Usrider Equestrian Motor Plan Your Quarterly Guide to Trailer Safety

USRider Equestrian Motor Plan

TM HITCHFall 2011 UP! Your Quarterly Guide to Trailer Safety & Travel

Published by AIM Equine Network

Keynotes This issue: In-transit long-distance hauling guide; how to merge; railroad-crossing brochure PDF; 5 trailer-storage tips; and more. 5 Member Story Stuck & Alone. This lone traveler was stuck on the road with her three horses, until she remembered to 9 call USRider.

Trailer Clinic Tie a Quick-Release Knot. Here’s how to secure your horse in the trailer with a knot you can quickly 12 untie in case of emergency. Step-by-step photos!

Destinations Ride the Rockies! Hitch up, and haul out to Transfer Horse Camp, located in the San Juan Mountains near 1314 Mancos, Colorado. Bonus slideshow! Road Savvy Rig Security. Here are four products designed to help keep your rig secure, from a locking 16 trailer jack to a key keeper. 14 On-the-Go Gear This issue: Leather head bumper; portable safety cones; all-in-one GPS unit; trailer-door organizer; 18 supplement paste; hay-and-gear bag. 20 Hauling Hints Trailer Weight Demystified. Here's what you need to know about your trailer’s weight, so you can 20 select the right tow vehicle for safety and control.

USRider Community This issue: Sign up for AutoRenew; be cautious on limited-access roads; know your location; 22 save the dates for large animal rescue training. 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 invalu- able components of USRider, we capitalize the words “Member” and USRider Benefits “Horse” where these words relate to our membership program. USRider recognizes benefits partners in the money-saving Winner’s Circle Advantage 24 Benefits Program. Bonus video! COVER PHOTO BY HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO 2 USRider Equestrian Motor Plan CLICK CORNER Welcome to Hitch Up! TO TURN PAGE

Welcome to the Fall 2011 issue of Hitch Up! KEYNOTES magazine, brought to you by the talented staffs FallHitc 2011 destinations of Active Interest Media Equine Network, USRider Your QuarterlyH Guide to Trailer Safety & Travel Equestrian Motor Plan, and EquiSearch.com. up! TM In this issue, you’ll learn how to tie a quick-

Ride the MEMBER STORY release knot, keep your rig secure, and determine your trailer’s weight so you can select the right tow Rockies! It´s vehicle. FREE to We also take you to a heavenly horse camp in Subscribe! the Rockies and relate a story about a Member who Not a subscriber? ran out of fuel while hauling three horses. Click on the sub- TRAILER CLINIC Plus, don’t miss our safety tips, trailering gear, scribe icon on any USRider Community news, USRider Member benefits, and more! page, or see page 26. Safety News •

Published by AIM Member Equine Network Story •

On-the-Go Gear • DESTINATIONS Road Savvy • USRider Community • USRider Benefits •

Functionality Communication Navigation ROAD SAVVY

Click to Zoom E-Mail Us Turn Page Click to enlarge Click this icon. Click any corner any element on the page. to turn the page. Subscribe GEAR ON-THE-GO Click to Click for your free Home Start Video subscription to Hitch Up! quarterly Click here to online magazine. return to the table of contents. Click to Stop Video Navigation Bar HAULING HINTS PLUS! More ways to make the On every page is a direct link most of Hitch Up! to each section. Just roll your Information Use the new tools below each page to: mouse over a selection and • Go to any page in this issue. click! Click for More • Send this issue to a friend, or to your Click to view the favorite social network. COMMUNITY USR rest of the story and/or more • Download a PDF. information. • Save or send a clipping.

These tools This publication may briefly summarize some of the benefits of USRider Membership. In the event of a conflict between this publication and the appear on USRider Service Contract, the Service Contract shall control. Copies of the Service Contract are available at www.usrider.org. USRider does not every page USR BENEFITS 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.

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Our corrals are made of high-impact engineering grade HDPE resin, ultrasonically welded and hydraulic pressed. The portable stall can stand alone or be secured to a horse trailer with the included brackets. Free Shipping! Made in the USA! Ships UPS ground

www.carrilitecorrals.com • 1-888-337-77874 (SPUR) • [email protected] Keynotes•Safety News KEYNOTES The Long Haul KEYNOTES Last issue, we gave you long-distance hauling preparation the risks can outweigh those benefits.. Wearing shipping tips. This issue, we’ll give you important guidelines for long- boots/bandages for several hours may decrease blood distance travel. flow, increase heat, and cause sores. Thus, generally it's • Arrange overnight stabling. If you’ll be traveling more not advisable to use shipping boots/bandages for long- MEMBER STORY than 24 hours, make arrangements for overnight stabling distance hauling. for your horse. • Drive with care. Standing in a horse trailer takes a lot of • Reduce grain. On the day of travel, prior to loading, the effort. It’s a constant balancing act for your horse, as the horse’s normal routine should be followed with one excep- transport vehicle increases and decreases speed, and ma-

tion: Grain intake should be reduced or eliminated imme- neuvers into and out of traffic. It’s especially important to TRAILER CLINIC diately prior to and during transport. gradually increase and decrease speeds, change lanes, and • Provide bedding. Make and maintain a good layer of turn corners much more slowly than with a non-towing bedding in the horse compartment throughout travel. This vehicle. Even with good driving, your horse will get tired will help absorb moisture from urine and manure as well during transport and need a break. as reduce the likelihood of slipping. • Take a break. Take a parking break of 20 minutes or more • Provide hay. Your horse should have the opportunity to roughly every four hours. The stopped break gives your DESTINATIONS eat his normal hay as he travels. The act of chewing will horse an opportunity to relax in the trailer and “unlock” his help keep your horse occupied and digesting to help main- legs. Park in a well-shaded area and, if safe, increase ventila- tain gut function. If hanging a hay net, hay bag, or feeder, tion by opening drop-down windows and upper doors. make certain that it is at chest height or higher (preferably • Keep him onboard. During parking breaks, keep your

higher for hay nets). horse in the trailer for his own safety. ROAD SAVVY • Avoid a nylon halter. Your horse should wear a well- • Check him over. Also during breaks, check your horse’s fitted leather halter or a nylon halter with a breakaway overall health and demeanor. Carefully check him for signs feature during all transport. Consider adding fleece halter of colic, heat/cold stress, and dehydration. Offer water, tubes to help prevent rubbing and sores. refill the hay supply, and adjust your trailer’s ventilation, as

