7 Must-Know Horse Trailering Tips for Safer Travel

Whether you are on your way to a show, trail ride, clinic, or a new boarding facility, traveling with your horse is a responsibility that takes preparation, patience, and the right gear. Safe horse trailering is not just about loading up and hitting the road, it is about making sure your horse is healthy, protected, and calm every step of the way. Keep reading to learn these essential horse trailering tips.

At The Trainer’s Loft, we help riders of all experience levels find the equipment they need to keep their horses safe either at home or on the go. This guide will provide you with safe horse trailering tips so you can travel with your horse with confidence.

1. Choose the Right Trailer for Your Horse

Not all trailers are created equally. Your horse’s size, experience in traveling, and temperament should all influence the type of trailer you invest in.

If you are purchasing or upgrading, stop by The Trainer’s Loft for recommendations on space saving tack hooks, trailer friendly gear, horse trailering tips, and loading essentials. Some key factors to be considered:

• Straight load vs. slant load vs. stock trailers: Slant load trailers offer more balance and room, but some horses prefer stock trailers  for visibility and comfort. Straight load trailers are the most commonly found.
• Height and width: Make sure your trailer gives plenty of headroom and space for your horse to move and balance themselves.
• Ventilation and lighting: A well lit and properly ventilated trailer reduces stress and the risk of overheating.
• Step up vs Ramp: Both require training for your horse to gain confidence. With step up trailers, once your horse puts a foot on, he’s already partially in the trailer. Backing out will require specific training. The ramp can be slippery when wet, especially if your horse scrambles or doesn’t calmly get on and off. It can also be heavy to lift back up into place.

2. Practice Loading Before the Big Day

Loading into a trailer can be intimidating for horses, especially if they are not trailered often. A calm, confident approach will aid your horse in associating trailering with positive experiences. Some horse trailering tips for a calm ride:

• Use positive reinforcement and take your time.
• Allow your horse to explore the trailer at their own pace.
• Avoid forceful tactics that can create long term trailering issues.
• If necessary, work alongside a trainer that is experienced in trailer loading.

3. Inspect Your Trailer and Gear Thoroughly

Before every trip, conduct a thorough safety check of the trailer and contents to ensure everything is in good condition. Your pre trip checklist should include:

• Tires (including a spare)
• Brake lights and turn signals
• Floorboards are free of rot or weak spots
• Hitch and chains
• Interior is clean
• Ventilation and windows are sufficient
• Emergency brake and battery is working
• Tie ropes, halters, and safety gear

4. Plan The Trip

Route planning is not just for convenience; it is also a safety tool and can help you avoid last minute surprises. Keeping your horse’s routine as normal as possible helps minimize anxiety during travel.

• Map out the route and avoid or minimize congested traffic or rough terrain.
• Know where you can stop if needed.
• Carry extra hay, water, and first aid supplies.
• Check the weather, especially in extreme heat or cold.

5. Dress Your Horse Appropriately

What your horse wears in the trailer can help protect them from injury, but too much can cause overheating. Make sure all gear fits your horse well and won’t shift during the ride. Here are some horse trailering tips for dressing:

• Shipping boots or wraps protect the horse’s legs from bumps and slips (make sure your horse is comfortable with his boots and wraps before your trip!). To see our current selection of shipping boots, click here!
• A tail guard can prevent rubbing or breakage.
• In cold weather, a breathable sheet or blanket may be helpful, but avoid over dressing as the trailer will be warmer than you think.
• Avoid over dressing during hot temperatures as trailers can heat up quickly.

6. Drive Like You’ve Got a Horse in the Back

Because you do! Your driving habits play a huge role in your horse’s comfort and safety. Remember, your horse has to balance on all four legs in a moving trailer without seeing what’s coming next. Key trailering driving tips (to accompany your horse trailering tips!) to consider:

• Take wide turns slowly.
• Accelerate and brake gently.
• Leave plenty of space between vehicles.
• Avoid sudden lane changes or potholes.

7. Unload Calmly and Safely

Once you arrive, unload only when it is safe and your horse is calm. Be aware of surroundings – busy parking lots or uneven footing can add stress. Lead your horse out with confidence but give them time to adjust to their surroundings before tacking up or starting activity.

Horse Trailering Tips for Safety

Traveling with your horse does not need to be nerve wracking. With proper and careful preparation, patience, and gear, you can ensure your equine partner arrives safe, calm, and ready for whatever adventure awaits. Use these horse trailering tips to set yourself up for smooth and successful travel.

And don’t forget – The Trainer’s Loft stocks trailering must haves, from shipping boots to travel hay nets and more. Stop in or reach out to gear before your next trip!