Removable doors provide a barrier between front and USR rear horses. Cost: From $19,950. BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan LIKE US on E-MAIL US subscribe Hitch Up! e-Magazine •Spring 2013 24 Facebook now FREE! table Contents of Portable Heated Chair Shoe Protectors Although warmer weather is approaching, your Keeping your truck clean while on the road often hauling destination still may lead you to cool means dealing with the hassle of changing out of your boots to avoid tracking dirt and mud. Weinbrenner weather. The Chaheati All-Season Heated Chair is a keynotes lightweight, collapsible canvas chair with a low-volt- Shoe Company’s Shoe In’s are lightweight, durable age heating system that produces comfortable, rubber overshoes that quickly slip on over boots. The even heat. The Chaheati fea- overshoes feature gripper fingers inside that hold tures four temperature settings them snugly in place. Slip-resistant rubber pads on the and heats up in 20 seconds. soles provide extra traction. Shoe In’s come in four Me m ber S The high-efficiency, recharge- sizes, and fit over most shoes and boots. Available in

able battery open or closed toe. Cost: $30. tory provides up to six hours of heat

per charge and travels safe lasts for over 500 uses. An AC car adapter charger can be pur- chased separately. Cost: $89.99. hints hauling

Fly Protection

The Natural Collection, by Kensington Protective and tote bag for complete spring and summer pro- desti

Products, features neutral colors that blend with your tection. The gear is made of durable Textilene mesh, NATIONS horse’s coat color. The camouflaging effect minimiz- making it the perfect choice for cooling and blocking es product wear and tear associated with pulling and harmful ultraviolet rays. Available in gray, sorrel, bay, biting from other horses. The Natural Collection in- and black. Cost: $13.99-$119.99. cludes a protective sheet, mask, boots and tail bag, horsekeeping - On on-the-go gear on-the-go - the g o ge a r 1 2 USR Co mm unity

USRider doesn’t endorse products featured in this publication; they’re presented only to provide information to horse owners. If you’ve used a product that has enhanced your trailering experience, please tell us about it — be sure to include the manufacturer name and your contact information. USR BENEFITS

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USRider Expanding Service-Provider Resources keynotes Center staff works diligently every day to procure reputable road- side assistance service providers Me m ber S — towing technicians, locksmiths, tire repair facilities, and many others, particularly those who can tory service large vehicles. If you know of a service provid- USRider’s Call Center staff works diligently every day to procure rep- er in your area, please encourage travels safe utable roadside assistance service providers — towing technicians, him or her to visit USRider.org, locksmiths, tire repair facilities, and many others, particularly those and click on “Become a USRider who can service large vehicles (shown). Service Provider.” As a USRider Member, you assuring that the service provider There’s no charge to join our know the most important thing arrives promptly, knows what he nationwide roadside-assistance hints hauling about our service is providing a or she is doing, has the right kind team. A potential service provider knowledgeable, reputable service of equipment, and is trustworthy. simply needs to fill out the form professional to assist you with While USRider has thousands of with current contact information. your breakdown. service providers in its network, One of USRider’s local regional

In a stressful situation, it’s re- we always need more. Our Call managers will soon be in touch. desti NATIONS Alternative Horse Transportation

USRider provides a host of no longer capable of safely trans- horsekeeping benefits to its Members, from porting Horses, USRider will assist standard motor plan features — the Member by locating and coor- such as flat-tire repair, battery dinating alternative transportation. assistance, lockout services, and However, the costs associated free towing up to 100 miles — to with such transportation will be gear on-the-go services designed specifically for the responsibility of the Member. equestrians, including roadside For full details about the variety HEIDI MELOCCO PHOTO repairs for tow vehicles and trailers of services provided by USRider, In the rare situation that a with Horses; veterinary, farrier, and please refer to your Membership Member’s trailer is no longer ca- c o USR stabling referrals; plus more. Agreement. If you have any ques- USR

pable of safely transporting Hors- Co mm mmunit When a Member has a tow-ve- tions about USRider’s program es, USRider will assist the Mem- hicle-associated disablement, and its benefits, call our adminis- ber by locating and coordinating unity y 1 2 3 USRider will tow the Member’s trative offices, Monday-Friday, alternative transportation. (Never vehicle, and trailer if needed, up 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, (800) 844- leave your trailer windows open to 100 miles for free. In the rare 1409; or send an e-mail to when you’re in motion; flying de- USR situation that a Member’s trailer is [email protected]. bris could hurt your horse’s eyes.) BENEFITS