• Avoid shipping boots. The use of shipping boots/ban- necessary. GEAR ON-THE-GO dages can be of benefit as they protect the horse’s lower • Stop for the night. During overnight offloads, monitor leg during transport. However, during lengthy transport, your horse’s health carefully, and allow him free choice access to water. Continue to reduce or eliminate his grain intake, and Take a parking break allow him to eat ample HAULING HINTS of 20 minutes or more amounts of the hay roughly every four to which he’s accus- hours. The stopped tomed. break gives your horse — Reprinted with

an opportunity to permission of the COMMUNITY USR relax in the trailer and Kentucky Horse “unlock” his legs. Park Council in a well-shaded area. If safe, increase ventilation by opening drop-down windows and upper USR BENEFITS doors. BETSY LYNCH PHOTO More Keynotes ➽

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 5 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE Keynotes•Safety Tips Blend Right In Failing to use merge lanes and exit When you start to ramps properly not only disrupts traf- merge, signal and fic, but also contributes to numerous accelerate, use accidents. Safe travel on a freeway is all your mirrors, and about flow, and anything that disrupts adjust your speed the flow of traffic can cause an accident. to match the traffic While driving too fast is a problem, driv- flow. ing too slow can be, as well. Driving safely is important for everyone’s safety and welfare, but it’s particularly important for vehicles that are towing trailers. “Merging into interstate traffic with a horse trailer is a part of trailering that requires full concentration,” said Tomas Gimenez, Dr. Med. Vet., a noted expert in large-animal emergency res- at the vehicles cue. “It can easily take a quarter-mile ahead of you to on level ground for a heavy truck and make sure they trailer to reach 65 miles-per-hour, and HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO PHOTOS CLiX PHOTO aren’t stopping or most access ramps aren’t that long, so slowing unexpect- you may be going 40 to 50 mph when sides are a must for checking traffic in edly. Allow extra distance between you merge. Fortunately, most will try to your blind spots.) you and the vehicle ahead to prevent move over to accommodate you.” Step 2. Signal and accelerate. Sig- a rear-end collision in case someone USRider offers these steps for nal, and accelerate as close as possible stops. Also, check to see how much executing a safe merge: to the speed of the other vehicles. shoulder space is ahead as an emer- Step 1. Use your mirrors. As you Step 3. Check again. Keep checking gency option. drive in the merge lane or on-ramp, the freeway traffic by looking in your Step 5. Gradually increase speed. use your mirrors to check traffic speed. side view mirror and over your shoul- Gradually increase your speed at the (Before starting a trip, check to ensure der, being sure to check that no one is acceleration lane. You shouldn’t cross that your mirrors are properly adjust- in your blind spot. the white or yellow solid line separat- ed. In addition, convex mirrors on both Step 4. Look ahead. Keep glancing ing the acceleration lane from the freeway. Step 6. Find a gap. Find a gap in the Don’t Be a ‘Puffer’ traffic flow before attempting to enter. Idling gets zero miles per gallon. According to Be sure the gap is large enough for ConsumerEnergyCenter.org, 10 seconds of idling uses your tow vehicle and trailer. P Step 7. Go with the flow. Before en- more gas than restarting your car or truck, and two Green Tip minutes of idling uses as much gas as driving a mile. tering a traffic flow, adjust your speed Not to mention the damage idling can cause to cylinders. USR to the flow’s speed. — Excerpted from Eco-Horsekeeping: Over 100 Budget-Friendly Ways You Step 8. Turn off your signal. When and Your Horse Can Save the Planet you reach the thru lane, turn off your turn signal. USR

