Explore Camping with Horses

Combining a passion for trail riding with a love for nature, camping is becoming increasingly popular among many equestrians. Allowing you to explore new locations on horseback is just part of the adventure. Once you have tucked your horse in for night, you are able to spend the evening with friends and family, recounting the day’s ride and telling the stories of yesteryear.

Beth Phippard, a frequent customer at our Swanzey, NH, flagship store location is an avid trail rider who travels all over New England (and New York and Pennsylvania) with her horses in tow. “I have always camped, ever since I was a little girl,” she explains. “So when I purchased my first horse, at the age of 50, I was excited to extend my camping experience and include my horse.” She gave us insight into what you need to know if you are considering camping with your horse.

The Allure of Camping

Heading out camping with your horse gives you the incredible opportunity to explore new trail systems while spending time under the stars. “When I bought my first horse, the people that I got her from invited me to a camping weekend in Vermont,” recounts Beth. “I was really lucky, it was an invitation-only ride that had been running for over 40 years at the time.”

Despite her years camping as a child and then again with her children in her adult years, Beth was less than prepared. “My first camping experience with my horse was in a steel stock trailer in the middle of October. I set up a cot in the back of my trailer and settled in for the night. I woke up the next morning covered in frost, asking myself ‘Why am I doing this?’” she laughs. She quickly realized why, when she spent the next day in the saddle meeting unbelievable people on fantastic trails, “It was just the most incredible experience!”

Since that fateful first trip, Beth has put more thought into her camping gear and is prepared for any situation. “After that first trip, I just couldn’t get enough. I was hooked!” Beth exclaims.

Tips of the Trade

For first time campers, Beth recommends going with someone who is familiar with the experience. “I was really lucky that I went with a couple who could show me the ropes and explain what I needed to do.”

When camping, it is essential that you set up a strong, temporary fence to contain your horse overnight. There are a number of fencing kits, such as the Speedrite Equine Corral Kit, that are easy to install and dissemble yet are extremely sturdy. Some horses do well with aluminum fencing options, while others need an electric fencing charger to ensure that they respect their boundaries. Because the temporary enclosures are small, it is generally preferred to have one paddock per horse, unless the horses are extremely familiar with each other or already live together at home.

It is also important to be prepared to spend hours in the saddle. “Even if you walk all day, you can still cover some ground. Make sure you and your horse are fit enough for the trip that you have planned,” Beth explains. She also likes to bring a well-packed saddle bag, full of snacks and beverages for herself and treats for her horses.

Where to Camp

The best part of camping is that you can literally go anywhere with your horse! Whether you are camping on private land with permission or on a public trail system, you can find a number of suitable locations right in your backyard. There are also a number of campgrounds that you can go to that have horse facilities incorporated into the accommodations. 

“I have come a long way since sleeping in that stock trailer,” Beth laughs. “Now I’m spoiled and I have a living quarter trailer. But, I still have friends that sleep on blow up mattresses in the trailers and set up an awning outside. We tend to enjoy campgrounds because they have bathroom facilities, showers, and running water, which certainly makes things a lot easier.”

“I have a few different places in New York that I like to go to,” she explains. “While it is great to go camping everywhere, it is a wonderful experience to visit trail systems with groomed trails and great footing. Some have permanent paddocks which makes me feel even more secure about my horse overnight.” There are many equine campgrounds in New England, including Buck-N-Horse Campground in Groton, NH; Mahoosuc Outdoors in Milan, NH; New Discovery State Park in Marshfield, VT; and Legrand G. Reynolds Horsemen’s Camping Area in Hope Valley, RI. (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many campgrounds have limited their operations or have temporarily ceased to offer equine camping. Be sure to contact the campground before planning your visit to learn more about the restrictions that may have been put in place.)

“There are so many places when you start looking into it,” Beth exclaims. “I just can’t wait to explore more locations.” Beth really enjoys the Myles Standish State Forest in Carver, MA. “They have wonderful camping accommodations and great trails.”

In the coming months, Beth and her friends also have a trip planned to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, ME. “We have visited before, it is just magical!” Because Beth rides and drives, she enjoys the wide, well-maintained carriage roads that are appropriate for driving. “Last time we visited Acadia, we saw so many sights,” she exclaims, “Including David Rockefeller driving his gorgeous matched team through the park and Martha Stewart out riding her incredible Friesian. You never know what you are going to see on the trails!”

What to Bring

One of the most important aspects of camping with your horse is staying organized and making sure that you have exactly what you need. “It’s taken a bit of time,” Beth comments, “but I now have a complete list of everything that I need to bring on the road for me and my horse. One of my friends has even developed a spreadsheet so that she can stay on top of what she needs to pack. It is important that you pack extras, you just never know what might break!”

In addition to your requirements, you will need to consider what your horse will need. We have assembled a list of items that you should consider packing for your horse.

Equine Camping Equipment Checklist

• Hay
• Hay Net
• Grain
• Grain Bucket or Feed Bag
• Supplements (if applicable)
• Water (a water caddy makes for easy transportation)
• Water Buckets
• Horse Treats
• Fly Spray
• Fencing Kit
• Extra Halter and Leadrope
• Grooming Kit
• Rags
• Bridle
• Extra Reins
• Saddle
• Saddle Pad
• Girth
• Saddle Bags
• Fly Mask
• Ear Net
• Fly Sheets
• Hoof Boots
• Leg Protection
• Equine First Aid Kit
• Electrolytes
• Manure Bucket
• Manure Fork
• Shovel
• Extra Rope
• Flashlight (and batteries)
• Duct Tape
• Paperwork (Coggins, Health Certificate, Etc.)
• Leather Repair Kit

You may find that not everything on the list is applicable to you or your situation or that you need additional supplies, so please use your discretion as you pack the trailer for the trip.

Making Memories

“To me, any kind of camping to me is like old home week. The people are so friendly. I’ve had things that break or don’t work, and people are always so willing to help out,” Beth reminisces. Through camping, Beth has done more than explore New England on horseback, she has also fostered lasting friendships that she continues to plan trips with today.

“After the traveling and the set-up, I love swinging my leg over my horse and heading out on my first ride of the trip. I always let loose a huge contented sigh, this is where I love to be and what I love to do. It truly doesn’t get any better than this.”

At The Cheshire Horse, we carry many essential supplies that you will need to bring your horse on a camping trip that you will never forget. If you would like assistance making your equine camping equipment purchase or have any questions regarding the various trail riding supplies that we carry, we encourage you to speak to a member of our friendly and highly experienced sales staff.