Horses, Hauling and Hitches: Things to Know

There is more to hauling horses than hitching up to the trailer, loading your horse, and driving down the road. There are certain safety measures to follow in order to keep you, your horse, and other motorists safe. Many trailer accidents occur each year because of simple steps of the hauling procedure where left out or forgotten. There are some things you must do before taking your horses on a road trip.

Things you need to check before EVERY trip:

1. Tires- Check the tire pressure in your truck tires, trailer tires and all spare tires. Also check for any wear and tear on all of these tires.

2. Wheels- Make sure all of the lug nuts are tight.

3. Hitch- Look for loose bolts, cracks and wear.

4. Safety chain- Make sure chains are crossed and hooked to the frame, not the bumper.

5. Breakaway cable- Check the length making sure it is shorter than the safety chains but not so short it will break when you turn. Tip: weave the cable through a link of chain so it won't drag and pull free.

6. Truck- Check all fluid levels including gas tank. Make sure to have a current inspection sticker.

7. Took kit- Tools to keep in your truck/trailer at all times: crowbar, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, duct tape, and a fire extinguisher.

8. First aid- You should keep a first aid kit for humans and horses in your truck and trailer.

9. Cell phone- A cell phone and a list of emergency numbers is very helpful in a crisis situation.

10. Insurance- Make sure your insurance on your vehicle is up to date. Check your policy for coverage on towing.

Some things can also be done to make the trailer experience less stressful on you and your horse.

-Teach your horse to load and unload properly. This is where the most injuries occur in the hauling process. Make sure your horse is comfortable and familiar with climbing into and backing out of a trailer. Trouble with these steps can make even a short ride very stressful. Even if you don't haul your horse often, make a point to practice a few times throughout the year. You will be better prepared should an emergency arise.

-Maintain good air quality inside the trailer. Good air circulation is important inside the horse trailer. It clears exhaust fumes, stagnant air and excessive heat. Even if the temperatures are very cold, blanket the horses and leave a window or vent open.

-Long trips can make horses dehydrated. If you are on a long trip, stop at least every three to four hours to give your horses access to cool, clean water.

-Hay is okay to feed horses while in the trailer. Feeding hay keeps your horses occupied and helps retain water in their gut. If the hay is dusty, wet it just enough to keep the dust down. You don't want your horses inhaling that dust.

-Do not feed grain while traveling. Feeding grain while traveling can cause colic or laminitis.

-Be a good driver. Horses won't want to get back into the trailer if they have had a few bad rides.

Hauling horses can be a pleasant experience for all involved. The more prepared you are and the better attention you pay to small details before your trip, the less stress you will have during the trip. Happy hauling!