6 Keynotes•USRider Updates KEYNOTES KEYNOTES Railroad Crossing Tips Railroad-Crossing Brochure Available for Equestrians

PROVIDED IN THE INTERES

In light of the hazards associated with railroad crossings and trains, Operation Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (O remind equestrians an especially cau LI) and USRider Equestr tious aroundd drivers railroad of vehicles pull INFORMATION FOR TOWING HORSE TRAILERS:ian Motor Plan T OF SAFETY Recent research into 400 tracks and trains.ing horse trailers to be Lifesaver, Inc. and USRider have teamed up to develop Railroad Crossing Tips nate number invo INFORMATION FOR EQUESTRIANS railroad crossin lving gooseneck horse trailers horse incidents trai sho RAILROAD TRACKS A human and equinegs. Nearly all of these i SIDE OF THEM ARE guidelines. ND THE RIGHT OF WAY O life. To avoid tragedy, lers becomingwed an stuck inordi- on I Ride only on a ncidents resulted in loss o PRIVATE PROPERTY. IF YOU SEE A TRAIN COMING, WAIT! extremely dangerous to I n authorized and clearly m Don’t be tempte remember the following also considered tresp N EITHER may be closer a f d to try to beat a train. An app I Never assume the tra ride on or near railroad tra for Equestrians, a resource with tips for safely approaching and crossing railroad I assing, which is ille arked trail. Not only is i A vehicle pull nd traveling faster than appears to be grow crossing than you an ck is no longer in use, ing a horse trailer may tak I Never attempt to cross rail gal. cks, but it is t I Trains cannot it appears.roaching train ing between the rails MEMBER STORY ticipated. than a clear 55 miles per hour takes even if foliage stop quickly. The aver e more time to clear a access cros ly marked highway-railroad tracks at any. plac fields. If th I A hoof can sing.get cau the train. e locomotive engineer can see y a mile or moreage to freight stop. Th train travel It is best to dismo grade crossinge or other public tracks while towing a horse trailer. I At multiple trac ght in the gap between crossing. Your view of a second train ing at unt and lead your horse ac k crossings, the numb ou, it’s tooat’s late 18 football to sto TRAINS CAN SURPRISE YOU AND YOUR HORS proceed until y rail and road surface. I Modern trai DON’T GET STUCK ON THE TRACK! ross the railroad ou can see clearly may inbe both blockeder dof tracks by the will fi be shown p Don’t count onns runhearin swiftly and quietly o I Low- clearance equipmen approach crossings, wh es. irections. rst. Do not . I Locomotive engineers gg the old-time “clickety-clack grade. Assume the war n solid-weld steel rails. In a review of more than 400 horse-trailer accidents, the accidents involving ere tracks aret higher can get tha stuck on horn at all track is meant fo E they see a hazardcrossings. (such They a also will blo I “humped” enerally are required to b ” sound as one Before you cross, br you. Findning an sign altern beforen the a railroa road the tracks fo trailer to complet I Always expectr safety).a s a horse and ride low the train overhang tracks by ate sureleas there is room on th w the horn as a war ate route! d in either di ely clear the tracks train! Trains can run on a r riding too close to at least 15 feet rection! ning if I e other side for your trains had a very high likelihood of a human or equine fatality. If you must cross Be especially c between yourt 3 feettrailer on an bothwithout sides. stopping. Fo Trains YOU CAN HELP OPERATION LIFESAVER farm-rail cro ny track, at any time, areful if you must travel a SAVE LIVES! bells or gates.ssing that is not equipped d the nearestr rail.safety, leave I Never stop on tracks to cross a private access SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION. DON’T LOSE YOUR LOAD OR A withLIFE! warning signs, lights It’s free. Acro are available to speak I Check hitch pins to open or close gates! ss the nation certified bus operators, , railroad tracks. to student drivers, professi railroad tracks, proceed cautiously, especially when the tracks are higher than I ensure they cannot di VOLUNTEER! general motorists, an Operation Lifesaver Presen Secure loads insid while crossing. Would you like e the trailer so mate slodge while crossing d 4-H and communityonal drivers, group school I message i to help deliver Operation Lifes ters Avoid tips and an Operationn your Lifesaver community? Pre Find properly lined up with rials are not dislodged spills. Make sure your veh VISIT s. I Weather Visit www.oli.org or call senter or outAssoci about becomingaver’s safety train muffle the conditions sound of ancreate the additional crossing before you icle and the trailer are 1-800-537-6224 to the road grade. crossings slick when ate. ed as proceed. USRider Equestri Operation Lifesaver, Inc GET OUT! GET AWAY! approaching train.hazards. Rain Snowo or fo contact your State Coordi I roads are not. an Motor Plan, visit www.u If your horse trail ., at animals out an r ice can makeg can nator. To contact er becomes stuck on the I Call the emerg d far away from the tr srider.org.

crossing, or n TRAILER CLINIC ency notification number postedtracks, get people and 1420 King Street, Suite 401 If the horse trailer becomes lodged on a railroad crossing, call the emer- six digits plus aotify l law enforcement. Lo acks immediately. Alexandria, Virginia 22314-275 etter, to identify the cro on or near the TF ok for a US DOT numb 1-800-537-6224 0 PH ssing. 703-739-0308 FX er, 703-519-82 W gency notification number posted on or near the crossing, or call 911 or local www.oli.org67 law enforcement. Evacuate all humans and animals from the towing vehicle and trailer. It takes a mile or more for a train to stop, so if a train is approaching, stay put until the train passes. Download your copy of The brochure is available for download on both the OLI website and the this important document USRider website. USR from the USRider website. DESTINATIONS

Trailer-Storage Tips

Before you store your trailer for the winter, perform plus hinges and jack stands. Note: On oil-lubricated hubs, ROAD SAVVY preventive maintenance. This is important not only in case the upper part on each roller bearing isn’t immersed in oil, an emergency arises, but also to ensure that your trailer will so it’s subject to potential corrosion. be in optimal shape for the upcoming riding season. Follow • Store indoors or cover. If possible, store your trailer these trailer-storage-preparation tips: inside, out of the elements. If inside storage isn’t available, • Take stock. Evaluate the trailer’s tires, emergency break- purchase a trailer cover. Cover the tires, as well. Trailer and GEAR ON-THE-GO away battery, and overall condition. Make any needed tire covers are available through trailer and RV dealers. repairs and upgrades. Check the contents of equine and • Offset weight. After your trailer is in position, jack it human first-aid kits. Replace depleted and out-of-date up, and place jack stands under the trailer frame so that items. (For a veterinarian-recommended list of items for the weight will be off the tires. Follow the manufacturer’s

an equine first-aid kit, visitwww.usrider.org .) guidelines to lift and support the unit. Never jack up or HAULING HINTS • Baby the battery. Remove the place jack stands on the axle tube emergency breakaway battery, or equalizers. For maximum bear- and store it inside. Charge the ing life, revolve the wheels every battery at least every 90 days. two to three weeks during periods • Wash and wax. Thoroughly of prolonged storage. USR USR COMMUNITY USR wash and clean your trailer’s interior and exterior, and wax its painted surfaces. Before you store your • Oil moving parts. Lubricate trailer for the winter, mechanical moving parts, such perform preventive maintenance to ensure that it’ll

as the hitch and suspension parts USR BENEFITS that are exposed to the weather, be in optimal shape for the upcoming riding season. HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO PHOTO

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 7 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE FS_horselink_pg_r4tech_11 5/5/11 4:10 PM Page 1