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Know Your USRider Member ID Number keynotes Have you ever wondered why The USRider Membership ID your USRider Member Identifica- number you were assigned when tion number isn’t printed on the you first joined USRider remains Me m ber S key tag? The answer is simple — to the same throughout your mem- protect you. bership. Therefore, we suggest that We don’t want your membership you program this number, as well tory information to be accessible to the as the USRider emergency tele- public, so we only print your Mem- phone number (found on the back ber ID number on your Member- of your membership card) into travels safe ship Card. Place this card in your your cell phone under the letter wallet, and keep it on your person “U” for USRider. Then you’ll have HEIDI MELOCCO PHOTO at all times. Keep in mind that US- that valuable information easily Your USRider Member Identifica- Rider protects you in any vehicle — accessible if you need to call for tion number isn’t printed on the not just when you’re pulling a trailer. service. key tag to protect you. hints hauling

Be Cautious on Limited-Access Roads

On toll roads, thruways, turn- general manager of USRider. “Our Concerned travelers are urged to desti pikes, and other roadways with Members can call us to summon contact their state officials about NATIONS limited access, service providers help on these roadways, but our changing practices that limit the trying to render assistance to mo- options and our abilities to service consumer’s choice and lead to un- torists can encounter delays. For them are extremely limited. This necessary burdens. For additional this reason, USRider urges you means they cannot expect help to safety tips, visit USRider.org, and horsekeeping to use extra caution when using arrive within USRider’s customary click on the “Equine Travel Safety limited-access roads to lessen the quick-response time.” Area.” chance of needing emergency Long roadside waits are espe- roadside assistance. cially risky when traveling with Many restricted-access roadways Horses. Your Horse may become gear on-the-go have an operating authority that dehydrated, sick, or panicked. In uses designated service provid- addition, the road authority’s des- ers, which means that motorists ignated service provider may re- who find themselves in need of quire payment at the time of ser- USR c USR

roadside assistance on such roads vice. Some accept only cash. HEIDI MELOCCO PHOTO y 1 o mmunit Co mm are usually limited to using those Prior to taking a trip into an un- On limited-access roads, such as providers. Plus, designated provid- familiar area, check your route for toll roads, thruways, and turnpikes, unity ers usually must be summoned by limited-access roads, advises Riss. 2

USRider is limited in the service it 3 law-enforcement authorities. If you’ll be traveling on such roads, can provide. Check your route for

“This makes our job as a motor carry extra cash, and stock up on limited-access roads prior to taking USR plan very difficult,” says Bill Riss, water and feed for your Horse. a trip into an unfamiliar area. BENEFITS

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USRider Member Testimonials “This was the first time I used your service. I was her highest priority. The service vehicle arrived

particularly impressed with your rep’s concern quickly, and service man could not have been keynotes about our safety — people, horses, and dogs.” better.” ~ USRider Member from Missouri ~ USRider Member from California

“It’s so nice not to have to worry about getting “Since I commonly travel alone, your services are • • Me m ber S help when I have a problem. I’m 68 years old, very important to me! I recommend your agency and I put a lot of confidence and dependence in to all my friends.” USRider to be there when I need you. You have ~ USRider Member from Ohio tory never let me or my friends down. Thank you so much.” “USRider far exceeded my expectations! I wasn’t

• travels safe ~ USRider Member from Florida sure if USRider covered my car, too, and was de- lighted to know it did! The membership is a great “I just recently joined• USRider and am so glad I value!” did. USRider stands up to all the positive feed- ~ USRider Member from Kentucky back I have heard prior to joining Thanks!” hauling hints hauling ~ USRider Member from California “Great service. I was• very happy with the help and constant communication throughout the “The best service ever!• Your Member Care Spe- ordeal.” cialist made me feel that my circumstance was ~ USRider Member from California desti NATIONS horsekeeping on-the-go gear on-the-go USR c USR y 1 o mmunit Co mm unity

