I was looking at my main man the other day—retired, graying, and totally enjoying his life of leisure with his best friend, Pip, the miniature mule—and it got me thinking. It has been a long time. I haven’t actually traveled overnight with my horses since 2014.
For years, it felt like I was always on the road. We’d load up the trailer for rodeos, clinics, and shows almost every weekend. My horse was bred for competition, and those portable panels were the backbone of our travel routine. But life has seasons, and mine has shifted. Competitions faded into the background, and now my focus is simply on giving my herd the best possible life at home.
The thing is, even though I haven't packed up my truck and trailer for a show in years, I still use my Camp Corrals all the time. And honestly, I couldn't imagine owning horses without them.
They’re no longer just for the campground; they’re for the chaos of daily life.
Take, for instance, Pip the mini mule. He's a genius at finding trouble. I have a large seasonal wash that runs through my property, and when the heavy rains come, they occasionally wash out the fencing just enough to create a small opening underneath. It's the perfect size for Pip to sneak through and take himself on an unauthorized adventure. Instead of replacing the entire section of fence, I simply keep one Camp Corral panel right there, permanently blocking the gap. Problem solved!
This past summer, we had to replace our entire AC unit. The technician required full access to the backyard area where the horses typically roam, which meant going in and out constantly. One option would have been to lock the horses in the barn all day, disrupting their peace. Instead, I grabbed my Camp Corral set and easily sectioned off the repair area. The horses’ routine wasn’t broken, and the technician could work all day without having to constantly close gates or worry about a curious nose poking into his toolbox.
It reminded me of when I first moved into this property. It was a particularly rainy winter, and I discovered that an old shed was unstable and unsafe for the horses to be near. Until I could get it professionally removed, I quickly closed off the dangerous area with my portable panels. Safety was instantly restored, and I bought myself the precious time I needed to deal with the problem.
That's the realization I want to share with you: Camp Corrals were born for camping, yes. But the true value of having them at your fingertips is peace of mind. It’s not a matter of if you will need a reliable, portable barrier, but when and for what purpose. Whether it’s containing an emergency, sectioning off a worksite, or simply keeping a mischievous mule from running away, you’ll be incredibly grateful to have been prepared. I know I am.
Because when you own horses, emergencies happen. And when they do, you'll wish you had a set ready to go.
Embrace the chaos, but be prepared!