Safety for the horse trailer

This article is intended to give general advice on the subject of horse trailers and how to move the same. The regulations and recommendations applicable in Germany serve as a basis.

• To be able to start driving a horse trailer at all, a valid driving licence for cars and trailers is of course mandatory. If it is unclear which driving licence is required for the horse and trailer, a driving school should be consulted.
• The vehicle must also be registered for the sometimes large trailer load. In general, four-wheel drive cars are recommended, which have enough traction even on slippery surfaces.
• The perfect technical condition of the towing vehicle and horse trailer is a basic requirement for safe transport of the horse!
• No sharp edges may protrude from the horse trailer, which could present a risk of injury. In particular, the condition of tyres, brakes and the floor of the trailer should be checked regularly.
• A good trailer also has a non-slip covering of the floor and loading ramp. The interior is sufficiently large, bright and friendly, preferably with windows so that the horse does not suffer from claustrophobia. The lighting system for driving in the dark should be functional.

• Safety pins (cotter pin) should be provided on the chest and rear bar for safe locking. If horses of different sizes are transported, it is nice if the bars are adjustable in height so that they can be adapted to the size of the horse. On some trailer models the chest bar even has a panic release. This can be released from the outside if the horse has run its front legs over the bar.

When transporting only one horse, always place it on the left side. If there are 2 horses, the heavier horse comes to the left. The reason for this is that every road normally slopes slightly to the right so that rainwater can run off. The slight right inclination of the trailer would be increased by a heavy horse on the right side. This increases the risk of the trailer tipping over.
When unloading and loading the horse, it is essential to make sure that the horse is never tied up if the rear safety bar is not locked! If the horse is frightened and throws itself back tied up, it can step with its hind legs to the side of the flap and get wedged in when the rear bar is open! When tying up the horse, the following applies: Tie up as short as possible and as long as necessary above the bar! This means that the horse must still be able to stand relaxed, but must not have so much room to move that it can turn its head completely backwards. Otherwise there is a risk that it will try to turn around during the ride or kick the loop with its front leg when it leans its head down.
Special case: Since foals do not yet know how to stand tied up, they are often transported without being tied up. In this case, a continuous chest and rear bar must always be used and the opening above the loading ramp must be secured with a foal grid.
Furthermore, care must be taken that the locking levers of the ramp are always folded in during loading and unloading. The horse can get caught on levers protruding to the side or be seriously injured when stepping on them.
So-called transport boots provide some protection during horse transport, protecting the sensitive horse legs. These should also be put on during shorter journeys, as loading and unloading are the most critical moments during horse transport.
A light blanket on cool days or a sweat blanket for horses that sweat (even in case of stress sweating) are also part of the equipment so that the horse does not get cold during the ride.
What you should always have with you: The equine passport of the horse.

Horse trailer is cleaned

After transport, urine and manure must be removed to protect the flooring.

The right way to drive

The correct way of driving with a trailer loaded with horses requires a lot of practice and sensitivity. It behaves significantly different than an empty trailer. Especially when driving restless horses, the trailer gets a certain "life of its own". The vibrations caused and the higher weight must be taken into account during the journey. Also side wind has to be considered with the high construction of a horse trailer.

A calm, even and anticipatory driving style is necessary for this! Fast driving through curves should be avoided as well as abrupt braking and starting. The horse is unnecessarily thrown against the chest, rear or side poles and could panic and injure itself. In general, the use of tethering ropes with panic hooks and safety knots is recommended. These enable quick opening in delicate situations.
In order to prevent hectic and rapid driving, enough driving time should always be planned so that it does not become stressful already during loading. For longer journeys, breaks should be planned to provide the horse with food and water. However, unloading during these breaks is only advisable in suitable places! Rest areas are often hectic and the restlessness could make loading difficult again. If you want to give your horse a rest or exercise during long journeys, you should instead register at a horse farm located on the route and ask for permission for a stopover.
The speed at which you are allowed to travel with a horse trailer varies from country to country.