Consider These Tips Before Buying a Horse Trailer

Are you looking to buy a horse trailer? Here are a few things to consider before you rush right out and purchase one.

The first thing you want to think about is this is just like purchasing a vehicle (except it is for a horse). So you always want to take the time and figure out a how much you want to spend on one. Ask yourself these questions to decide how much you may need to spend. How many horses will you be hauling? How many times a year will you use it? How far do you think you will travel with it (from your home or where the horse is kept)? Are you going to be going to shows or going camping with the horses and trailer?

A two horse trailer will suffice if you are going to hauling just one or two horses. Plus once you go beyond a two horse trailer you are looking at needing a heavy duty towing vehicle. If you are not going to be using the trailer but just a couple or few times a year, there is no need to rush out and buy the most expensive brand new trailer on the market. This is also true if you are not going great distances with the trailer. If you are going to be showing or camping, you will need to decide if living quarters/dressing room is necessary.

The second thing you should consider is that, the horse is going to be riding in it...not you. So the comfort of the horse is a very important part of buying a trailer. Since a horse is a creature of flight at the sight of danger, you can imagine what a cramped little horse trailer would feel like for them. They will feel as if they are trapped with no where to go. Thus, they may try to put up fight and injure you, someone else, or themselves. To make it a little easier and less frightening for the horse, make sure there is plenty of ventilation, that plenty of light can get in, and there is plenty of room for the horse(s). Do not "cram" the horse(s) into a trailer that is not big enough for him (them). If you buy a four horse trailer, only put up to four horses in it at one time.

Third, make sure the trailer (especially if buying a used one) is safe for the horse and the handler. Check for any sharp objects protruding from the trailer and remove them. Make sure there is nothing on the floor that can make it slick to prevent slipping. Make sure that all equipment in the trailer (dividers, posts, breast bars et cetera) can withstand the weight and strength of any horse.

Fourth, make sure the flooring is sturdy with no holes at all. Yet, the flooring will be best if it is made of something such as wood since it will not conduct heat like aluminum. Also, the small cracks between slats can create air flow.

Fifth, make good and certain that all lights, breaks, and breakaway breaks are in perfect (that is not an exaggeration) working condition. One break light not working can make for a dangerous trip for all involved.

Sixth, make sure that your vehicle can handle the tow capacity of the trailer you buy. In other words, do not buy a six horse trailer and expect to pull it with a small half ton pickup truck. Not only would that be dangerous but impossible if the trailer has horses on it.

Seventh, your best bet is to try to find a trailer with no center post in the rear of the trailer. This will allow a little extra "room" when loading and unloading.

Eighth, if you have only enough money to buy a stock trailer make sure of a few things before hauling horses it them. Most stock trailers do not have loading ramps. Thus, if the horse has to back out a step up trailer can be dangerous since the horse can slip "under" the trailer. Also, stock trailers are made mostly for the livestock (cattle, sheep et cetera) industry. Therefore, they were not made for (in safety and construction) for horses.

Ninth, slant load versus straight load trailers. Slant load trailers have become popular but are not necessarily the best. If you have a horse that is of large build (16 or more hands), a slant load trailer is not really appropriate. A horse needs plenty of room to use his head and neck to balance himself while in the trailer. In a slant load this is impossible with a larger horse. Plus, it can lead to stiffness and injuries in the horse.

Tenth, just like when buying a vehicle for yourself, do not let the sales person talk you into buying the trailer just because it is there. Find someone who is interested in you and your horse and not just the sale. In fact, same as with a vehicle, shop, shop, shop. Never buy at the first lot you go to. Never buy any "extras" you do not need. And please, for goodness sake, do not buy a trailer just because it looks pretty.

Source:

Personal experience