How to Haul a Horse Trailer

Hauling horses places a lot of strain on your tow vehicle and hitch.

When you need to transport your horses, you need a trailer and a tow vehicle that can pull their weight safely. Horses are a top heavy and front heavy load, so special consideration needs to go into selecting the tow vehicle and the hitch. Once you've determined that your tow vehicle and hitch are adequate, there are a few things to remember when attaching and hauling the trailer. By taking a few safety precautions, you can ensure that you, your horses, your vehicle and your trailer will all arrive in one piece.

Instructions

1. Check to make sure your tow vehicle and hitch are rated to tow the weight of the trailer and horses. You will need a Class III or Class IV trailer hitch that is bolted directly to the frame of the tow vehicle if you are hauling a tag-along trailer.

2. Make sure that the hitch ball is the correct size for the trailer. There should not be any space between the hitch ball and the socket on the trailer. The trailer must be level when attached to the trailer hitch.

3. Check that the trailer lights are working properly by having someone stand behind the trailer while you press the brake pedal and operate the turn signals on the tow vehicle.

4. Attach the safety chains and the emergency breakaway brake connections. Make sure the battery attached to the breakaway brake is fully charged. Also check the brake pads and lug nuts on both the trailer and the tow vehicle.

5. Load the horse on the driver's side of the trailer if hauling a single horse. If hauling more than one horse, load the heaviest horse on the driver's side. Most roads have a berm in the middle, and this will help with trailer control.

6. Practice backing up by placing your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Turn the wheel in the direction that you want the trailer to go.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an tow vehicle that has a taller or shorter wheel base than the trailer, you can use a hitch ball attached to a dropper or riser bar.

• Make sure to give yourself extra stopping distance when braking, as well as plenty of room to make wide turns.

• Never use a trailer hitch ball that is too small for the trailer. The trailer could slip off the ball when going over a bump.

References

• "Tips on Driving Your Horse Trailer;" Neva Kittrell Scheve
• Tow Vehicles for Horse Hauling