The R4Tech suspension is a unique combination of Firestone Airide™ air springs, steel leaf springs and load adaptive shocks that automatically adjust to the load you are carrying. • Delivers optimum ride comfort and load management, whether the truck is fully loaded or empty • Automatically adjusts to maintain a level vehicle stance • Kneeling feature lowers truck approximately 5" at bumper

Without R4Tech - With R4Tech - Bad Weight Distribution, Automatic Leveling, Poor Ride Controlled Ride

See an informational video at: 1.800.888.0650 www.firestoneip.com/HL MEMBERSTORY Member Story Stuck & Alone KEYNOTES I first heard about USRider when I I try to plan my trips so that I’m not This lone trav- stopped overnight at the A and B Horse on the road more than five or six hours MEMBER STORY Hostelry near Redding, California, en per day. On the last day of this trip, I’d MEMBER STORY eler was stuck on route from my home in Oregon to the planned to get an early start and drive a ranch in Blythe, California, where I little longer than I usually do to arrive at spend my winters. my destination before dark. the road with her I thought USRider sounded like South of Bakersfield, I turned east on a wonderful program, especially for I-10 toward Blythe, eager to be off the someone like me who often travels road. I was between Palm Springs and TRAILER CLINIC three horses, until alone with three horses, so I signed up. Indio when I realized my pickup was low on fuel. she remembered Out of Fuel I took the next exit and had just I completely forgot about my cover- made it to the gas-station entrance age until almost a year later when when my truck ran out of fuel and DESTINATIONS to call USRider. I was again traveling from Oregon abruptly died. It was partially blocking to Southern California with my three the entrance and partially on the road, Missouri Fox Trotters, Boots, Salty Dog, where we were in danger of being hit and Sunny. by other vehicles. I went to the station and filled a gas can with diesel fuel. I poured ROAD SAVVY the fuel into the tank, but my truck “I thought USRider sounded like a wouldn’t start. Little did I know wonderful program, especially for that diesel trucks can be very hard someone like me who often travels to start if they run out of fuel. alone with three Missouri Fox Trotters,” Some trucks have hand pumps GEAR ON-THE-GO writes Member Lauren Sargent. to pump fuel to the carburetor; From left to right: Sargent’s horses, unfortunately, my truck isn’t one of Boots, Salty Dog, and Sunny. them. With my truck, it’s necessary More Member Story ➽ HAULING HINTS USR COMMUNITY USR USR BENEFITS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN SARGENT

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 9 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE MEMBERSTORY If you are not already a USRider Member YOU SHOULD BE!

Join today and ride safely with a membership that includes: • 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance • 100 miles free towing radius • Flat tire service on dual wheels • Emergency stabling assistance • Emergency veterinarian referrals • Emergency farrier referrals • Coverage in any vehicle

Ready to hitch up with USRider? Simply call Nationwide Trailering Assistance 1-800-844-1409 OR CLICK HERE.

(800) 844-1409 WWW.USRIDER.ORG 10 Administered by Motor Club of America Enterprises, Inc. Story and photos Trailer Clinic by Michelle Anderson Tie a Quick-Release Knot Here’s how to secure your horse in the trailer with a knot you can B A B A quickly untie in case of emergency.

If you choose to tie your horse in the trailer, or need to tie him outside of the trailer, be sure to use a quick-release knot. Here’s one that’s safe, fast to tie, and easy to undo. In an emergency situation, a firm tug on the end of the lead rope will untie the knot and free a panicked or trapped horse. Practice these five steps until tying the knot becomes second nature to you.

Step 1. Loop the tail end of the lead Step 2. Pinch A and B together in Lock rope over a hitching rail, around a your right hand. sturdy post, or through a tie ring. Think That of the end of the rope hooked to the Knot halter as “A” and the tail end of the rope “B.” Click the lock to find out how.

12 Member Story Continued resources to help me. She offered to have my horses taken to a nearby USRider Wants Your Feedback to bleed the air out of the fuel lines to stable and my truck towed to a repair Do you have an idea for a story? KEYNOTES get the engine started again. facility. Since I was fairly close to my We’d love to hear it. We’re always Feeling Helpless destination, I opted instead to have looking for topics of interest to our readers — and, that’s you. As my truck was blocking the road, both my rig and my horses taken to Much of the information in I called 9-1-1 and explained to the op- the ranch in Blythe. MEMBER STORY each issue of Hitch Up! comes MEMBER STORY erator that I was pulling a horse trailer I had to pay part of the towing bill from our unique perspective as with three horses. because of the distance involved, but I the only motor plan to provide She called a tow truck, but either was just glad to be on my way “home,” emergency roadside assistance to she didn’t explain the situation fully where my animals and I would all be horse owners. Our staff members or the tow-company dispatcher didn’t safe. — with their experiences at USRid- listen very well. The dispatcher sent out I can’t say enough good things about TRAILER CLINIC er and as horse owners — along a tow truck that could haul my pickup, the service I received from USRider. with our Members and readers, but didn’t help at all with the trailer Without its help, I don’t know how I are the driving force behind what and horses. would’ve gotten my horses to safety. we publish in Hitch Up! A couple of people stopped and I’ll never again venture out on the This is your magazine, and we tried to help, but didn’t know how to road pulling a horse trailer without encourage you to have a voice. DESTINATIONS get my truck running. the protection of USRider. I tell every Please e-mail your feedback, It was almost dark. I was worried, horseperson I meet about my positive articles, and story ideas to because I knew my horses were tired, experience with USRider. [email protected]. We also hungry, and thirsty, but there was no — Lauren Sargent love photos and short videos. place to safely unload them. Sweet Home, Oregon

