Ownership Tips
Tips When Buying
When deciding to buy a horse trailer, consider the following pointers to make sure you choose the best fit for you and your horse.
-
The trailer size should be large enough to accommodate your typical trailering needs.
-
Make sure that you have dressing, tack and extra stall space as needed for storage. The trailer should have plenty of head and leg room for your largest horses. Make sure that all the edges are smooth so they do not injure your horse.
-
The ramp should be easy for you to lift on your own. It should also be smooth with a durable mat that lies smooth. The ramp should also be sturdy and framed to avoid rotting.
-
If you are purchasing a trailer without a ramp, make sure that the step-up is no more than 15"-19" off the ground. This makes it easier for your horse to enter the trailer.
-
Make sure the door latches and windows are at the right height and easy for you
to open and close.
Loading & Unloading Your Horse
Loading and unloading your horse is no different than any other aspect of horse training. You must start with the basics. We suggest reading the book Trailering Your Horse by Cherry Hill. There are great pointers and photos to walk you through the training and process of loading your horse in both straight and slant load types of trailers.
It is important to not panic your horse. Use training and encouragement and take the process one step at a time. By being impatient, your or your horse can be harmed.
Before trailering make sure your trailer is safe for the horse:
-
Make sure the trailer is hooked to a tow vehicle.
-
Allow light in the trailer by opening the drop down feed windows. (Never travel with these windows open.)
-
Open the rear doors wide and make sure they are fastened and will not move.
-
Make sure dividers are secure against the wall and out of the way.
-
Place treats in the manger or feedbag to reward after your horse successfully loads.
Never use treats to bribe your horse.
General steps for loading your horse:
-
With the lead rope in hand, step onto the trailer. Your horse should be haltered with about
16 feet of lead rope.
-
Allow the horse to sniff the trailer – don’t rush.
-
Use the voice command you taught in training when getting the horse to enter the trailer.
-
If your horse stops half way or backs out, it is okay. Use the voice command to encourage movement forward at the horse’s pace.
-
Position the horse and stand for a while before exiting.
General steps for unloading your horse:
-
Position your horse to turn around.Giving space for his head and neck to turn left, move his body away from you with slight pressure on the lead rope to tip the nose to the left. Place pressure on the left shoulder and rib cage with your right hand.
-
As you turn the horse, give sideway cues to keep the turn moving so the horse does not feel trapped or cramped.
-
Before exiting the trailer, pause so that the horse feels calm and knows you are in
control. This relieves the urge to bolt out of the trailer. Make sure the horse’s head
is down as you exit.
Consider the following to outfit your horse when traveling. These insure safety and comfort.
-
Shipping boots
-
Tail wrap
-
Fly mask to keep bugs and debris from the eyes
-
Head bumper
-
Traveling sheet or blanket
Training Your Horse
The most important part of having a cooperative horse is to spend time patiently training your horse. Horses are followers and will act upon your command if you are reasonable and fair to the horse.
Before you even attempt to load a horse, you should have established in-hand and obstacle training
with your horse.
-
Be able to catch your horse in an open field or turn him loose without his galloping away
-
Halter and unhalter without difficulty or pulling away
-
Stand tied without pulling and chewing
-
Turn left and right with cues
-
Stop and back without strong cues
-
Stand tied without following a moving trainer
-
Move sideways with cues
Basic training techniques to learn these behaviors could include teaching the following: lowering the head, staying on a long line, leading the walk or trot, minimizing lagging, creating personal space, turning on the forehand, side passes, backing (using rails and barrels), walking on boards and platforms, leading under a tarp, shadow training, and standing alongside and between trailers.