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There are advantages to vacationing with your horse. One is that you don't have to find someone to take care of him while you're gone. Another is you don't have to rent a trail sour horse from a dude ranch to ride a vacation site you always dreamed of seeing. If you'd like nothing better than to take your trusty steed along on a vacation, here are some tips to follow.

First you need to decide on your destination. Do you want to see the mountains or the sea shore? If you are headed to the mountains then you need to keep in mind that the higher elevations can cause added stress to you and your horse. You may want to arrive a couple days early to allow your systems to adjust to the new oxygen level before climbing the trails. The terrain could also be a factor to your horse. Are the trails rocky and unforgiving? You may need to equip your horse with protective boots and/or pads under his shoes.

If you're headed for the seashore, the sand and water will be waiting. Riding through deep sand is more work for your horse than a smooth dirt trail. Make sure your horse is in good condition to avoid strained tendons and muscles. Riding in the water can be cool and refreshing but keep a close eye out for any swimmers or fisherman sharing the shoreline. Ask the locals in the area about the sea life that could be harmful to your horse if it should get stung or bitten.

Once you have the destination in mind, now is the time to prepare for the trip itself. Start a conditioning program for you and your horse six weeks before hitting the road. You will both be in much better shape to enjoy the scenery instead of having to deal with sore muscles and fatigue. Look for a place in your area that is similar to your destination. Ride in the sand along a local lake, or ride up and down steep hills and on rocky trails and you will soon discover the problems associated with those types of riding and will have time to fix them at your leisure.

Now is the time to call ahead and find out what kind of stabling accommodations are available to your horse. Will he have a stall to sleep in or will he be expected to stand tied to a picket line? Will you have to keep him tied to the trailer? Will you have the room to set up a portable corral if you need one? Once you know these particulars you may need to teach your horse to stand at a picket line or enter small spaces like a portable corral to be comfortable and safe.

Have your horse's vaccinations up to date and keep a clean bill of health with a negative coggins test to bring along to show your horse is healthy. And before loading your horse for the trip, check your horse trailer over carefully for worn tires, bad flooring, and rusted braces. Be sure to pack extra supplies you may need such as spare halter and lead rope, and headstall and reins, plus make sure you have plenty of feed for the trip out and the return trip home.

With some careful planning, a vacation with your horse can be everything you thought it would be. You and your horse spending time together exploring a new world, it doesn't get any better than that.