I was feeling very much alone and ROAD SAVVY desperate. I didn’t have any idea how to find a mechanic to get the truck run- Add Trailer Traction ning. I didn’t even know where I was Hoof boots not only help when I exited the freeway. your horse gain traction on A California Highway Patrol officer GEAR ON-THE-GO the trail, but also they help tried to help, but was also unable to him keep from slipping while get the truck started. He did put traffic riding in the trailer, especially cones around the truck and offered to as you turn corners, and drive stay with me until help was on the way. up and down hills. I can’t think of a more helpless Even if you have trailer HAULING HINTS feeling than standing there in the dark, mats, the boots’ extra grip a thousand miles from home and not can enhance traction and help being able to get my three horses to him feel secure. They can also safety. help him avoid injuries from

A Friendly Voice slipping or bumping into the COMMUNITY USR The situation looked pretty dismal. trailer’s sides. Note that shav- Then I remembered my USRider ings atop trailer mats can be membership! I called, and immediately especially slippery, so if you there was a friendly voice on the other use this bedding, consider end of the line. hoof boots for extra grip. HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO PHOTO I spoke with a woman who un- — Heidi Nyland Melocco Hoof boots can help your horse keep his USR BENEFITS derstood my problem and had the footing while riding in the trailer.

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 11 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE STORY AND PHOTOS Trailer Clinic BY MICHELLE ANDERSON Tie a Quick-Release Knot Here’s how to secure your horse in the trailer with a knot you can B A B A quickly untie in case of emergency.

Step 1. Loop the tail end of the lead Step 2. Pinch A and B together in Lock rope over a hitching rail, around a your right hand. sturdy post, or through a tie ring. Think That of the end of the rope hooked to the halter as “A” and the tail end of the Knot rope “B.” Click here to find out how.

12 KEYNOTES

Tie a Quick-Release Knot MEMBER STORY

B TRAILER CLINIC TRAILER CLINIC

B A B A DESTINATIONS A

A ROAD SAVVY ON-THE-GO GEAR ON-THE-GO

B B HAULING HINTS

Step 3. With your left hand, make a Step 4. Push the tail end of B around Step 5. Tighten the knot by pulling loop with B. the pinched-together portions of A and on A. B, creating a second loop with the tail USR COMMUNITY USR end of B. Pull the new loop through the original loop. USR BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 13 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE STORY AND PHOTOS BY Destinations KENT & CHARLENE KRONE Ride the Rockies! Destination: Transfer Horse Camp, Creek Trail (No. 615) begins a little Hitch up, and haul located approximately nine miles north north of camp, merging with the Mor- of the town of Mancos on Forest Rd. rison Trail for the first half mile. You’ll out to Transfer 561. This is a graveled road in fairly come to a well-marked junction. Turn good condition. Look for signs for left, and head south for the Chicken Transfer Campground. The horse camp Creek Trail, or turn right for the Mor- Horse Camp, in is across the road, on the left. rison Trail. Overview: Transfer Horse Camp of- The Chicken Creek Trail is an Colorado’s San fers large, roomy corrals, water, camp- extremely pleasant, fun trail to ride. ing spaces, and multiple riding trails There are curves, twists, and occasional straight from camp. There are three easy stream crossings. A soft dirt trail Juan Mountains. spacious wooden corrals, but note that with few rocks works its way up onto this is a primitive campground, with a ridge. There, you can see the Mesa no electricity or potable water. Water Verde Plateau to the southwest and the for horses is available from a nearby La Plata Mountains to the east. Eight The Chicken Creek Trail is an creek; potable water is available from miles up you’ll find Jackson Gulch Res- extremely pleasant, fun trail to a pump across the road in the regular ervoir at Mancos State Park, a perfect ride. There are curves, twists, and campground. spot for a picnic and a relaxing stretch. occasional easy stream crossings. Chicken Creek Trail: The Chicken Morrison Trail: Start out as though you’re heading to the Chicken Creek Trail, but at the junction, turn right, and head north on the Mor- rison Trail. About seven miles later, the trail climbs to Haycamp Mesa (elevation 9,785 feet). Here, the trail continues down into Lost Canyon. After Lost Canyon, the trail descends into the Dolores River

14 KEYNOTES

Ride the Rockies! MEMBER STORY Click left for a slideshow of Kent and Charlene Krones’

trail-riding adven- TRAILER CLINIC tures from Transfer Horse Camp near Mancos, Colorado. DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS ROAD SAVVY ON-THE-GO GEAR ON-THE-GO

valley and merges with the Bear Creek can turn right onto a small, two-track and to the left (east) is the West Mancos HAULING HINTS Trail, eventually terminating at the trail that branches from the main road Trail. The West Mancos Trail descends Morrison trailhead at Wallace Ranch. and follow a ridge overlooking the steeply in a series of switchbacks until The one-way riding distance is about 9 Mancos River Valley; views of Mount it reaches the valley floor. A couple of to 10 miles and is rated as moderately Hesperus loom in the distance. the switchbacks were a little tricky, and

difficult. West Mancos Trail: This trail is noted the valley floor trail was very overgrown COMMUNITY USR Aspen Loop Trail: To reach the for meandering through some of the with brush. USR Aspen Loop trailhead, ride a half mile world’s largest aspen trees. Fall is the due east on the road that passes by premier time to see these giant aspen. Seasoned trail riders and equine pho- the main “non-horse” campground. The West Mancos Trail begins its descent tojournalists Kent and Charlene Krone The road ends at a large turnaround into the West River Mancos Valley. With- enjoy sharing their riding adventures and gated trail. This is the Aspen Loop in three-quarters of a mile, it divides; to in the United States and Canada. USR BENEFITS trailhead. After three miles or so, you the right (west) is the Box Canyon Trail

