Trailer Safety Tips

When you own or lease a horse eventually you’ll find it necessary to haul them. Whether for a trail ride, horse show, vet clinic, or just plain old moving, that horse will need to get on a horse trailer of some kind. Hauling horses can be a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Inspection

You’ll want to inspect the wear and tear on your truck and trailer on a regular basis. For planned trips, taking the time a week before you go to make sure your tires have adequate pressure. That your lights all work, your brakes work and your hitch is in good repair. Be sure to check every nook and cranny of your rig for rust and rot. Rust and rot will put long term damage on your vehicle and put you and others in the way of danger.

Organization

Most people don’t realize but being organized is a key piece to being safe. Knowing where everything is from safety ties, your first aid kit to your grooming supplies , will help you keep your cool in high stress situations. Not only that, in the case where someone else is helping you out it makes things easier on them. Having a place for your things will keep walkways and doorways clear of obstruction, so tripping and falling accidents don’t occur.

Socialization

There are so many products on the market to help your horse have a safe haul, from  shipping boots to protect the legs , to shipping caps to protect the noggin. You can’t expect your horse to be okay with any of these items the moment you plan to ship them. In fact, sometimes these items can cause more stress if your horse isn’t used to them. Taking adequate time prior to hauling to socialize your horse to such products will go a long way in reducing travel anxiety for human and equine.

Hauling doesn’t need to be a scary experience! Still have questions about trailering your horse? Stop by or call! Many of us are seasoned haulers and will be more than happy to make suggestions on what products have worked best for us and may work for you.