The kit checklist – what do I take with me on the horse trek?

The route has been planned down to the last detail, rider and horse are in top condition for the adventure – the last step in preparing for the horse trek is packing.

What do I take with me on a horse trek? Depending on the design of the route, the required luggage can look quite different and depends on many questions such as

… how long are you on the road?

… what is the supply infrastructure like on the way?

… what are the conditions (weather, terrain)?

… how and where do you spend the night?

… how are the horses accommodated and cared for?

… is there a team that transports heavy luggage from place to place by car?

…and much more.

Once the questions have been clarified through appropriate preparation of the horse trek, it is time to compile the kit checklist, which should go hand in hand with calculations of how much luggage can be taken along and how the weight should be distributed on the saddle.

The kit checklist – what do I take with me on the horse trek?

_{There is no universal kit checklist. The diversity of trekking is vast (length of the tour, supply infrastructure, overnight accommodation, luggage transportation by pack, etc.).}

_{The following list is only a collection of recommendations that might be useful on a trek. It is neither complete nor specifically tailored to your individual trek.}

Clothing for riders

• Clothing depending on the duration of the ride and the season
• Rain coat or poncho
• If necessary, a change of shoes
• Sun/rain hat (always wear a riding hat on the horse)

Provisions for riders

• Cooking set (e.g. camping stove with gas cartridge, etc.)
• Crockery & cutlery (made of aluminium)
• Washing-up liquid and sponge
• Ready meals
• Hot instant drinks
• Snacks
• Water

Hygiene for riders

• Hygiene items (shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, detergent if necessary)
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen if necessary
• Wound cream (multifunctional, also for chapped lips etc.)
• Handkerchiefs/tissues
• Toilet paper
• Light towel

Overnight stay for riders

• Sleeping bag
• Camping mat
• Tent if necessary (incl. fixing tools!)

Supplies for horses

• Hard feed
• Electrolytes if necessary
• Foldable bowl
• Headcollar & lead rope (no rope halter for tying)
• Rug (Wicking rug, lightweight rug if necessary)
• Tools or replacement hoof protection (depending on whether shod, barefoot or with hoof boots)
• Insect protection (fly mask, spray etc.)
• Mobile fencing set if necessary
• Grooming equipment (brush, hoof scraper, sponge,?)

Technology & Navigation

• Torch / headlamp and hi-viz equipment
• Smartphone
• GPS device
• Maps
• Compass
• Power banks
• Chargers
• Batteries if necessary

Tools & useful equipment

• Windproof lighter
• Pocket knife
• Sewing kit
• Cable ties
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Plastic garbage bags (e.g. for collecting horse droppings in towns)
• Adequate rain cover for saddle and luggage
• Long rope
• Snap hook (for fastening)

Emergency

• First aid kit for horse & rider (see also guide to first aid kit for trekking)
• High visibility waistcoat
• Tick remover
• Disinfectant
• Disposable gloves
• Medication

Documents

• Wallet (ID, cash, debit card, etc.)
• Horse passport
• Vaccination certificate
• Medical card (especially in case of previous illnesses)
• List of important contacts (addresses & telephone numbers of trekking destinations, emergency contacts, etc.)

Kit checklist for downloading