| s long as people have made horses a part of their | | | | floorboards inspected by a professional on a |
| lives, there have been horse related emergencies. | | | | regular basis to insure they are sturdy and in |
| Those who don’t know much about | | | | good working order, and have them show you |
| horses are often surprised that these seemingly | | | | how to inspect it yourself as well. |
| graceful and beautiful animals are so accident | | | | Build Your Horse’s Confidence |
| prone. If you are just getting involved with | | | | If your horse is prone to panicking while being |
| horses, moving them home for the first time, | | | | hauled, and your trailer is not to blame, practice |
| traveling to your first competition or simply want | | | | building his confidence on short, pleasant rides |
| the peace of mind that comes with being better | | | | before embarking on a long one. Outfit the horse |
| prepared, there are simple steps that you can | | | | in protective boots or bandages, a breakable |
| take to lessen your chances of an emergency | | | | halter, and protective head wear. While this may |
| resulting from an neglect, accident or illness. | | | | seem unnecessary to some, it is a quick, |
| Evaluate Your Rig | | | | inexpensive way to protect your horses from |
| Many horses are terrified, or at least somewhat | | | | many injuries that can occur on a trailer and give |
| nervous about getting in or traveling in a horse | | | | the horse a bad experience. Provide hay in a bag |
| trailer. It is often impossible to regain the trust | | | | or net so the horse can eat and relax during the |
| and confidence of a horse who has been in a | | | | ride. |
| trailer accident or has had a bad experience. | | | | Plan Ahead |
| Because of this, it is of great importance that one | | | | Once your horse has become comfortable on |
| seeks to avoid accidents and emergencies in a | | | | their short rides, you will be better prepared for |
| trailer as best they can. | | | | longer trips. Plan well in advance for travel, and |
| Foremost, evaluate the type of trailer you expect | | | | pack for the journey accordingly with supplies for |
| to haul your horse in. While it may be costly to | | | | both you and the horses. Have emergency |
| invest in a new one, it is even more costly if you | | | | numbers ready and map out your route. Put |
| get in an accident where your horse severely | | | | shavings on the floor of the trailer to absorb urine |
| injures itself. Many loading and hauling phobias can | | | | and help prevent your horse from slipping during |
| be attributed to old, poorly sized, lit and ventilated | | | | transport. Make sure the horse is tied in a position |
| trailers that may be a bargain to buy. Your trailer | | | | that they can lower their head and clear their |
| should be tall enough, wide enough, and provide a | | | | respiratory tract. On an extremely long trip, |
| smooth ride. It should allow adequate lighting and | | | | arrange to stop and offer the horse water, |
| ventilation to help ease the mind of an animal that | | | | especially during hot times of the year. Plan stops |
| is claustrophobic. In addition, the interior design | | | | where you can safely unload the horse and allow |
| from the trailer should be free from sharp edges | | | | it to stretch and move around. For trips that |
| and latches that a horse can get caught or cut on. | | | | involve more than one day of travel, arrange to |
| Tow your horse trailer with a vehicle that is | | | | stay at areas where the horse can be stabled for |
| properly fitted with towing equipment and rated | | | | the night to rest. |
| for the weight you are pulling. Evaluate your own | | | | Should your vehicle breakdown during your trip, |
| driving technique, and if necessary, practice and | | | | turn on your 4-way flashers and do your best to |
| perfect your driving skills with an empty trailer | | | | stay out of the traffic lanes. Be prepared with |
| before adding a horse to the equation. Maintain | | | | warning triangles or flares, and have your cell |
| both your truck and trailer to lessen your chances | | | | phone and emergency numbers handy. Besides a |
| of something going wrong while you’re on | | | | roadside emergency kit that includes a spare tire, |
| the road. Before your trip, visually inspect the | | | | lug wrench, small air compressor, jumper cables |
| condition of both your truck and trailer tires and | | | | and a fire extinguisher, it is also recommended |
| check that the air pressure is appropriate. Test | | | | that you pack water and hay to keep your horse |
| your batteries, brakes, turn signals and lights on | | | | content as well as an extra halter, leadrope and |
| both the truck and trailer, as well as the fluid | | | | first aid supplies just in case. |
| levels of the tow vehicle. Have your hitch and | | | | |