2 3 USR BENEFITS

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Winner’s Circle Advantage keynotes As a Member of USRider Members information on how to take advantage of Equestrian Motor Plan, you the many benefits. have access to money-saving dis- With so many discount opportunities, USRider counts — and special access to dozens of nationally Members can easily save the cost of their member- Me m ber S recognized equestrian retailers— through the Win- ship and more! ner’s Circle Advantage benefits program. tory The special “Members only” section of the USRider website describes these benefits. They in-

clude exclusive discounts and other valuable incen- travels safe tives when making purchases from benefit partners. USRider Members also have access to these benefits through a printed brochure enclosed in membership kits and renewal mailings. Simple instructions and access codes provide USRider hints hauling

As a USRider Member, you have access to numerous discounts through Winner’s Circle Advantage. Click on the video at right to hear more. desti NATIONS horsekeeping on-the-go gear on-the-go USR Co mm unity 1 2 benefits USR USR BENEFITS

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Farm & Stable Equipment Apparel and Accessories keynotes & Supplies Staywarm–Staycool is the online link to TechNiche International, the world’s Stall wall-kicking and leading manufacturer of innovative

door-pawing are dangerous Me m ber S climate-control products designed habits that can result in seri- to keep riders and their Horses ous damage to stalls and severe injuries to Horses. comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. tory QuitKick stops stall-kicking and door-pawing humane- TechNiche’s rider-apparel line includes both heating ly, effectively, and without the need for any human and cooling garments. Staywarm-Staycool.com has interaction between Horse and caretaker. To stop

partnered with USRider to offer a 15% discount to travels safe these habits, QuitKick uses controlled water jets acti- all Members, with free shipping on orders over $40. vated by the Horse’s kicking, pawing, and/or banging Browse the TechNiche product line on the website. action on the door or walls. USRider Members re- ceive a 10% discount on all QuitKick products. Trailers/Trailer Accessories

Natural Hoof Care Compa- SportChassis, the Ameri- hints hauling ny announces the launch can brand of heavy-duty of Paddock Patch, first-aid pickups whose name goes hand in hand with luxury, for board fencing. Paddock Patch is the first emer- strength, and pride, is recognized by the United States gency-fence-fix product on the market, allowing Department of Transportation as the Original Equip- property owners to easily patch broken fence with- ment Manufacturer of the SportChassis, which is its desti out any tools. Paddock Patch is made from fade-re- own vehicle line/make. This means value certainty of NATIONS sistant, woven elastic webbing with nickel-plated your SportChassis when insuring or reselling, peace grommets and hooks. Paddock Patch is made to of mind knowing that you can get bumper-to-bumper stretch 6 to 8 feet between fence posts to tempo- warranty and service work at any Freightliner service rarily repair broken fence boards. Made in the USA, point, and overall satisfaction of ownership. USRider horsekeeping Paddock Patch is currently available in black or white members receive $5,000 worth of add-ons and acces- to match your existing fence. Suggested retail price sories when purchasing a new SportChassis truck. is $39.95. USRider Members receive a 10% dis- Protect your count, plus free shipping. Visit the website to find a horse-trailer in- dealer near you. vestment with a high-quality protective cover from gear on-the-go Health Care Beverly Bay, Inc. Reduce cleaning time and help maintain trailer-resale value. The covers, available Horse Health USA offers in custom-fit and universal-fit patterns, are resistant 3,000-plus horse-health to ultraviolet rays and fully breathable. Each cover and related products, Super comes with a two- to five-year warranty (material USR

Saver prices and free shipping on many items (non- specific). A free s torage bag is included. Pricing is Co mm FOB). Plus, as a USRider Member, you get a free based on vehicle length. Beverly Bay has almost 50 unity horse dewormer with your $99-plus order. Visit the years experience. USRider Members receive a 10% website for a free catalog or to place your order. discount on all Beverly Bay horse-trailer covers. USR benefits

If there’s a company or product you’d like to see included in the Winner’s Circle Advantage benefits program, USR

please send an e-mail to [email protected]. BENEFITS

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