Horse Trailer Safety

Do you own a horse trailer? If not, do you sometimes use another person's horse trailer to transport your animals to the vet, to riding arenas, or to shows? If so, you will want to be sure the trailer is in top-notch condition before loading your horses or ponies for a trip. Although you may have to make discreet inquiries about a trailer that doesn't belong to you, it is still important to find out whether the trailer can safely accommodate your animals, and if not, planning ahead for choosing another means of conveyance.

First, check the hook-up to be sure it is stable and secure. Does it appear rusty or loose? If so, call the owner or driver's attention to this area and ask if it can be double-checked. While you're at it, see if the doors close snugly and can be bolted adequately to contain a horse that may become distrait in an enclosed space. Inspect the door latch and lock to ensure that it is strong and in good condition. Also, examine any windows in the trailer to see if they can open, or will be open, during the trip. Some horses seem to enjoy the fresh air, while others don't, so you will be the best judge of your horse's preference.

Then check the tires of the trailer to be sure they have the right amount of air. If they have too much, they can blow while in transit. If they contain too little air, they could easily go flat. Ask about taking along a spare tire and jack if these are not already included. Other emergency equipment should include jumper cables and standard roadside items in case of a breakdown.

Next, check the interior of the trailer. Is there fresh straw? Will the van be vented in some way, depending on the length of the trip, so the urinary ammonia odor won't build up to become a hazard? Are there crosstie hooks to help hold a horse securely? If a human will ride with one or more horses in the trailer, is there a seat of some kind? Will the animals have access to fresh water? Check to be sure the loading ramp has been stored on the vehicle if it is not built on as part of the door . If you are getting help in loading your horse, find out what the person does if an animal should balk. You will want to agree on tactics before they are needed rather than argue about them at the point of necessity. If you want to use a blindfold but the driver pulls out a whip, you may be at odds and delay the unloading task as well as possibly upset the horse.

Make sure the trailer is clean when you load your horse. Look for sharp edges due to protruding nails or rusted edges. Hopefully you will find none. Keep all of these things in mind when using your own trailer or conducting periodic maintenance.