Trailering: More Gizmos

9/10/2011

Speedy G at the 2010 Just Coe Crazy 50 Mile Endurance Ride

I already blogged about the Hi-Tie, the "pole" to which Speedy is tied. You can read about that here.

I've been asked about my bucket hangers quiet a few times. Every endurance rider uses these, and I am sure they're seen on trailers of every discipline. I have two mounted on each side of my trailer. I use one to hang a five gallon bucket of water, and the other is for the two gallon buckets that I use for feed.

There is a "lip" at the bottom of the bracket on which to hang the edge of the bucket. At the top of the bracket is a small pin that lifts up to hold the bucket handle. Once the handle is inserted, drop the pin back in place and the bucket is held securely. Installation is fairly easy, but you do have to drill through your trailer wall (Yikes!) and it is much sturdier if you can mount it to a trailer "rib" (see inset photo above). Once they're mounted, the bucket hangers are on for good, so pick your spot wisely!

The bucket wall brackets are made by several companies, but the one made by Fortiflex seems to be the easiest to find. It's been several years since I've puchased one, but I found them at the following online sites: (click store name to see the bucket hanger and price) Dover Saddlery, Tractor Supply, and State Line Tack. They are usually well under $10 each.

The brackets can be mounted to any flat surface: horse trailer, stall wall, barn wall, etc. Even though I am no longer "racing," I use my bucket hangers every single time I travel. If I go to a lesson or a show, I hang a bucket so that I know my pony can drink if he wants. Speedy expects the water and the feed bucket!

Val

9/10/2011 05:18:12 am

Great idea for a blog series. I will have to keep track of your gizmos and advice for my future trailer.

Karen Sweaney

9/10/2011 05:37:34 am

I think endurance riders have become quite adept at inventing and finding cool things. Endurance is a relatively new sport (60 years) compared to most other equine disciplines. And since endurance rides are unlike most any other equine discipline, riders have had to invent the tools necessary to be successful. many endurance riders are actually engineers or other other highly educated people. And most of them are great problem solvers! I think I get credit for being the first (maybe) rider to use the blocker tie ring on a hi-tie!

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage