By Jess Hallas-Kilcoyne

You’re lying on a beach in an exotic locale, soaking up the sun, sipping on a fruity beverage, seemingly without a care in the world. But all you can think about is: Will my horse be okay while I’m gone? Is he getting his supplements? What if he’s injured or falls ill?

A vacation isn’t a vacation if you’re constantly worrying about your horse. Get the most out of your getaway by following these steps to ensure your horse’s well-being, and your peace of mind.

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Find a Horsesitter

• By far, the most important thing to consider as a horse owner when planning a vacation is finding a trustworthy sitter. 
• The right sitter is responsible, reliable, and a knowledgeable horse person who has had experience dealing with equine injuries.
• Ask around. Maybe someone in your circle of acquaintances knows a great horsesitter.
• If you are unable to find a sitter based on personal recommendation, consider a professional horsesitting service.
• Always check your prospective sitter’s references. 
• Check that your insurance covers your sitter. If it does not, ensure that the sitter has his or her own insurance.

Choose a Backup Contact

• It’s a good idea to have a backup contact who can make medical decisions for your horse in the event that you can’t be reached in an emergency. 
• Your backup contact can also check in on your horse for your peace of mind, and act as support for the barn owner or sitter (depending on whether you board or keep your horse at home).

If you are worried about your horse growing bored or stir crazy sitting in his stall while you’re gone, arrange for someone to exercise him. Make sure the person has appropriate liability insurance. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography

Contact Your Veterinarian

Let your veterinarian know that you will be out of town, and give written permission for your backup contact to make medical decisions for your horse.

Set up an account so that payment for any services rendered while you’re gone is covered.

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Decide Medical Emergency Measures

• Inform your veterinarian, backup contact, and the caretakers in writing of what actions (e.g. colic surgery, euthanasia) may be performed in the event of a medical emergency.

Create a “Master” Contact Sheet

This sheet should be distributed to your sitter, backup contact, and any other caretaker, and should include the following information:

• Dates for your departure and return, and a way to reach you;
• Phone numbers for your veterinarian and farrier;
• Your horse’s insurance policy number (if he’s insured), and contact information for the insurance company;
• And contact information for all your horse’s caretakers so they can communicate with each other as needed.

Support System
•    Find one or two people who can feed the horses, muck stalls, or turn in/out in the event that your sitter falls ill.
•    If you are at all concerned about the reliability of your sitter, have someone check in periodically.
•    Let your neighbours know that you’ll be out of town so they don’t worry when they see your sitter’s car coming and going. Horse-savvy neighbours can also be asked to check on your horse while you’re away.

Ready Your Barn

• Make any necessary repairs to buildings, fences, footing, and equipment.
• Leave your sitter with the number for your maintenance repair professional.
• Ensure that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the barn are in good working order.
• Stock your barn’s first aid kit.
• Have ample hay and grain stored to feed your horses while you’re gone.

Make sure your barn is in good working order, and make any necessary repairs before you leave. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography

Simplify the Routine

• Write out the feed schedule and rations for each horse or, better yet, prepackage grain and supplements in Ziploc® bags and label them.
• Do not pre-bag any medications, but label them clearly and leave detailed instructions as to the dosage and administration.
• If you have several horses, mark each horse’s stall and turnout paddock.
• Clearly label each horse’s halter, blankets, and any other turnout gear, and store in a readily accessible location.

The Grand Tour

• Prior to your departure, have your sitter come for a tour of the barn and property, with particular emphasis on the location of first aid supplies, emergency equipment, the electrical panel, and water shutoff valves.
• Introduce the sitter to your horses and any other animals or pets you have.
• Walk the sitter through your daily routine, and leave written instructions as well.

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Arranging for Exercise

• If you have asked somebody to exercise your horse while you’re away, make sure they have signed a liability release form and have appropriate insurance. 
• Show them where to find your tack and equipment, and let the sitter know that this person will be coming out to exercise your horses.

Alert Your Sitter

• Let your sitter know about any boarders, staff, or anyone else who visits your property on a regular basis.

Consistency is Key

• Try not to make any changes to your horse’s feed, supplements, or medications directly before your departure. 

Consider Short-term Boarding

• If the above checklist seems overwhelming, depending on the length of your trip, you may want to consider temporarily moving your horse to a facility that offers full board.

Considerations for Boarders
If you keep your horse at a facility that offers full board, your pre-trip checklist will be shorter. Nevertheless, it is important that you inform the stable owner and staff of your trip dates and provide them with a way to reach you, as well as phone numbers for your veterinarian and backup contact.

Let the facility owner know that your backup contact will be coming out to check on your horse, and if you have arranged for somebody to exercise your horse in your absence. The stable owner will likely require the exerciser to sign a liability release form.

Make sure that your horse’s blankets and gear are clearly labeled and stored tidily for everyone’s convenience, and check that you have enough feed, supplements, and medications to last your horse the duration of your trip.

If you keep your horse at a self-board facility, you may need to arrange for somebody to clean your horse’s stall and paddock, change blankets, and possibly feed. In some cases, the facility will perform these duties for an extra fee, or you might consider approaching a fellow boarder and proposing a chore swap.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to a relaxing vacation with peace of mind that your horse will receive the best possible care in your absence.

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Main Photo: With careful planning you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest and come home to a healthy, happy horse. Credit: Aaron Jenkin/Flickr