Horse Trailer Safety

Safety is always a concern when trailering your horse.  This article will list some things to think about when you are hauling horses.  Information came from the University of Maryland Extension Publication Safe Trailering and Transportation of Horses.

1.      Type of trailer you have or may purchase.  The most important decision for a trailer is the comfort and safety of the animal.  There are two main types of trailers.  A bumper pull is recommended for shorter hauls and smaller tow vehicles while a gooseneck trailer has more stability during bad weather conditions and has a higher weight-carrying capacity. Make sure the flooring is solid and secure for horses.  Using rubber mats can help to secure footing. Here is a University of Maryland Extension Publication on Selecting a Horse Trailer for more in-depth considerations. 

2.      Choosing a towing vehicle.  Make sure your vehicle can get the job done.  The general rule is the larger and heavier the trailer, the more horsepower needed from the tow vehicle.  Make sure your vehicle has adequate tow rating for your trailer.

3.      Pre-Trip Safety Checklist.

-    Fully inspect and check the tow vehicle.  Regularly service and maintain the vehicle.

-    Check tires and wheels.

-    Check all lights and wiring to make sure they work and wiring is secure.

-    Inspect brakes and check fluid levels.  Do a loaded and unloaded drive test to check the brakes.

-    Check hitches and make sure the ball is the correct size for the hitch and is properly secured.  Check the jack stand.

-    Check the levelness of the hitched trailer.

-    Check floor and ramp for soft spots, rotting, etc.  Also inspect floor mats.

-    Make sure you have a first aid kit in your vehicle including road side flares, fire extinguisher and flashlight.

4.      Trailer Driving Habits.  Practice driving and maneuvering your trailer before loading animals.  Practice driving forward and backwards.  Adjust your mirrors.  Make adjustments to the brake controller as needed. 

5.      Preparations Before Traveling.  Make sure you have a first aid kit for your horse(s).  Include emergency contacts in the tow vehicle and the trailer.  Make sure you are up to date on vaccinations and have all health papers and negative coggins tests for the area you are traveling to.  Under normal circumstances, bedding in the trailer is not necessary, but may add comfort.  Bedding can also soak up urine and manure, but clean out the trailer after the trip.

6.      Traveling With Horses.  While traveling, horses need periods of rest every 3-4 hours.  The time it takes to refuel your vehicle and take a rest break is adequate for a horse.  Before loading a horse, make sure it has a correct fitting halter.  Check out this old horse blog article Safety in the Trailer on training your horse to load and unload before you have to transport your horse.  Use a quick release trailer tie or slip knot with leadline to secure your horse.  You need to be able to release the horse quickly during an emergency.  While in the trailer, consider your safety if the horse becomes scared and make sure you have an exit from the trailer.  

Shipping boots and leg wraps provide additional protection to the legs during transportation.  When hauling several horses, make sure the horses are familiar with each other and consider the social hierarchy when placing animals beside each other.  Feeding and watering on the road is important too.  If offering free-choice hay during transport, secure the hay net high and tight so it does not entangle the horse.  Take buckets from home so the horse is familiar and to reduce disease transfer.  Offer water every 3-4 hours.

     

Good ventilation is a must to keep horses cool and provide fresh air during the trip.  Open the ceiling vents and/or windows to help with ventilation.  When unloading, make sure to park the trailer in a location with secure footing such as grass or gravel.

Hopefully these tips will help you prepare to trailer your horse(s) and avoid problems while traveling.  Once you are back from your trip, clean and disinfect your trailer and equipment used to reduce disease concerns.