It’s Easier to Get Horses Loaded into Slant Load Trailers

One myth that has gained a lot of popularity amongst horse people is that horses tend to load easier into slant load horse trailers rather than straight load trailers. This half-truth has its origins in the 80s, when the very first slant load trailers were made. The whole purpose of a slant load trailer is to fit in more horses into a shorter trailer. If you wanted to haul four or more horses in a straight load trailer, the trailer would be extremely long. Horses also have a tendency to put themselves into a slant position while traveling in a trailer to avoid losing their balance. This led people to believe that this is the way horses preferred to ride.

Image credit: itmelo
People began to notice how easily the horses loaded into the trailer and just assumed that the animals were enjoying their trailer and the trip they went on. It wasn’t long before slant load trailers took the horse world by storm and ended up becoming the trailer every horse lover needed to have.

While these trailers can be helpful, it’s important to have all the facts and take them into consideration before deciding on a trailer.

One of the reasons this story is a myth and not completely true has a lot to do with the type of horses that were being hauled the first time these trailers were used. The types of horses hauled in these trailers were typically shorter, smaller horses, so they fit easily into the trailer and handle the smaller space. Once this trend got started, owners of larger horses wanted to jump on the bandwagon as well and get these types of trailers. The only problem was these larger horses didn’t fit well inside of the cramped trailers. With no room to move, the horse cannot get itself into position to maintain its balance. This could lead to serious injury, both physically and mentally, to your animal.

There have also not been any studies done to prove that horses like to stand at a slant when being hauled. To base that kind of information on one observation doesn’t provide enough evidence to prove that this is necessarily the case with horses.

It’s important to remember that you can’t decide to go with one certain type of trailer because everyone else is using it. You have to remember that the whole purpose of a horse trailer is to get your beloved horses from one place to another safely and without rattling their nerves. The horse’s needs should be top priority and should never be neglected. The needs a horse has changes from horse to horse, which means you need to test some things out and see what your horse likes. Make sure that your trailer is made for your type of horse. This will keep your horse healthy and happy while you take him place to place.

Gooseneck Trailers are Safer than Bumper Pull Trailers

This is a myth that has just a little bit of truth to it. Bumper pull trailers are notorious for having dangerous trailer sway and instability. There have been lots of reported incidents of these particular trailers becoming unhitched and causing accidents and serious injuries to the horses they were carrying. What gives the gooseneck trailer a safety advantage is that you have to use a pick-up truck to hook the trailer up to. Gooseneck trailers are hooked up to the bed of the truck, and when done by a qualified installer, can be extremely safe.

Image credit: Oneprunel
On the other hand, a lot can go wrong when attaching a bumper pull trailer to your vehicle. There are many different ways to attach this type of trailer, which leaves many different ways to make a mistake. One tip to make your bumper pull trailer a bit safer to use is to put weight distribution bars in the trailer to help balance out the weight. Some trailers, as long as they are attached properly and have the right weight distribution, can still be very safe. However, if you are planning on hauling more than two or three horses, a gooseneck trailer is highly recommended.

Step Up Rear Entry Ramps Are Better than Rear Ramps

There are a ton of different brands, types, and kinds of ramps available on the market. It’s safe to say that not all of these ramps are safe or worth the investment to use. If you are using a ramp that is slippery or difficult for your horse to maneuver, your horse may be reluctant to use it. This means it will be more difficult for you to get your horse to go up the ramp. A slippery ramp can also result in an injured horse if the animal was to slip and fall.

However, if you get a good solid, sturdy ramp, it will be much better and easier for your horse to get in and out of your trailer. One thing to keep in mind is that these ramps are heavy and will require more than one person to help move them. Also, ramps are more useful for getting the horse out of the trailer than in.

Another reason ramps are safer than step ups is because it is very common for horses to fall from a step up entrance ramp. These horses often become trapped and can be difficult to free without some type of injury. Some injuries may even go so far as to fatally harm your horse.

This is one of the most highly debated myths that exists in the world of horses and horse owners. The topic of safe entry and exiting from a trailer is extremely important and should be carefully considered when choosing a ramp. Keep in mind that it is important to keep your horse’s safety as the number one concern. There are a lot of myths out there, so you really should make sure to do the proper research before using equipment to find out the real deal on what is best to use for your horse trailer.

