Heading Out With A Horse Trailer? Use These Tips
After owning a horse for some time, you may want to travel with the animal to shows, tracks, and other places. You may be somewhat apprehensive about taking your horse out in a trailer, but if you use the following guidance, you should be able to make the trip comfortable and safe for you and your horse.
Practice Stopping First
Because you have never driven a vehicle carrying a horse trailer in the back, you may not understand how important it is to give yourself enough room to brake safely. Remember, you're not only stopping your car or truck, but also the horse trailer in back. Stopping too short is not good for the hitch which connects the vehicle to the trailer, and a quick stop can spook the horse you're transporting.
Before you ever take your horse out, spend some time in an empty parking lot driving around and stopping with the empty trailer attached so that you get a feel for how you should operate the brakes in traffic. The horse trailer should also be equipped with a manual brake, so you'll want to test that as well.
Be Mindful of Weather
It's vital to keep your horse as comfortable as possible in the trailer as you're driving. To do this, it's important that you consider the weather on any day you plan to travel. If it's a bright summer day, for instance, keep in mind that you're going to need to open all trailer vents and windows so that there is enough fresh air circulating and the horse doesn't overheat. You may want to utilize a few rubber mats because they help absorb heat and draw it away from the horse's limbs. In the winter, you'll want to bring a few blankets so that they don't get too cold.
Prepare for Emergencies
Even if you're only going a short distance, a flat tire or other problems could mean that you and your horse are stuck in one place for longer than you expect. You may want to have some hay on hand in case the horse gets hungry, or at the very least, have a few gallons of water available to offer. A small equine medical kit can also be a good idea in the event that the horse is scratched or otherwise needs tending to after the ride is over.
With these pointers, you and your horse should be able to take many trips together. Speak with your veterinarian and trailer companies, like Young Trailers, to find out more.
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