Horse Trailer Safety Tips

Horse owners will normally have to transport a horse by trailer at some time. It may be after purchasing a horse, to go to a horse show, or to go trail riding in the mountains. Whatever the reason, it is important to be safety aware. Poor preparation of the towing vehicle, trailer or horse can turn an enjoyable outing into a nightmare that can result in injury or even death of the horse.

  1. Towing Vehicle

    • Towing puts extra stress on your vehicle so make sure everything is in good mechanical order. Check oil, water and wiper fluid, and make sure your tires are in good condition and have the right pressure. Make sure the tow ball is the correct size for the trailer. Have a first-aid kit for people and one for horses in the towing vehicle, plus a list of emergency numbers, including a veterinarian.

    Horse Trailer

    • Check inside for wasp nests and secure any loose items such as buckets. Check the tires and tire pressure, and check the floor to ensure it is in good condition. Make sure all doors close securely and there are no sharp edges anywhere. Connect the horse trailer to the towing vehicle and double-check the hitch, coupler, breakaway brake battery and safety chains. Test all the trailer lights to be sure they work. Place the vehicle and trailer on level ground for loading the horse.

    Loading and Unloading the Horse

    • Have two people help to load the horse. Never load a horse into an unhitched trailer. One person should lead the horse up and stay in the trailer until the second person has put the rump bar in place. Do not stand directly behind the horse to do this. Tie the horse high enough that it cannot put a leg over the rope. Close the ramp and secure all doors. If it is a double trailer, put the horse on the driver's side. If there are two horses, put the heaviest on the driver's side. When unloading, untie the horse before removing the rump bar.

    Traveling Safely

    • Observe speed limits. The extra weight will make acceleration and braking slower than normal. Leave a good distance to the vehicle in front, change lanes gradually and always use the turn signals. Use a lower gear on steep grades. Be considerate of the horse, and brake and accelerate gradually. Slow down more than you normally would for turns as the horse may have trouble balancing after you round a turn. If the trailer starts to sway or anything seems wrong, then pull over and check everything out.