Common Sense Horse Trailer Safety

Table of Contents

1. Animal Welfare
2. Suitability of Trailer

a) Undercarriage
b) Floorboards
c) Doors and Ramps
d) Brakes
e) Tires
f)  Hitch
g) Lights
h) Emergency Kit
i) Tow Vehicle

Most horse people are very conscientious when it comes to the training, care and maintenance of their horses; but are they as meticulous when it come to ensuring that their horses arrive at the show safely? Transporting horses can be a very traumatic and potentially dangerous experience for both the horse and owner if some practical steps for care and consideration are ignored.

Follow these steps to make sure your show day is a success from the start to finish.

Animal Welfare

Asking a horse to enter an unfamiliar, cave-like structure instinctively tells him that danger must surely lurk ahead and he should not enter. Spending a few hours a week prior to transport can overcome this fear and result in a horse and handler that are much more relaxed during the trip. A calm horse will perform better than one which has had a distressing trip on the way to a show. Tip: Often ‘spooky’ horses will feel more confident traveling with a partner. Suspending a hay net (within reach but not too close for entanglement) for the traveling horse will provide him with a nourishing distraction for a longer trip.

The interior of the trailer should be free of any projections or holes which may cause injury to the horses, as they are often moved about involuntarily during transport. Partitions, breast and tail bars should be padded for the comfort of the horses.

Reluctant horses may load easier on a trailer which has a lightly coloured interior, rather than one which is dark. Battery operated interior lights are a good idea and can be obtained at minimal cost.

It may also be advisable to check the insurance policy for your horses to determine if they are covered while in transit.

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Suitability of trailer

Horse trailers come in many shapes and sizes. Select a trailer to suit the type of horse it was designed to carry. Larger or heavier horses must be transported in a trailer which affords them adequate head room and stall length and width.

Tip: Carry all buckets, forks, shovels, etc. in a compartment separate from the horses.

Points to consider:

Undercarriage:

Check closely each year prior to use for cracks in frame, axle brackets, excessive rusting of components, etc. ALWAYS check, clean and re-pack wheel bearings twice a season. Replace the seals and any other worn parts. Tip: Carry along a replacement bearing and tools to install it.

Floorboards:

Over time ,whether a trailer is used regularly or sitting idle, floor boards deteriorate to the extent that they can pose a very real threat to the safety of the horses on board. Floorboards should be replaced if they show signs of deterioration. Hardwoods, such as oak, are a good choice for replacement. Tip: If a screwdriver or a pocket-knife can easily be pushed into the boards more than a quarter of an inch, consider replacing the boards. It is also suggested, as an added measure of insurance, to tack-weld a sheet of expanded metal fabric to the frame of the trailer before installing the floorboards.

Rubber matting installed over the boards will help to extend the life of the boards and provide better footing for the horses. Tip: Always provide bedding to absorb moisture. Clean the trailer upon arrival at your destination.

Doors and ramps:

Regularly lubricate all hinges and latches to prolong their life. Check these prior to departure to ensure they are functioning properly.

Brakes:

Some trailers are fitted with their own braking system, others are not. It is not advisable to disconnect trailer brakes, as it is better to have the trailer braking the truck than to have the truck providing all the stopping power for the trailer potentially causing a ‘jack-knife’ in the event of an emergency stop. Ensure brake controller is properly adjusted and maintained. It should not ‘lock-up’ and it should release freely. Tip: Adjust to suit change in the seasons. i.e., summer/winter.

Routinely check trailer brake components for signs of wear.

Tires:

Tires should be well matched, properly inflated, and be in good condition. As trailers are often parked for long periods of time, the tires may show good tread, but the sidewalls should be checked regularly for cracking. Tip: Ensure that the spare is in good condition and full of air. Also ensure that all the tools are available to change the tire.

A ‘roll-up’ block is a handy alternative to a jack system for two axle units. Simply roll the good tire (next to its flat mate) up on the block, suspending the flat tire in the air.

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Hitch:

Does it lock securely? Are the safety chains heavy enough, well fastened and in good condition to hold the trailer in an emergency? Nothing less than a two inch ball should be used.

Lights:

Check all lights prior to departure. Other drivers require ample warning of a trailer stopping or turning. It is crucial that running light are functioning properly, as often a portion of the journey may be made at night.

Emergency Kit:

An emergency the kit should include:

• 2 flashlights with extra batteries (may be used as tail lights if trailer lights fail)
• lead ropes for each horse.
• a 100 foot length of rope
• flares
• red warning triangle
• jack for trailer or ‘roll-up’ block
• electrical tape
• duct tape
• WD-40
• Stockman’s knife
• blocks to stabilize a stationary trailer
• 2 well stocked first-aid kits (one for humans and one for the horses)
• extra blankets
• food
• change for pay phone

Tow Vehicle:

The vehicle chosen to pull the trailer must be appropriate. A well-mated truck and trailer combination will have the trailer riding level to reduce strain on horses legs during transit. A good towing vehicle for a two, four or six horse trailer should be equipped with:

• heavy duty suspension
• good quality brakes in good repair
• transmission cooler
• heavy-duty radiator
• good quality tires
• dual gas tanks (or supplementary tank in the back)
• cell phone with emergency numbers list
• current registration and license and insurance

And finally:

Become familiar with backing and driving the trailer when it is empty. Beware that a trailer containing two 1100 lb horses does not handle like and empty trailer. Tip: Place a glass of water on the dashboard of the truck and try not to spill a drop while you are driving. This will encourage smooth starts stops and corners which your horses will appreciate. Plan your route before leaving to select the way with the least amount of traffic, starts/stops and sharp corners.

Perform a ‘circle check’ each time the trailer leaves the farm to ensure that lights, brakes, hitch, safety chains, etc., are in good working order and the doors are securely closed.

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