When life calls you away, a simple plan at home makes all the difference
Traveling when you have horses is never simple—especially here in Colorado.
Between unpredictable weather, dry conditions, and the distance between services in some areas, leaving home takes a little more thought. There are always arrangements to make—feed preparation, clear instructions, emergency contacts, and the constant question of who’s going to handle things while you’re gone.
Then there’s the cost… and the decision of whether to leave my husband home to manage things or hire a horse sitter.
Recently, I was faced with all of this at once. A death in the family, combined with starting a new part-time job, meant I had to make plans quickly so I could be there for my family during a difficult time. Emotionally drained, I didn’t have the energy to reinvent the wheel—I relied on what I’ve learned from years of doing this.
I know the routine. Stuff hay nets. Plan for water—especially important in our dry Colorado climate. Prepare feed for my mini with Cushings and poor teeth. Make sure all the other critters—cat, dog, fish—are covered too.
It’s especially important because my husband isn’t a horse person, so everything needs to be simple, clear, and ready to go. I check in frequently, just in case questions come up.
And here’s the truth…
When everything is prepared ahead of time, it takes a huge weight off your shoulders.
It allows you to be present where you need to be—whether that’s with family, at an event, or simply taking a much-needed break—without worrying about what’s happening back home.
Before heading out, I made sure to prepare extra feed and plan ahead for my return. After a full day of travel, the last thing I wanted was to feel behind. Having those extra couple of days ready meant I could get chores done quickly, decompress, and get to bed early before my 4:00 AM start the next morning.
That kind of preparation makes all the difference.
A Colorado Reality Check
Here in Colorado, preparation isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary.
We deal with sudden weather shifts, dry conditions, and fire risk in many areas. Having a clear plan in place for your horses isn’t just about convenience—it’s about responsibility.
Simple things matter:
- Extra water planning during dry spells
- Clear feeding instructions
- Emergency contacts posted where they can be easily found
- A backup plan if something changes unexpectedly
Even a little preparation can make a stressful situation far more manageable—for you and for your horses.
A Community That Understands
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most is having a community of horse people who understand this lifestyle.
Resources like the Horse Source Directory give us a place to find help, connect with professionals, and learn from others—especially when we need it most.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Coming Home
After a trip like this, there’s nothing better than coming home.
Seeing my horses, giving them treats, brushing them, and just being present with them. Horses have a way of grounding us—they bring us back to what matters, especially after an emotional and stressful time away.
No matter how far we travel…
It’s the horses that bring us home.
Quick Travel Prep Reminders
- Prepare extra feed (1–2 days ahead)
- Keep instructions simple and visible
- Have emergency contacts easily accessible
- Check in, but don’t micromanage
- Plan your return day ahead of time
Let me know what you do to help you prepare for a sudden trip or needing to leave in an emergency situation. You can email me: [email protected].
Happy Trails!
Owner / Publisher | Canfield Certified Trainer
Karen Pickering is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of The Northwest Horse Source, which began in 1995 as a small equine newsletter and grew into a respected industry publication. With more than 30 years of experience serving the horse community, Karen now focuses on helping equine businesses and organizations build visibility, credibility, and lasting relationships through online marketing, digital promotion, and educational platforms.
As a Canfield Certified Trainer, she blends proven success principles with real-world industry experience, supporting both businesses and individuals navigating change in today’s digital landscape. Karen remains deeply connected to the horse industry and is passionate about serving the community she has helped build for over three decades.
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of Horse Source and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion.