FCP Horse Camping Guide

FCP Horse Camping Guide

Plan Your Barn Location to Be Functional – Your horse depends on you to select the best site for its home.

There is absolutely no place more enjoyable than a summer campout with your horse and best riding pals! It’s the perfect place for a change of scenery. Whether it’s endless mountain views or mirrored crystal lakes… there are miles of trails waiting to be explored. If you’ve never had the opportunity to experience horse camping the helpful tips and links provided will have you planning and packing the trailer before you can say… Hi-Ho-Lets-Go! Most campsites with horse accommodations have corrals, a picnic table, and a fire ring with parking for your horse trailer. For everything else, we have the following suggestions!

  • Hay / Grain
  • Hoof Pick
  • Fly Repellent
  • Saddle
  • Saddle Bag
  • Water Bucket
  • Halters
  • Fly Mask
  • Bridle
  • Hobbles
  • Rake
  • Lead Rope
  • First Aid Kit
  • Breast Collar
  • Brush / Comb
  • Blanket
  • Tie Line Rope
  • Saddle Pad

Whenever possible bringing duplicates of these items as a spare can make even the slightest of malfunctions effortless.

  • Call ahead and visit the camping site you want to stay at to make sure horses are allowed.
  • Prepare your horse. Camping horses should be experienced in packing and walking on trails. Accustomed to crossing downed obstacles and boggy areas; not afraid of pack hikers on foot as well as mountain bikers.
  • Check to see if certified seed-free feed is required for the area. This type of hay prevents the spread of non-native plants. Get your horse used to the hay before you leave.
  • Find out if a Coggins test and health papers are required for the area.
  • Ask if there is drinking water available for horses, if streams are potable, if horses can forage, if special permits are required, and if necessary can a portable corral be set-up.
  • Tie your horse with a high line attached between two trees. Use a “tree safe” strap (one that will not cut or dig into bark) around the tree to protect it.
  • Remember to dispose of manure properly. Either in approved containers or spread out to aid in decomposition and reduce flies.
  • Leave campsites in good condition … Haul out what you haul in!

Visit the websites listed for more information on horse camping in your area!

Looking to learn more about FCP Barns & Buildings? Explore our website, or call us and speak to an FCP consultant at 1-800-807-2276.

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