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Step 1
The first step is to decide what style you need. Do you want a stock or enclosed box trailer? I haul my show horses, so I prefer a closed box trailer as I feel it's more comfortable for them on long hauls, and in inclement weather they can stay warm & dry. Other horse professionals I know prefer stock trailers because they feel that horses load easier in them. Do you need living quarters? If you are hauling to shows frequently you might want to consider this. And of course you need to think about what your budget is.
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Step 2
Take into consideration what size your horse is. If you have more than one horse, you should use the size of the largest horse to determine what trailer height you need. You want to be sure the trailer is tall enough where your horse will not hit his or her head on the ceiling.
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Step 3
Try to choose a trailer that is light & inviting. The amount of light inside a horse trailer is important because horses are naturally a little leery of dark places. A horse trailer that has good lighting inside will make loading and traveling easier for your equine friend.
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Step 4
Choose a trailer that has good ventilation. This is important when hauling horses, especially if you are considering a box trailer instead of a stock.
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Step 5
One of the most important things you need to consider is the safety of your horses while they are being hauled. All moving parts inside the trailer, such as butt bars or chains, posts, dividers, and breast bars must move freely and have a quick release in the event of an emergency. All running lights and brakes on the trailer should be checked & must work properly. The floor and under braces should be checked, especially if you are considering a used horse trailer.
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Step 6
If you are going to be using your horse trailer frequently then you might want to look into a heavier built trailer, even if the horse trailer does not have as many fancy added accessories.
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Step 7
Remember that you need to take your tow vehicle into consideration. If you have a large pickup truck, then the size and type of horse trailer usually is no problem, but if a smaller pickup or a sports utility vehicle will be used, the weight and type of horse trailer will have to be considered.
Comments
jull14 said
on 6/22/2009 A very interesting article and very helpful, I hope that you write more like this one, thanks for helping us.
BamaHorseman said
on 12/11/2008 Great article,Im always trailer shopping,LOL
I have trailer invey real bad and wanting to find something special,thanks for the tips!
NakedWriter said
on 12/9/2008 You coverered all aspects. Great photos. Number 7 is especially important. Trying to pull anything with an undersized vehicle is dangerous. Especially with livestock that is shifting around. NW
hoolihan0519 said
on 12/7/2008 Very good article. I bought a horse trailer once and double decked it to haul goats to shows. LOL. I wish I had a horse.
JoyNmyHeart said
on 12/4/2008 Wonderful how to article. Now I just need a horse! I AM saving my money for a house with some land so I can get a horse (a cow and some chickens too!) so I will be saving this article for future reference. Thanks!