As we experience the peak of show season and better weather, we may find ourselves hooking up our horse trailer more frequently. For some, hauling horses is second nature. For others, it may be a new, slightly intimidating experience. Here are some safety tips that will come in handy for any rider prior to hitting the road with their horse.
1. Check the overall condition of your trailer. Prior to hauling out, check your horse trailer for rust, faulty floorboards, and sharp surfaces.
2. Check your tires. Wheel nuts and bolts should be torqued before you use a new trailer, and again after each wheel removal. Check and re-torque the tires after the first 10, 25, and 50 miles. Keep in mind, trailer tires need to be replaced regularly, even if they do not appear to be worn down. Before hooking up your rig, you should also ensure that all tires are inflated to their recommended PSI.
3. Check for insect nests. This is a strange piece of advice, but many learn it the hard way. Often times, stinging insects such as wasps or hornets will make nests inside horse trailers, primarily along the roof. Always look for these and remove them prior to loading your horse.
4. Make sure your trailer hitch and towing vehicle can handle the job. Your hitch must be rated for the tongue weight of your trailer. You’ll also want to ensure that the ball of the hitch is the correct size. Finally, your vehicle’s hauling capacity must be sufficient for the weight of the trailer and the weight of each horse inside of it. It’s best not to push this, as your rig will surely struggle if it is maxed out.
5. Check your lights. Once your trailer is hooked up to your truck, have a friend stand behind it. Press the brakes, the left blinker, and the right blinker. Have your friend verify that these are all working properly before hitting the road.
6. Offer your horse hay, but do so wisely. Hay nets are not usually recommended for hauling, as their fine netting can easily be caught on halters. Consider a hay bag or corner feeder instead.
7. Don’t haul with your trailer windows down. Your horse should not be able to stick their head out of the trailer window! If you want to keep your windows down, only do so when they are equipped with screens or bars that will keep your horse safely inside the trailer walls.
8. Tie your horses using quick-release ties or twine. Never tie your horse directly to the metal rings in a trailer, where they could get stuck in an emergency situation.
9. Check your dividers and doors twice! Be sure your dividers are fully locked, as horses tend to lean on these for support. Your rear trailer doors should be checked and properly fastened with a clip. If you have double doors on your trailer, connecting the two clips with a chain can add an extra security measure. Finally, check your trailer tack room door! I always lock this prior to hauling out, as they’re famous for swinging open on the highway.
10. If you stop somewhere where your rig has to be left unattended, recheck everything before hitting the road again. Though it’s rare for someone to tamper with your trailer, you’re better off safe than sorry!
Blog written by Nicole Fava (@hoofloose on Instagram).
