Horse trailers are some of the most useful modes of transportation in moving animals. There are many types and designs that suit different situations. Before purchasing a horse trailer, there are many things to consider.
The main purpose of the horse trailer is to move horses from one place to the next in the most convenient way. Horse trailers do differ in size, design and function. SUVs and other large vehicles are often used to pull these trailers.
First, think about the trailer entrance. A trailer entrance acts as a ramp and can be different from another trailer entrance. The reason why you should think about this is because horses have their own preferences on how they’re going to enter the trailer. One way to know your horse’s preference is to have the horse test different ramps. To make things easier, ask for advice from friends who have horse trailers.
Secondly, think about how your horse will be positioned in the trailer. The two types of loads you need to know about are slant and straight load. A slant load is often used to keep more horses since it has two slightly sloped platforms as part of its design. Conversely, a straight load is often used to keep one horse, since its platform is leveled.
Last but not the least, decide between a bumper and gooseneck. The difference a gooseneck makes is that you get to have a larger area. For one, you can have more space to have a dressing room or living quarters. However, if you don’t really need all that you can simply go with a bumper. In this case, your budget may be more of a priority.
Now that you know a little bit about horse trailers, don’t forget to base your decisions on your horse’s requirements. Decide on the appropriate trailer size to make sure your horse gets enough room. Measure the largest horse you plan to move and keep those measurements in mind before entering sales sites. Upon entering those sites, simply use a measuring tape to determine which size trailer is the best choice.
After that, ask about lighting. There should be ample amounts of light inside, since horses are particularly nervous about the dark. If you’re already familiar with how your horse copes in the dark, then you can use that knowledge when deciding on the best trailer.
You shouldn’t overlook proper ventilation. Without this, your horse will never want to walk into the trailer. What’s worse is that the trailer can become pretty hot and smelling nasty inside.
Lastly, make sure the trailer is generally safe. All moving parts are to be stable enough for frequent use and lights and brakes must function, as they should. Don’t forget about the condition of flooring and braces.
Your decision should obviously cater to your needs as well. You should base your decisions on your budget, the frequency of trailer use, and the number of horses you need to move at one time. Make queries on why a certain trailer is the best one, but it’s best to ask more specific questions. Also remember horse trailers will need a tow vehicle, so the trailer you decide to buy should work accordingly with your tow vehicle. The cost of a horse trailer can be between $1,000 to $3,000 depending on which type you choose.