How to Haul Horses Loose in Trailers

Horses are usually hauled in trailers with stalls that are slanted from left to right, called slant horse trailers, to keep the horses in place during transport. A halter is put on the animal and a lead rope is tied to the side rail of the trailer to enable the horse to balance itself with the movement of the horse trailer. Horses also can be hauled loose in the trailer, but extra care should be taken to ensure that the animals are not injured during transit.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse trailer
  • Rubber floor liner
  • Sawdust
  • Shovel
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Instructions

  1. Preparing the Horse Trailer

    • 1

      Inspect the floor of the trailer for weak spots where a horses leg could fall through and cause injury to the animal. Repair all weaknesses. Remove all hooks or protruding objects that could cause injury to the animal from the sides of the trailer.

    • 2

      Install a rubber lining on the floor if the trailer is not thus equipped. The rubber lining will provide the horse with traction. Install rubber padding on the sidewalls of the trailer using a professional service. This sidewall padding will protect the animal from injury during traffic turns.

    • 3

      Spread six inches of sawdust or wood shavings on the floor of the trailer using a shovel. The wood shavings will provide cushioning if the animal falls down.

    Transporting the Horses Loosely

    • 4

      Load the horse or horses onto the trailer through the rear or side doors of the trailer. It is better to transport more than one animal at a time so that they can brace against each other when the vehicle maneuvers in traffic.

    • 5

      Drive the vehicle without abrupt acceleration or stopping to ensure that the horses don't stumble or crash against the inner walls of the trailer.

    • 6

      Slowly approach stop signs and red traffic signals to allow the horses time to balance their bodies against the slowing force of the vehicle.

    • 7

      Make slow lane changes and when traveling around a corner make wide turns to reduce the amount of momentum the animal or animals have to balance against to keep from stumbling or falling.