How to Bring Your Own Horse on a Smokey Mountain Vacation

Having your own horse on a riding vacation allows you the freedom to select the length and locations of your rides and increases your comfort level in unfamiliar terrain by riding with a familiar mount. Taking your own horse along on a Smokey Mountain Vacation will require additional planning, but it will be worth the enjoyment you will get out of having your own horse share the beauty of the Great Smokey Mountains.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse
  • Feed
  • Trailer
  • Truck
  • Water
  • Reservations at barns
  • Hay
  • Tack (saddles, bridles etc)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a place for your horse to stay while on vacation. Just as you will make your own hotel, camping or cabin reservations, you will need to book a place for your horse to stay. Some locations may enable you to stay with your horse or have accommodations for bringing your own horse. You also have the option of camping with your horse, either in a private campground or in Great Smokey Mountain National Park, depending on campsite availability.

      You may also be able to contact horse barns in the area you are looking to visit and ask if they will accept overnight or short-term boarders.

      If it will take you more than one day to get from your home to the Smokey Mountains, you should plan your route and book places for your horse to stay every night of the trip.

    • 2

      Call your veterinarian and get a certificate of health for your horse, a new Coggins test certificate and updated vaccinations. You will need to do this two to three weeks before you leave on your trip. A negative Coggins test is legally required to transport a horse virtually everywhere in the United States.

    • 3

      Make sure your truck and horse trailer are in good repair to make the trip. Have all maintenance performed before you leave on your trip.

    • 4

      Get your horse into good trail condition. The Great Smokey Mountains offer rugged terrain and if your horse is not used to being ridden uphill or for long periods, you will need spend time building up its physical condition prior to the trip.

      You may also want to take your horse on several trailer rides prior to the trip, if your horse is a nervous hauler. You will want your horse to be comfortable in the trailer. If your horse is still nervous or a bad hauler, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about sedating the horse for the long trip.

    • 5

      Purchase everything you will need to bring on your trip and pack your trailer the night before you leave. Fill gallon jugs with water and bring them along with you to mix with local water, as unfamiliar minerals and bacteria in water can upset your horse's stomach. You should also plan on packing electrolytes to mix with your horse's water to help prevent dehydration.