Horse Trailer Safety Checklist

One standard-sized mature horse weighs about 1,200 pounds. A double horse trailer, including mats, tires and other equipment, can weigh 2,300 pounds or more. When you're pulling a total of roughly 3,500 pounds transporting a single horse, or 4,700 pounds transporting two horses down the highway, you can't be overly cautious or too safe. The correct tow vehicle and trailer are critical. It's wise to do a complete trailer safety check before traveling.

  1. Brakes and Lights

    • Always test brakes before leaving. Professional service is best, but a quick test drive is better than nothing. Lights mysteriously stop working on trailers, so it's best to test them even before short trips. Make sure brake lights, turn lights and emergency lights are working. It's a good idea to also test running lights for higher visibility travel after dark. Working interior and loading lights make horse loading and off-loading much safer.

    Tires and Wheels

    • Check all tires, including the spare. There's nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere with a horse or two and no way to keep moving. Tires should have correct pressure and adequate tread. Slick tires or uneven wear lead to loss of control and ruptures. Ensure lug nuts are tight on all wheels. As an added precaution, make sure wheel bearings are replaced annually. Tire chains are a good idea in winter.

    Hitch and Safety Chains

    • Double check the hitch and safety chains upon every hook up. Bolts can crack or loosen with wear. A little grease on the ball helps to reduce friction. Safety chains can be a lifesaver and must be crossed and hooked to the frame of the truck, not the bumper.

    Breakaway

    • It's important to check cable length. It should be shorter than the safety chains but not so short that it'll break free when a tight turn is made. Ensure the cable is weaved through a link in one chain so that it won't snag and pull free. Make sure the coupler is fully plugged in.

    Trailer Floors

    • Horses have fallen through the floorboards of trailers and it's completely preventable. Horses must have a solid base to hold them. Thorough inspection of the bare horse trailer floor includes removing the rubber mats for a proper look. Inspect the floor and rivets for pitting in aluminum floors, or for weak points or damage to wooden floors.

    Important Gear

    • Carry a tool box including the correct jack, tire wrench, crowbar, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, flashlight and an aerosol tire inflator. Besides these tools, safety gear should include jumper cables, spare fuses, a fire extinguisher, 5 to 20 gallons of water and, in the winter, a shovel, sand and blankets. Safety cones, reflector triangles and/or emergency flares save lives in after-dark emergencies. The horse first aid kit should have at least bute, a painkiller; banamine, an anti-inflammatory; bandages; and a large sponge to wash wounds or wet down overheated horses.