10 horsebox essentials for when you stay away from home

Attending a competition is always exciting, but you can enjoy your time away even more with these top horsebox essentials. Whether it’s a touch of luxury or a practical tool, don’t leave home without these must-haves. And make sure your horsebox insurance is up to date before you set off, too!

1. Phone gadgets and sat nav

There’s nothing worse than being stuck with a dead battery when you want to check in with loved ones. A portable power pack enables you to charge your phone on the go, so you can make calls, snap photos and use your favourite apps. You charge it before leaving home, then use it to fire up your battery without relying on an external power source. Don’t forget your connecting cables!

This is even more important if you’re relying on your phone to act as sat nav on the way. There’s nothing like getting lost with a horsebox down a narrow country lane! If you use a sat nav gadget instead, that can also be charged from a power pack. If you’re storing electronic gadgets in your horsebox, make sure they’re covered under your insurance for a horsebox policy.

2. A gazebo

There is so much waiting around at horse shows - not always in the best weather. A gazebo can be erected in the lorry park, providing an outdoor space away from wind and rain. When it’s hot, horseboxes can be sweltering so a cool, shady outdoor space beneath a gazebo is always welcome. Get a gazebo that can be firmly pegged into the ground, with sides to keep the wind out. Put up a folding chair or two and you’ll have a welcome addition to your living space.

As well as a gazebo, weather-appropriate clothing is important. You might want to bring waterproofs and thick socks, or a sunhat and sun cream, depending on the outlook!

3. Creature comforts

There are lots of ways to spruce up your living quarters so they are a special place to be. You might be short on space, but you don’t have to be limited in style! Take inspiration from glamping and the tiny homes trend to make your miniature horsebox home into a magical retreat.

A few strings of fairy lights, some nice cushions and a cosy blanket or two can make all the difference when you’re tucked up in your living area. Organisation is essential to avoid feeling cluttered and cramped - invest in storage boxes and buy everything in travel sizes to save space. A hanging mirror and sponge bag will make it easier to look your best.

4. A dining set-up

Depending on how long you will be away, you might want to take some basic cooking facilities with you. A portable stove or barbecue with a table and chairs, picnic plates and cutlery will help to keep you well fed while you’re on tour. Just check with the site operators that barbecues are permitted before you light up the charcoals! Remember to keep any fires a safe distance from your vehicle.

It’s also a good idea to pack some easy snacks in case you get peckish. You might want to take fruit, cereal bars, juice drinks and the odd sweet snack. A bottle of fizz is also a great way to round off a competition, however well you perform!

5. Horsebox basics

It’s easy to get carried away with excitement about the event and forget that you’ll still need to do some horsebox housekeeping to keep things clean and fresh while you’re away. This includes tools for mucking out the horsebox, kit like buckets and sponges and other basics like a rubbish bag to keep the showground clean.

A simple toolkit is also very handy when you’re out and about. Basics like a screwdriver, spanner, hammer, duct tape, and baler twine can help if something needs fixing while you’re away.

6. Basic kit for the rider

Planning ahead helps you choose how to take just the right amount of kit - too much takes up valuable space, too little and you risk your comfort. You will need your hat, boots, jodhpurs, jacket and a mounting block - whether you want to take spares is up to you!

You might also like to pack a portable boot cleaning kit, sewing kit, and lint remover to make sure you look as smart as possible when it’s your big moment.

7. Basic kit for the horse

Your horse will need all the essentials, including saddle, bridle, girth, head collar and lead rope. Don’t forget that your horse might need extra rugs to cool off or keep warm, as well as a waterproof rug if the forecast looks dicey.

8. A clock and a whiteboard

Waiting for your big moment can be nerve-wracking. Being organised will help to soothe your nerves. A simple, quiet clock will ensure you don’t run late while a whiteboard is a great tool for writing up key information such as timings, horses and tack.

9. A boot rack and hooks

Space is tight inside a horse box. If you can keep your kit off the floor, it is less likely to get dirty or lost. Self-adhesive hooks are a great way to keep your coats, bags and bibs tidy, while a simple boot rack makes sure footwear is neatly out of the way.

10. Emergency kit

You never know what is going to happen when you’re away from home. It’s good to be prepared with a first aid kit for both you and your horse. Remember to check your supplies are well stocked and in date, not to mention in an accessible place. There’s nothing worse than scrambling around to find a first aid kit when you have an injury.

It can also be helpful to keep a list of emergency contacts handy. This might include your horsebox insurance provider, breakdown cover, vet, farrier, and emergency personal contact. You will also need your horse’s passport, and you might want to take your own ID such as a driving licence as well.

Is your horsebox insurance up to date?

With a little planning and preparation, your adventure with a horsebox will be fun from start to finish. Quality horsebox insurance is also absolutely vital in case you need to make a claim - why not get a quote from Equesure today?

Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.