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 15 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE BY H. KENT SUNDLING Road Savvy Rig Security You’ve invested thousands of dollars I found the jack easy to install. Just Here are four in your truck and trailer. When you support the trailer tongue, remove park at a horse show or trailhead, your the three bolts supporting the existing products designed unattended rig is vulnerable to thieves. jack, replace the jack with this product, No lock, alarm, or deterrent will totally and add the crank. To lock, lift up the stop an experienced thief. But if your jack’s crank handle while pushing on to help keep your rig looks like it’ll take a while to steal, the lock. The jack’s crank will then just thieves may go to the next easy victim. spin, making it difficult to impossible to rig secure, from a Here are four items to help deter truck/ unhitch your trailer. trailer theft. Wheel-Lock System locking trailer jack Locking Trailer Jack To further deter theft, use the lock- This Locking Trailer Jack from Rack ing trailer jack (above) with Rack ’Em ’Em Manufacturing, Inc. (click on Manufacturing, Inc.’s Lock’em Mag- to a key keeper. “Enclosed Trailer Rack,” and look for num Wheel Lock (click on “Enclosed part number RA-29) disengages your Trailer Rack,” and look for part number trailer jack to deter theft. The jack, for RA-25). This clamping system immo- bumper-pull trailers only, is rated at bilizes your trailer and/or truck wheel. 5,000 pounds. It has 15 inches of lift You can lock two wheels together, and a stainless-steel locking mecha- sized from 12 to 20 inches. It’ll even nism. It comes with a weather cap to fit some steering wheels. The product cover the lock. uses the same technique as the immo-

Locking Trailer Jack Wheel Lock System

16 KEYNOTES

Instead, store your keys in the Hitch- Safe, a key keeper with a combination

lock that fits in your truck’s two-inch MEMBER STORY receiver hitch (front or rear). HitchSafe is essentially a weatherproof drawer with a combination lock. The product looks like an ordinary hitch dust cover. Foam spacers seal the drawer, and a

Tailgate Lock TRAILER CLINIC hard plastic cover protects the combi- bilizing “boots” that law-enforcement deter theft. Made from zinc-coated steel, nation dials. This drawer is also a great personnel place on vehicles belonging it’s easy to install over the tailgate hinge place to securely stash cash, credit to parking-ticket scofflaws. socket. It fits 1999 to current Dodge, cards, your driver’s license, and other Ford, GM, Toyota Tundra, and other small valuables. USR Tailgate Lock model pickups. DESTINATIONS A new theft target is your truck’s tail- H. Kent Sundling is a well-known gate. Replacing your tailgate is expen- Key Keeper automotive journalist who reviews sive. Tailgates on newer trucks lift out of When you’re on the road, it’s tempt- trucks, trailers, and accessories for one hinge corner, then slide out, making ing to leave your keys under your magazines and websites. He travels them easy for thieves to remove. In fact, seat or in a magnetic holder under the country test-driving new trucks, ROAD SAVVYROAD they can steal your tailgate in less than your truck, and hope that there are no towing trailers, and reviewing horse- ROAD SAVVY five seconds.Watchdog Tailgate Lock is thieves lurking around. Thieves depend trailer factories. a patented tailgate bracket designed to on this line of reasoning to swoop in.

Key Keeper GEAR ON-THE-GO HAULING HINTS USR COMMUNITY USR USR BENEFITS

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 17 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE BY LAUREN ANNE BACK On-the-Go Gear Portable Safety Cones The retractable safety cone is a compact, yet important, safety tool. Made of bright and reflective material for high visibility, these orange cones from Professional’s Choice col- lapse flat for easy, compact storage to save space. They can also be used as a portable training tool for riders on the go. Available in two sizes. Cost: $15.95- $19.95.

Head Protection All-in-One GPS Unit Cashel’s Horse Helmet is designed to help prevent your Looking for a global positioning system that combines horse from suffering severe injury resulting from dangerous vehicle and trail navigation in one unit? Rugged and wa- head tossing in the trailer. Helmets feature a foam insert at terproof, the eXplorist 710 from Magellan combines high- the poll, and soft, hospital-quality felt. With easily adjustable sensitivity GPS reception with elastic straps, it snaps right onto the halter without requiring easy-to-read mapping and removal. Cost: $24.95. accurate navigation. It includes a complete road network in the United States and Canada. The inte- grated 3.2 mega-pixel camera, microphone, and speaker enable you to record geo- referenced images and voice notes. After your trip, relive your adventures on the device, or on your computer, and share with others online. Cost: $539.99.

18 Trailer-Door Organizer KEYNOTES The Doorganizer is a handy tool for getting organized in your trailer. Its clever design allows you to store all of your grooming and trailer necessities. Pockets in a variety of sizes optimize space and maximize conve- MEMBER STORY nience. Show and health papers can be stored in the removable zippered pocket. Insulated pockets offer short-term temperature control, while separate holders for a scraper, Vetrap, and towel

loop provide easy access. Mounting hardware is TRAILER CLINIC included. Cost: $44.95.

Hay-and-Gear Bag DESTINATIONS Perfect for packing light, this deluxe hay/gear bag from EasyCare Inc. holds up to two regular flakes of hay, as well as other travel necessities. This six-compartment bag is made from waterproof denier and heavy-duty zippers. Ny- lon carrying and hanging straps are removable and adjust- ROAD SAVVY able. The hay opening has a zip-close cover for mess-free transportation. Cost: $65.00. ON-THE-GO GEAR ON-THE-GO ON-THE-GO GEAR ON-THE-GO

Supplement Paste

Travel and competition can be tough on your horse. HAULING HINTS SmartShip & Show Paste can help him cope with the de- mands of trailering, competing, and other stresses. This comprehensive formula provides electrolytes, fiber and Vi- tamin C, and other ingredients designed to promote optimal

well-being and performance. This formulation also supports COMMUNITY USR a healthy muscle metabolism and immune system, while boosting your horse’s digestive and gastrointestinal-tract PHOTO COURTESY OF EASYCARE INC. function. Cost: $13.95.

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 — USR BENEFITS be sure to include the manufacturer name and your contact information.