Even though this may sound a bit strange, you should try to look at the horse’s trailer ride experience from his point of view. Horses are absolutely terrified of the dark, so would a horse feel safe and comfortable in a trailer that was poorly lit and was painted with dark colors inside? Probably not. That being said, the horse trailer should have an interior that is well lit and also light in color, as this will ease the horse’s fear. Horses like to have some room to move around because this allows them to get into the proper posture to avoid losing their balance.

Image credit: Doneastwest
Make sure that any furniture that you have in your horse trailer is well padded. Horses need room to move their heads around, so make sure there is plenty of space for them to do that. Another measure you can take to increase your horse’s enjoyment of his trailer is to cover the floor with non-slip material that will keep your horse from sliding around and losing his balance. Feeding bags are another essential item to add into your trailer. You don’t want the bag too close to his mouth or he may get caught in it and panic trying to get free. Of course, you won’t want to put it too far away either, or else he won’t be able to get a snack from his bag.

It’s also crucial to have an experienced and skilled driver behind the wheel of the vehicle being used to haul the trailer. Driving with a horse trailer requires a lot of skill, and a driver needs to be extremely cautious. You should try to go slow when turning and going around curves. Do not go over two hours in between breaks to check on your horses. Stop often and make sure the horses are alright and that they are well hydrated. Try not to wrap them up in too many blankets, as you may cause them to overheat. Also be aware of how tightly you tie them up. If you tie them up too tightly they may not be able to turn their head.

If your horse is still giving you a hard time when you try to load them into the trailer, there may be other factors involved. Some horses that are unfamiliar with being inside of trailers tend to get fearful of small, enclosed areas that aren’t well lit. They may be afraid of climbing up the ramp into the trailer. Something else you may want to consider is the possibility of your horse being injured. The pain caused by the injury may cause the climb up the ramp to be painful and too difficult for the horse to do.

These are just a few things you should keep in mind to help improve the quality of your horse’s traveling experience. Remember that a safe trailer that meets your horse’s needs will be a great help the next time you go to load your horse on the trailer. Anything that makes your horse more comfortable and easy to manage is a worthwhile investment. As long as you keep that in mind and put these tips into practice, you and your horse will enjoy many road trips together.

Steel Trailers Rust, Aluminum Trailers Do Not Rust

In the early days steel horse trailers seemed to rust easily and aluminum seemed to be the best choice for a horse trailer. People are still in that mindset today, even though steel manufacturers have drastically improved the quality of steel and have made it much more durable and less likely to rust. If the horse trailer you use has been made from raw steel, and this steel has not been treated in any way or painted, the steel will rust very quickly. What you want is a horse trailer made out of kotesteel. This type of steel is coated before it leaves the factory and is far less likely to rust.

Image credit: Stevenarens
Another strong type of steel that is great to use for horse trailers is galvanized steel. This type of steel is very durable and doesn’t rust easily at all. The only way this steel will rust is if it is welded and not recoated. The whole statement that steel horse trailers rust is a myth because not all steel is the same. Some steel is stronger than other types of steel so you can’t really make a fair general statement like that.

The one thing people tend to forget is that while aluminum may not rust, it does corrode. When aluminum begins to corrode it turns into a fine white powder. Aluminum horse trailers are actually very similar to steel ones. They each differ in the different type of aluminum that is used to make the trailer. What really makes a difference in the life of your horse trailer is the type of material that is used to make it, the overall quality of the trailer itself, and how well you take care of the trailer that you use to transport your horses in. Make sure that you keep your trailer clean and that you wash the floor of your trailer once a month.

Steel and Aluminum React to Each Other

It is indeed true that if steel and aluminum are used together they react to each other. However, the companies who manufacture trailers that are made from both aluminum and steel know how to incorporate both types of metal without them touching each other. These companies often use some type of protective coating or maybe even Mylar tape to protect the metals from each other. Most aluminum trailers have to use some type of steel transition parts, so this really puts an end to the myth of the “all aluminum” horse trailer.

This myth is one of the most popular myths out in the wide world of horses today. It is a myth that has survived the test of time and transitioned into the modern world of horse trailers, despite all the advancements made in the steel industry. Remember, the most important factor to keep in mind when choosing a horse trailer is the safety of your horse. Make sure that your horse has a safe and comfortable trailer to ride in and that his needs are met and you’ve found the best trailer around, regardless of what it is made of.

