How to Trailer a Horse

Park the trailer. It should be in a level area with good footing for the horse, and with enough space for you to easily access all the doors.

Perform a trailer safety check. Here’s an example of a safety check you could do:http://www.whmentors.org/saf/trailer01.html

Load everything you need. This might include tack, feed, grooming supplies, camping gear, etc. It’s a good idea to include spares or more than you think you need in case you underestimated or something gets broken or stolen.

Bring along some hay. Most trailers have containers for hay; it’s also a good idea to bring along a hay net if your horse will need to stand around (as would be the case if you’re going to a horse show).

Halter your horse. The halter should be leather – if there’s an emergency, it will break. Put shipping boots or wraps on your horse’s legs, and consider using a face guard and/or head bumper, or a light sheet if it’s cold.

Load the horse in the trailer. If you are using a side by side style trailer load the horse in the left hand stall of the trailer, as it will tow more safely if the heavy side of the trailer is in the center of the road. If you are using a slant load trailer load the horse in the front stall; the trailer will generally balance better. Simply lead him in and then exit through a side door; ask a friend to help you guide the horse into the trailer and to observe in case of an accident.

Tie your horse to tie rings. Use a trailer tie with a quick release snap, hook it to the tie ring on the halter and the tie ring on the trailer, and remove his lead rope so he does not become tangled in it.

Close the bar behind your horse. You should also close all drop down windows, rear doors, side doors and tack room doors, double checking to make sure everything is latched tight and won’t pop open while you’re driving.

Open air vents on windows and doors. Do this as needed to keep plenty of air moving through the trailer, as horses put off a lot of heat and moisture as they breath. A hot, wet trailer is not comfortable or healthy for the horse!

Do one last check. Places to check include doors, wheels, and the hitch; make sure nothing is amiss and no tools, lead ropes, etc. have been left on the ground or trailer fenders, or are leaning on the trailer.

Drive gently! Take corners, accelerate, and stop slowly and smoothly – remember that the horses are standing up back there! Don’t drive for more than four hours without stopping somewhere you can unload the horses and give them a rest, stretch and something to drink, along with checking for injuries and making sure that nothing is wrong with the trailer.

Park again. Follow the instructions above, and remember to avoid surfaces such as pavement that can be slippery for horses.