From the instant your horse steps into a trailer to be transported, he’s completely dependent on you, the horse proprietor, for his safety. As a responsible owner, this isn’t anything to be taken lightly. It’s crucial that you commit every effort to keep your horse safe and healthy while traveling.
When acquiring your trailer, make certain it’s big enough for your horse. The average sized bumper pull trailer is generally 6 1/2 to 7 feet high. These trailers were made for average size horses. If you own a bigger horse, consider a bigger trailer that could give your horse sufficient room.
Next, there are some things that you can do to make sure your existing trailer is safe. Check your floors underneath the trailer, especially for those who have wood floors. Are they reliable and secure? Next, make sure there’s nothing on the interior of the trailer that will poke or scrape your horse. This is particularly important to check in older, steel trailers.
Once you’ve determined the trailer is safe, it’s time to focus on the health and well-being of your horse. If you are going on a long journey, you might want to provide electrolytes ahead of the trip to help you prevent dehydration. This is especially essential if you know your horse can be described as anxious traveler. You should also consider wrapping your horse’s legs for a long journey. This puts a stop to scrapes, nicks and different leg accidents. Finally, bear in mind to tie your horse with a quick release snap or knot. In case your horse gets tangled or caught somehow, these mechanisms can be much easier to release.
But, the safety doesn’t stop there. Make sure your horse and trailer are safe while on the road too. Double check to make sure your trailer is attached securely to your truck and periodically check your mirrors for a sign of danger. Consistently checking your horse at rest stops is also a good idea, but by no means take your horse out of the trailer to let him eat the grass. Grass in these areas is often treated with chemicals that will quickly poison your horse or cause severe colic. At that point, you could potentially be miles from any veterinarian or other help. For lengthy trips, plan in advance for safe stops to take your horse out like a vet, friend’s property or community fairgrounds.
Should you question the basic safety of your trailer or your ability to keep your horse safe and sound while travelling, it’s best not to go. Mishaps affecting horse trailers may be severe and you may hurt others along with your horse. Make a checklist just before travelling to double check your safety measures and remember - safety first.
Curtis Gardner is CEO of Triton Barns. This information was written with respect to Triton Barns, an Iowa-based manufacturer of high-quality horse stalls and horse barns, round pens and more.
- Curtis Gardner