Before hitting the open road it is important to give your trailer a good look over. Check to make sure that the doors shut properly and that there are no protrusions that could cause some injury to your animals. Make sure there are no holes in the floorboard of the trailer. Along with checking the trailer for any type of defects, you should also check the vehicle that will be pulling the trailer. Make sure that the vehicle is able to pull the weight of the trailer safely. Also check the brakes and make sure they are working properly.

Image credit: mjerry49
One way you can test out the horse trailer to make sure it is comfortable is to take a ride in the trailer itself. Make sure you don’t take this for a test ride on the open road, because this can get you in some hot water legally speaking. This will give you a feel for what the ride feels like for the horse that’s riding in the back of the trailer. If you drive considerately, your horse will appreciate it a lot more. You want your horse to be physically safe when you arrive at your destination, but you will also want your horse to be physically well after the ride. This depends largely on how well you drive with the trailer on the open road.

If you are a newbie to driving trailers around, you may want to drive the rig around without any cargo on board for practice. This will help you get a feel for the vehicle and the differences in acceleration with the added weight of the trailer. It’s highly recommended that you master parking and backing up before you hit the open road. While these skills may take some time to get familiar with, they are not impossible to master. Just keep working on them and practicing them and you’ll be an expert in no time.

One tip that you can use to help you learn backing up is to put your hand on the bottom of the wheel. When you want the trailer to go to the left turn your hand to the left and when you want to go to the right, just turn your hand to the right. It’s a lot easier than what you may think.

If you are hauling more than one horse on a straight load trailer, you will want to put the heaviest horse on the driver side of the trailer. This will help to balance the trailer, as most roads are crowned in the middle. Whatever you do, never put a horse in a trailer backwards if the trailer wasn’t designed this way. It can drastically change the weight and this can make for a dangerous trip.

Making sure that your horse is safe and healthy is the ultimate goal of using a horse trailer. Keep this in mind as you are learning how to drive the rig. Learning how to drive safely and carefully is an important part of providing your horse with a safe trip both physically and mentally.

The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a horse trailer is the safety of your horses. Each individual horse has its own needs. Some horses need to be in trailers where there is a lot of light. The most important thing is that regardless of whether or not you pick a slant load or a straight load; make sure the trailer is safe enough for your animals to ride in and for you to haul.

Image credit: Bēn
Before you can make a judgment call about which of these trailers works best for you, you should know the good and the bad about both slant load and straight load horse trailers.

One of the perks of using straight load trailers is the fact that they have escape doors at the front of the trailer. These escape doors make it a lot easier for you to get out of the horse trailer after loading up your horses. Straight load trailers usually feature some type of ramp at the back to help you load and unload your horses, which is very helpful and convenient. As an added safety bonus, many of these types of trailers have escape doors big enough for the horses to exit out of as well, in case of emergency situations.

Straight load trailers are ideal to use for the bigger breed of horses. The reason these are so perfect for larger horses is because the stalls were designed to be very spacious and accommodating.

One of the only flaws to using straight load trailers is if you need to haul two or more horses, the trailers tend to be very big and very heavy. This will put a lot of stress and strain on the vehicle you are using to haul your horse trailer with. Keep this in mind if you plan on hauling a lot of horses.

There are also a lot of perks to owning and using a slant load trailer. These are especially great to use if you plan on hauling more than two horses at a time. The reason these trailers are called slant load trailers is because of the way the stalls are actually slanted from the right to the left. This allows you to haul more horses without having to add any additional height or width to the trailer.

Many horses actually ride in a slanted position to help keep their balance, so using a slanted stall really helps them to ride comfortably. This tends to depend on the individual horse, as some horses can’t stand in a slanted position long without causing some strain.
One of the drawbacks to using slant load trailers is the process of unloading the trailer. It can be nearly impossible to unload the last horse without unloading the other ones in front of it. This can cause major problems if an emergency should arise and you need to evacuate the trailer quickly.

While each of these two types of trailers have their pros and cons, it’s important to remember that you need to buy a trailer that suits and fits your horse’s needs. Take into consideration how many animals you’ll be hauling as well, as this can be a big deciding factor in which type of trailer to use.

