About Horse Trailers

If you own a horse, generally you need to own a horse trailer. Whether it is a trip a mile down the road or across the country horse trailers make transporting your horses quicker and safer than hacking cross country or along busy roads. There are many different trailers to meet your specific needs and budget. Horse trailer types breakdown by the gooseneck or bumper pull/tag along varieties and then have floor plans for a straight or slant load. Additional features such as living quarters or dressing areas further define the specific models of trailers available.

  1. Gooseneck Versus Bumper Pull/Tag Along

    • Gooseneck trailers allow the weight of the trailer to be more evenly distributed on the axles of the towing vehicle by resting the weight in the middle of the towing vehicle's truck bed. Due to the improved weight distribution of gooseneck trailers they tend to be design of larger trailers. Bumper pull, or tag along, trailers attach to a hitch on the bumper of the towing vehicle resting the bulk of the trailer weight on the rear axle.

    Straight Load Trailers

    • Straight load trailers are often the most common and least expensive variety of small 1 or 2 horse trailers. They are also available in larger sizes, some accommodating 16 horses. A straight load design allows one to load or unload one horse at a time. Often a straight load trailer provides you with a door in the front of a trailer that you can use to exit after loading a horse. The main drawback of these trailers is that horses have less room and have been found to be less comfortable traveling when standing straight in the direction of travel. When traveling in trailers affording the ability to stand differently most horses are found to pick an slanted angle to the direction of travel. Horse comfort is key to having a healthy horse at the end of a long trip.

    Slant Load Trailers

    • Slant load trailers address the issues of straight loads by allowing the horse to ride at an angle to the direction of travel. This has been proven to be a more comfortable way for the horse to ride and will result in a less stressed horse at the end of the trip.

    Common Trailer Features

    • Not every trailer is created equal. Good ventilation is essential. Trailers that allow plenty of air to enter and exit while in motion will keep your horses healthy in transit. Also helpful is a manger so your horse has a flat area to eat. You can often store extra equipment, water and food under the manger area. You will also find trailers that offer a dressing room where you will have space to make changes for instance between dressage, stadium, or cross country events. For those with more advanced needs for space and facilities you may find what you are looking for in the living quarters trailers described next.

    Living Quarters Trailers

    • These trailers are useful for those who travel with their horses. A combination horse trailer and recreational vehicle they allow you to stay close to your horses on the road while sharing many modern conveniences including kitchen appliances, bathroom facilities and beds.

    Which Trailer is Right for You?

    • Each trailer is designed to meet a different application and budget. Horse comfort is the number one factor in buying a trailer. If your horse can't stand the trailer it will just lead to frustration and health issues in your horse if you insist he rides in it. If you have more than one horse pick a trailer that fits the tallest horse. If your horse can not balance himself or lift up and lower his head to its full extension your horse will be uncomfortable.
      Buy a trailer for the number of horses you have or the number you need to transport at one time. Don't buy a larger trailer with the intention of transporting your friends horses. You will need a larger, more expensive, vehicle to pull a greater than 2-horse trailer and you will spend more on fuel carrying the extra weight as well.
      If you are on a limited budget and travel to one day events a simple used trailer may be best. Well maintained horse trailers can provide many years of service, but like anything else you will pay a premium for a new trailer. A used trailer in good condition will likely have more features and be a better value than a comparably priced new trailer.
      If you travel often to multi-day events a living quarters trailer may meet your needs best. If you do shorter events or trying to save money you may be better off with a simple dressing room area.
      Always remember to take into account your present situation and buy what meets your particular needs best. Find a trailer that you, your horse, and your budget can live with. As with anything you will pay a premium for buying a new trailer. Many used trailers in varying conditions are available at any time. See the links below for more on how and where to buy a horse trailer.