How to Buy a Horse Trailer

Whether you own one horse or several, a horsetrailer has stalls that are slanted diagonally from
trailer will provide a convenient way to travel withright to left. The horses stand in a slanted position
your horses to shows, rodeos, camping sites,while riding. These are usually economical for
horse trails, or wherever you need to take yourcarrying more than two horses. A straight load
horses. Horse trailers are also useful in case of antrailer enables you to load the horses straight into
emergency if you have to evacuate your horsesthe trailer from the rear and the horses face
or get them to a veterinarian in a hurry. Butforward while riding. With both styles, choose a
buying a horse trailer can be a little confusinghorse trailer that is the correct size, has proper
because there are so many different types andventilation, and provides the features you need.
styles available. Here are some things to look forBumper Pull or Gooseneck
when shopping for a horse trailer.Consider whether you want a bumper pull or
Stall Detailsgooseneck trailer. The bumper pull trailer attaches
Probably the most important features that willto a hitch near the rear bumper of your towing
determine how well your horse travels are thevehicle. The gooseneck extends over the bed of
features of the stalls. How many stalls arethe hauling truck and attaches in the truck bed.
included? What size are the stalls (length, height,The main difference is the gooseneck can provide
and width)? If your horse's ears are touching theextra room for dressing room or living quarters.
ceiling of the trailer, it is probably too short. Also,There are other features to consider as well. The
be sure the horse will have room to turn aroundtrailer might be made of steel or aluminum, or a
for exiting. Some horses can be very difficultblend of the two. It might have a tack room in
when it comes to backing them out of a trailerthe front of the stall area where you can store
stall.saddles, bridles, buckets, feed, and trunks. Some
Be sure there's plenty of ventilation for each stall.horse trailers come with dressing rooms fancied
Horse trailers usually have from two to nine stalls.with a mirror, table, and an area to hang clothes.
It's a good idea to get a horse trailer with oneSome have roomy living quarters featuring a
extra stall than what you actually need. This willbedroom or two, dining room table, kitchenette,
provide more room for your horses and alsoand bathroom. Living quarters are great for
allows you to add another horse in the future.frequent campers!
Trailer Entrance: Step Up or RampTowing Vehicle
Horses are like people in some ways... they seemBefore buying a horse trailer, consider what type
to have their own preferences when it comes toof trailer you will be able to haul with your current
horse trailers. They especially have their owntruck or vehicle. Some vehicles haul better than
preferences when it comes to stepping up into aothers, and some can handle heavier trailers than
trailer and/or walking up a ramp into the trailer.others.
This makes choosing a horse trailer difficultConsider all these features when shopping for a
because you might not be sure which method oftrailer, and go online to compare horse trailers and
loading your horse would feel more comfortablebrand names such as Sundowner horse trailers.
with. Before you start shopping, find a couple ofYou can search for trailers by brand name or by
friends with horse trailers of different styles andlocation and state. For example, if you live in
ask if you can do a test load with your horse.Tennessee, you might search for "horse trailers in
You might be able to find out ahead of time whatTennessee" or "Sundowner of Tennessee." You
type of trailer will work best for your horse.can also find used horse trailers for sale if you're
Slant Load or Straight Loadon a tight budget.
Another thing to consider is if you will buy a slantUse these tips to find a horse trailer that you and
load or straight load horse trailer. The slant loadyour horses will enjoy for years to come.