One essential horse trailer part is the hay net. This is a net that gets installed and hung close to the horse’s mouth so that he can snack on the road during the trip. These are great for making sure your animals stay nourished and don’t go hungry. It’s important to make sure that when you put these in you don’t get too close to your horse’s nose and mouth as he could get caught in the net. The danger comes from the horse trying to get free from the net, which can result in serious injury.

Another extremely helpful tool that everyone who owns a horse trailer should have is a trailer helper. This makes changing a flat tire on a trailer a whole lot easier. All you have to do is place these horse trailer parts on the ground and pull the trailer wheel on up to the flat part of the platform. Simple to use and pretty cheap as well.

Image credit: Victor Solanoy
Using nylon horse trailer ties are very convenient horse trailer parts to use for securing your horse into the trailer. These are very durable and long-lasting ties that you use to tie your horse’s head to the trailer itself. These are very safe and easy to use and will make life a lot easier for you and your horse.

A trailer groom case is essential to making sure your horse looks good for the show. These cases are very convenient horse trailer parts that hang conveniently on the trailer. These cases can hold brushes, sprays, bandages, leg wraps, you name it. They are made from nylon and are waterproof. You can even use these in the barn. After a long trip in the trailer, your prize horse may not look up to par, so having one of these groom cases is essential to helping your horse look his best.

One of the best horse trailer parts around is the deluxe cooler. These are especially convenient because they have multiple uses. You can use them as a bench or for a number of other uses. It bolts into the trailer on the floor and even has a drain. The drain runs out of the bottom of the trailer through a hole drilled in the floor. These can vary in size, so shop around to find one that will match the size of your trailer.

Having a handy-dandy fold up wheelbarrow is also a must for anyone who owns a horse trailer. Everyone knows if you take horses to shows that you need to have a wheelbarrow. The problem is that many wheelbarrows are very heavy and not compact. Well this wheelbarrow is everything that a normal wheelbarrow is not. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and can be easily stored. These wheelbarrows can haul up to 80 lbs.

These are just a few of the horse trailer parts that can help make your traveling experience that much more convenient. These parts vary in their prices and not all of them may work in all trailers. Make sure that these parts fit and won’t cause the horse any discomfort while riding in your trailer.

One of the first things you’ll want to do before heading out on the open road with horse trailers is to make sure that your horse is loaded securely into the trailer. Take some time to check that all the stall doors are closed and secured properly and that there isn’t any debris or other objects keeping the door from closing. Also make sure to take a look inside the trailer, looking for any kind of object that may injure your animal during transportation. Always make sure that you test your brakes, lights, and the hitching system before you take off. Preventive maintenance is the only sure-fire way to avoid accidents before they happen.

Image credit: David Kozlowski
It’s also important to make sure that you don’t exceed the maximum carrying weight of the trailer you’re using. Horse trailers can often only hold a certain amount of weight and each breed of horse as well as individual horses have differing weights, so make sure your animal’s weight is supported by the trailer. You should be able to find the carrying weight displayed on the trailer itself. Make sure that the vehicle you are using to pull the trailer is heavier than the weight of the horse and trailer. It can be extremely dangerous to transport an animal in a trailer that is close to or exceeding its weight amount as it increases the risk of you losing control of your vehicle and getting into an accident.

Another important safety tip for pulling horse trailers is to always carry around an emergency kit in case your vehicle breaks down. There are a number of different items that you’ll want to have in your kit that can help you in case of a serious emergency. Some of the items you’ll want to have in your kit are a working flashlight, WD-40, some safety cones, some electrical tape, and the usual tire changing tools and a jack. These can be a real lifesaver if you happen to get into a jam while in transit with your horses.

Make sure if you are going on a long trip you take plenty of breaks. It’s highly recommended that during this time you check on your animals and run over the trailer, making sure everything is still working properly. You should also go over the hitching system once more to make sure nothing has come loose.

It’s also important that you drive safely. Driving recklessly will only increase the risk of getting into an accident, which could be potentially fatal to both you and your horses. Drive with caution, and do not break the speed limit or any other traffic laws meant for your safety.

By following these simple safety rules, you and your horses will reach your destination safely and comfortably. Again, do not forget to check all your equipment and the inside of the trailer before getting on the roads, as this greatly reduces your chances of an accident. These are just a few of the tips you can put into practice to help keep your horses safe while traveling.