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 19 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE BY NEVA KITTRELL SCHEVE Hauling Hints Trailer Weight Demystified Our expert explains what you need to know about your trailer’s weight, so you can select

HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO PHOTO the right tow You need to know the loaded weight of your trailer so you can select a tow vehicle that will be capable of hauling it safely. vehicle for safety You need to know the loaded weight Trailer Plus Cargo of your trailer so you can select a tow The Gross Vehicle Weight is the vehicle that will be capable of hauling combined weight of your trailer, and control. it safely. Here’s an inside look at how horses, and cargo. Trailer manufactur- trailer weights are measured, and what ers rate each trailer based on how this means to you. much GVW it can safely tow. This is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Empty Weight You’ll find the GVWR on the trailer The Curb Weight or Empty Weight is sticker. It’s important to know this rat- what your trailer weighs with no cargo. ing, so you don’t overload your trailer. Sometimes, the manufacturer will list The GVWR is determined by the axle this weight on the Manufacturer’s Cer- and coupler capacities. For instance, tificate of Origin, also called the Manu- if your trailer has two 2,500-pound facturer’s Statement of Origin, or MSO. axles, it’ll be rated to safely carry 5,000 Usually, this will be a general weight pounds, including the trailer weight, for the standard trailer model, and Glossary as long as the trailer’s coupler is also Click here therefore won’t include the weight rated for 5,000 pounds or more. of for a compre- of any options you’ve added to your If the trailer has two 5,000-pound particular trailer. Trailer- hensive list axles, the trailer will be rated at 10,000 The only sure way to know how of important pounds, and so on. Weight much your trailer weighs is to take it to terms. a scale and weigh it. To do this, go to a In Practice Terms gravel yard or commercial scale; don’t If you choose a trailer with the rely on a highway scale. recommended capacity for the horses

20 The Gross Vehicle Weight is the combined weight of your trailer,

horses, and cargo. Trailer manu- KEYNOTES facturers rate each trailer based on how much GVW it can safely tow. This is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. MEMBER STORY TRAILER CLINIC

HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO PHOTO Tow vehicles are assigned a you’ll be hauling, note that your trailer towing-weight capacity by the will most likely not weigh nearly as manufacturer. However, these DESTINATIONS much as the GVWR. capacities are recommended for Let’s say your trailer has a GVWR of hauling a boat or travel trailer/ 5,000 pounds, and the trailer weighs recreational vehicle on flat ter- 2,500 pounds. When you load two rain, not horse trailers. 900-pound horses (1,800 pounds total) CLiX PHOTO into the trailer, the actual weight will be terrain, not horse trailers. the trailer’s GVWR, so you’ll have an ROAD SAVVY 4,300 pounds, well within the capacity You need a bit of a safety mar- extra safety margin. of the trailer. gin, because horses are live, shifting If you do use the actual weight or However, if you load two weights, which add to your towing- GVW when shopping for a tow vehicle, 1,200-pound horses (2,400 pounds capacity needs. add 15 to 20 percent to that number. total) in that same trailer, the trailer When choosing a tow vehicle, use Take into account any planned GEAR ON-THE-GO will weigh 4,900 pounds — dangerously mountain hauling, and increase the close to capacity. tow capacity accordingly. USR Add a bale of hay, water, and tack, and you’ll be overloaded. This will Neva Kittrell Scheve and her husband, cause too much strain on the axles, HAULING HINTS HAULING Tom, have been advocating horse- HAULING HINTS tires, and coupler for your trailer to be trailer safety since 1984. Both have safe. Any or all of these components written numerous articles for Hitch could fail. Up’s sister magazines, Dressage To- So — if you have large horses, you day, Equus, and Horse & Rider, as well must have a trailer with a higher GVWR as Horse Illustrated and Southeast USR COMMUNITY USR that will support their weight. Horse Journal. They’ve held safety Your Tow Vehicle clinics around the country. Neva has Tow vehicles are also assigned a HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO PHOTO written three books on horse trailers, towing-weight capacity by the manu- The tongue weight is the amount of the including The Complete Guide to Buy- facturer. However, these capacities are trailer’s weight that presses down on the ing, Maintaining and Servicing a Horse recommended for hauling a boat or trailer hitch (tag-along) or the rear axle Trailer. They also design and develop USR BENEFITS travel trailer/recreational vehicle on flat (gooseneck). EquiSpirit Trailers.

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 21 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE USRider Community

Sign Up for AutoRenew USRider created the AutoRenew feature to simplify date; this gives USRider time to notify the Member if any bill-paying for its Members. When a Member’s renewal problems are encountered. becomes more than 30 days delinquent, a fee of $29 is as- Keep USRider informed of any changes to your credit sessed to reactivate the membership. With the AutoRenew card. Visit USRider.org, and click on the Members Area; feature, the membership is automatically renewed each year or call the administrative offices, (800) 844-1409, Monday with the credit card the Member has through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 placed on file with USRider. p.m. EST. USRider sends a notification to a Member 30 days prior to the expiration date advising the Member that the account will automatically renew and on With USRider’s AutoRenew which credit card. If the credit card on feature, your member- file has expired, that information will ship will be automatically be included in the letter. The renewal renewed every year using will be charged to the Member’s credit the credit card you’ve card 10 days prior to the expiration placed on file. HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO PHOTO

Rescue Training 2012 Save the dates! Technical Large Ani- mal Emergency Rescue Training offered by USRider through Eastern Kentucky University is set for March 30 to April 1, 2012. There will also be a demonstra- tion on HAZMAT Decontamination of Large Animals held on March 29, 2012. Local and state emergency pre- paredness officials, fire/rescue personnel, first responders, veterinarians, and horse enthusiasts are encouraged to at- tend. If you’re interested in registering for the training, contact EKU at (859) 622-1051. USR If you’re interested in signing up for Tech- nical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training at Eastern Kentucky University, mark and save the dates now. PHOTO COURTESY OF EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

22 USRider Community KEYNOTES

Be Cautious on Limited-Access Roads On toll roads, thruways, turnpikes, ways, but our options and our abilities quick-response time.” MEMBER STORY and other roadways with limited ac- to service them are extremely limited. Long roadside waits are especially cess, service providers trying to render This means they cannot expect help risky when traveling with horses. Your assistance to motorists can encounter to arrive within USRider’s customary horse may become dehydrated, sick, or delays. For this reason, US- panicked.

