Tack Time - Great Gear For Horse Camping

While camping gear isn't technically "tack," having the right gear and gadgets can make your horse camping trips much more enjoyable. Listed below are some useful gadgets that might come in handy for your next camping and trail riding trip:

Hot Water on Demand:

Not all camp grounds are equipped with showers or hot water. A Hot Water on Demand system,which can be found at various chain stores, is great when you need hot water to take a shower, wash dishes or for any other purpose. With a 5-gallon storage tank, it will heat cold water to 100 degrees in five seconds. For showers, you can purchase a shower hose accessory and set up your own cowboy shower, which will wash off the trail dust from a long day's ride.

Hanging Shoe Racks:

These racks, with their clear pockets, are ideal for storing just about anything. Simply hang one on the side of your trailer for quick access. These racks are perfect for storing grooming supplies. The clear pockets gives you a clear view to what each pocket holds.

Magnetic Hooks:

Expand your storage space in your trailer by using the horse box as a storage facility. Magnetic hooks are wonderful to use if you have a steel trailer. Simply place them on the trailer walls and ceiling, and hang bridles, halters, lead ropes, buckets, reins, cinches or anything else you can fit on the hook. The items will be neatly hung, easily found and off the floor. Just make sure the hooks are in a position where your horse doesn't bump up against them.

Outdoor Entrance Mats:

These 18" to 24" mats can ideally be used for quick trailer cleaning. When strategically placed in your trailer, they will catch the manure that accumulates during your trip. After arriving at your campground and unloading your horses, cleanup of the trailer is a breeze. Simply grab each end of the mat, fold it into a "U" and dispose of the manure in one fell swoop. These mats can be easily cleaned by hosing them off with water. They are slip resistant and stay in place well once they are set on the trailer floor.

Do-it-yourself Awning:

Not everyone can afford a nice retractable awning to be installed on their trailer. The next best step is a "do-it-yourself" awning. All it takes is a nylon or polyurethane heavy-duty tarp, appropriately sized for your trailer length, some conduit pipe, string or rope, and tent stakes. While this may not look as attractive as the retractable awning, it will definitely serve its purpose well of keeping you cool in the shade or dry from the rain.

Mega-Sized Zip-Lock Storage Bags:

The mega-sized zip-lock storage bags are a "must have" for any serious camper. These bags can be used for sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, hay, fly sheets, saddle pads or just about anything you can fit into them. Simply put the articles to be stored in them, compress the air out and zip them up. The contents will be nicely compartmentalized for easy storage.

Ham Radio/CB Antenna:

For those who are vertically challenged or find it difficult to mount and dismount their horse while trail riding, one of the worst things to happen is if you drop something while in the saddle. A Ham radio/CB antenna is wonderful to have on hand since it will expand to lengths up to ten feet, allowing you to retrieve the dropped article without having to get off your horse. The antenna retracts to about 7" long for easy storage in your saddle bags.

Fishing Vest:

Not everyone likes to use saddle bags when they ride, so you cram a lot of stuff into your pant pockets. Fishing vests, with their many pockets for lures, etc., are great to wear because you can store many of the things you want with you on the trail, such as your cell phone, snacks, GPS, etc. Everything you need will be right at hand. You won't have to dig through the saddlebags trying to find something. Plus, if your horse gets loose or you somehow find yourself quickly dismounted, your horse won't run off with important things you need like your truck keys.

These items may make your next camping and trail riding experience a breeze.