One of the most important horse trailer safety tips to take into consideration is the size of your horse. This plays a huge important role in maintaining your animal’s safety. Every individual horse is made and shaped differently. Some may be very large and wide, others tall and thin. If you don’t have a trailer that suits the size requirements for your horse, you are headed for disaster. The reason for this is that horses are animals that are easily spooked by lack of light, and they are also claustrophobic. This means that horses don’t like small, confined places where they can’t move their legs. Horses need room to move their legs in order to keep their balance, and if they don’t have room to move, they scramble, and this can cause injuries. Make sure that the trailer you purchase has ample room and lighting, as well as ventilation.

Image credit: Arbyreed
Another great tip is to allow your horse to get familiar with the trailer you will be using to transport it during travel. You should do this a few weeks in advance of actually taking the horse out on the road for a long-distance trip. This will help the horse to feel relaxed and comfortable in his new surroundings and reduce the chance of the animal becoming stressed and injuring itself. Make sure that the horses hay net is close enough for him to be able to eat along the way.

Make sure that you don’t place the hay net too close to the horse as he may end up getting tangled in it and injure himself trying to get free. Pay close attention when installing the net to accommodate the needs of your animal.

You will want to check the inside of the horse trailer and make sure there are no objects inside that the animal may injure himself on. Horses often times get restless during long trips and holes, cracks, and splinters may cause the horse serious damage. Another item you can add for the comfort of your animal is padding on the breast and tail bars.

There are certain types of interiors for trailers that may actually aid in helping your horse to feel at home. By using a horse trailer with a light interior, you increase the chances of getting your horse to actually get in the trailer and not be so frightened. You may want to consider installing some lights on the inside of the trailer as well to help your horses not to be afraid of the dark.

One final important tip is to take out some insurance on your horse trailer in case something should happen to the trailer or the horse. This will help you to cover the cost of damages as well as replace any losses you have from an unfortunate accident or injury.

By following these simple safety tips, you can ensure your horse will travel comfortably, and with less chances of injury. Take the time to do the proper research and make sure that your horse trailer is safe for a long journey.

One of the most convenient horse trailer accessories you can get for your trailer is a deluxe cooler. The purpose of the deluxe cooler is so that during breaks in your travels you can allow your horses to get a much needed drink of water. Most of these deluxe trailers have a drain that empties out through a hole drilled into the bottom of the trailer. These types of coolers are used primarily in gooseneck style horse trailers. They can also be used as a sitting bench. Deluxe coolers weigh about 80 lbs.

Another accessory that you can install in your horse trailer is a foldable wall mount saddle rack. These horse trailer accessories really help to save room since they fold down out of the way when not needed. These are installed on the trailer wall with screws and studs and are extremely sturdy so as to hold the weight of your saddles.

Image credit: Simonerose
Some horse trailer accessories are just completely priceless in the way that they make your life more convenient. One such item is a foldable wheelbarrow. A wheelbarrow is a necessity for individuals who frequently take their horses to shows and other events. This particular wheelbarrow folds up and has a loop that you can hang on the wall of your trailer. These wheelbarrows hold up to 80 lbs and have an easy clean up, requiring only the use of a hose.

One of the most important horse trailer accessories is to have a hay net. These help to feed your horse a nice healthy snack while traveling the open road. It’s important that you make sure these nets are installed properly. If it is too close to the horse’s mouth, the horse may get tangled in it and injure himself trying to get loose. You want to make sure it’s close enough for him to get food, but not so close he gets tangled up in it.

Full-sized hanging accessory bags are extremely useful and helpful to have installed on your horse trailer. These can be installed on the inside of the trailer door, or even on the door of your barn. Typically these bags are made of canvas, heavy netting, and feature several zippered compartments. These bags also feature compartments for you to store brushes, spray, and other assorted items you may need. Accessory bags are also easy to take down as well.

Plastic brush boxes can be a valuable accessory as well. These are great to help you keep your grooming supplies organized and handy whether you’re in the barn or in the trailer. These are made from sturdy, heavy duty plastic and are very simple to install. They can hold brushes, sprays, medicine, and leg wraps.

As you can see, there are a ton of horse trailer accessories that can help make your life a whole lot easier. Make sure that each of the accessories you purchase fits safely into the trailer. These all vary in price, so be sure to create a budget and set back some extra money to purchase all the accessories you need for your horse trailer.