Rider urges you to use extra In addition, the road au- TRAILER CLINIC caution when using limited- thority’s designated service access roads to lessen the provider may require pay- chance of needing emergen- ment at the time of service. cy roadside assistance. Some accept only cash. Many restricted-access Prior to taking a trip into roadways have an operating an unfamiliar area, check DESTINATIONS authority that uses designat- your route for limited- ed service providers, which access roads, advises Riss. If means that motorists who you’ll be traveling on such find themselves in need of roads, carry extra cash, and

roadside assistance on such stock up on water and feed ROAD SAVVY roads are usually limited to for your horse. using these providers. Plus, Concerned travelers designated providers usually are urged to contact their must be summoned by law- state officials about chang- enforcement authorities. ing practices that limit the GEAR ON-THE-GO “This makes our job consumer’s choice and lead as a motor plan very dif- to unnecessary burdens. ficult,” says Bill Riss, general For additional safety tips, manager for USRider. “Our visit USRider.org, and click Members can call us to sum- on the Equine Travel Safety mon help on these road- Area. USR HAULING HINTS USR COMMUNITY On limited-access roads, COMMUNITY USR such as toll roads, thruways, and turnpikes, USRider is limited in the service it can provide. Check your route for limited-access roads prior to taking a trip into an USR BENEFITS unfamiliar area.

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 23 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE USRider Benefits

Enjoy Fall Savings with USRider Benefits Partners

Winner’s Circle Advantage USRider Members enjoy money- saving discounts through our unique benefits program — Winner’s Circle Advantage. USRider members have access to these benefits directly through the Members Area of the USRider website, as well as through a printed brochure enclosed in each new- Member and renewing-Member packet mailed to all Members. The program is simple to use. Instructions and access codes give Members quick access on “how to shop” with all our WCA partners. With so many discounts, USRider Members As a USRider Member, you have access to numerous discounts can easily save the cost of their annual with nationally recognized equine retailers through Winner’s Circle membership fee! Advantage, USRider’s exclusive members-only benefits program.

Trailers/Trailer Accessories EZ Connector Have you ever had issues with your horse trailer’s lights or brakes? With its innovative electrical connection system for towing, EZ Connector saves you time and money while keeping you and your horse safely on the road. EZ Connector’s patented waterproof, corrosion-free design, along with superior, face-to- face, spring-loaded brass contacts, ensure a reliable, trouble-free connection. As a USRider Member, you’ll receive a free adapter (a $30 value) for your trailer with your truck-adapter purchase. Driving Comfort Driving Comfort specializes in custom-fit products and high- quality accessories for cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles. Whether you haul daily or just on the weekends, these products make any trip safer and more enjoyable. Driving Comfort offers outstanding customer service and a 120-day “no questions asked” money-back guarantee. USRider Members receive a 10% discount on all Driving Comfort orders. Some exclusions apply.

24 USRider Benefits KEYNOTES

Health Care

Equi-Natural Products MEMBER STORY Equi-Natural Products — “Horse Health Naturally” — is the only United States distributor of herbals for horses using a patented, alcohol-free process called Therminfusex. This process incorporates the herbs’ benefits in a stabilized, consistent

form. Voted 2001 Product of the Year by Horse Journal (sister TRAILER CLINIC publication of Hitch Up!), Equi-Natural’s Hormonise (chaste- berry) assists the pituitary and shrinks noncancerous tumors. Navilam‘O’, a combination of devil’s claw and hawthorn, is beneficial for navicular and laminitis. NoBute (devil’s claw) is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps heal soft tissue. USRider

Members receive 5% off orders of two liters or more. USR DESTINATIONS Tack & Equipment Hill View Farms

The folks at Hill View Farms LLC — “Proven Products for ROAD SAVVY Horse and Rider” — field test a wide assortment of equipment and provide only products that they themselves use. You can be assured that you’re getting “Only the Best for the One You Love.” Findings are published yearly in a free catalog filled with

useful information. As a USRider Member, you’ll receive a 10% GEAR ON-THE-GO (maximum $50) discount on all products available through Hill View Farms. For a free catalog, click on the company’s website, above.

Farm/Stable Equipment & Supplies HAULING HINTS Horse Fence Direct Horse Fence Direct offers the finest fencing products in North America, including Advantaboard and Centaur HTP 5” flexible-rail fencing, coated wire, Polygrid no-climb fence, ElectroBraid, Bayco Finish Line, fiberglass posts, stall mats, Woodguard, and more. COMMUNITY USR USRider Members receive 10% off any new order. The special US- Rider discount doesn’t apply to existing quotes, previous orders, or other promotions. Only one offer may be used per order.

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

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

USRider® Equestrian Motor Plan Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2011 E-MAIL US SUBSCRIBE RETURN TO 25 NOW FREE! HOME PAGE USRider Equestrian Motor Plan Subscribe to H up! TM Your Quarterly Guide to Trailer Safety & Travel Hitch Up! HitcFall 2011 e-Magazine destinations Ride the Brought to you by USRider, EquiSearch.com, and Rockies! AIM Equine Network. Hitch Up! features informative videos, trailering how-tos, safety news, hauling hints, exciting destinations, on-the-go products, valuable USRider services, and much more! Delivered straight to USRider Benefits • Road yourSavvy inbox!• USRider Community • On-the-Go Gear • Safety News • Member Story • Published by AIM Equine Network Sign Up Now! It’s Absolutely

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