What type of horse trailer?

Question

We've recently been looking at horse trailers and i don't really know exactly what would be best for me. Hope it isn't too long, the more questions answered the better. Opinions please?

1. Size?
How much harder would it be to haul a 3 or four horse trailer versus a 2 horse? I've never hauled a horse trailer before and i would eventually like to be able to, so my dad doesn't always have to take me everywhere. Two would work okay, but there's always the rare occasion that we'll want to haul more than two.

2. Style? Slant load, strait load, or stock?
Is slant load really all that much easier on your horse when hauling, or would stock help with that?

3. Do you prefer step-up or ramps?
We have two horses that get really nervous on ramps, but i guess they could be worked on if we got one. The others load fairly well on either.

Our tallest horse is only 15.3. but we have a quarter horse that is pretty heavy. We have some horses that load wonderfully and a few that get a little crazy. We probably wouldn't haul anywhere more than 4 hours away. I'm hoping to find a used one under $2000 and they seemed to be in good enough condition.

Is there any other information that i missed, or other big things to consider?

Answer 1

Size: It depends on your truck--with a 2 horse, you can get away with a small 1/2 ton truck---a 3 or 4 horse you will most likely need a 3/4 ton--this also depends on whether its a gooseneck, if it has living quarters, a dressing room etc etc....if you are only going to be hauling 2 horses on a regular basis, get a 2 horse---there is no point in hauling the extra weight of the longer trailer if you arent going ot fill it all the time.



Style: Don't get a stock--you NEED dividers for the horses to brace against---plus it gives them security and makes the ride much more comfortable--without dividers its like you riding in a car, standing up without a seat or a seatbelt---scary right? Most horses like a slant load better---its easier on them as they dont have to take the force of the starting and stopping with their front or back end---its their side...



Ramp vs Step-Up---I personally have had much more luck with step-ups--ramps are very much scary contraptions to most horses---you never know what kind of monsters can hide under there--also the hollow sound scares the crud out of them....however step-ups have flaws too--if your horse happens to slip on the way out, he can slide under the back of the trailer and hurt himself---but still--whats the use of unloading if you cant get the horse up the ramp in the first place!



If you are looking for a trailer under $2000 you will be getting a decent 2 horse straight load. Nothing fancy at all--MAYBE a tack area in the front----make sure it is not too short and that it is plenty tall enough (at least 6 1/2 feet) so that the horses have adequate ventilation--ie screened windows---at least 4 and or sliding vents---you dont want your trailer to become an oven in the middle of the summer driving down the hot asphalt!





Make sure the trailer is bright and inviting by painting in interior white or beige. Avoid blacks or dark colours---no horse wants to load onto a tomb or black abyss!





The centre divider should not go all the way to the floor---some horses need to spread their feet to balance and full dividers dont allow them to do that





Look for rubber matting--if the trailer doesnt come with it--buy some and install it. It is crucial for good grip and footing inside the trailer



Get the trailer safetied annually to check for any wear and tear---can never be too safe when you're hauling your babies!





Good Luck!

BB

Answer 2

1. I have never seen a bumper pull trailer that was bigger than three horse. They may exist, but might not be common. I would personally not want anything bigger than a two horse for bumper pull. I think that when you get bigger than than, you really need the extra stability and weight capacity provided by a gooseneck.



2. This is a much debated question. Some horses have a strong preference of one over the other. Some people will tell you slant load all the way. What some people don't know is that slant load trailers came out around the same time as rubber torsion suspension and horses starting riding better because of the suspension and not necessarily because of the slant. However, many horses like the slant load. It can be hard for big horses as they do not get as much room in the nose/tail direction as they would in a straight load. So, bigger horses often need a straight load just to get the extra room. Some horses like straight load better. I am not a big fan of stock trailers as I like for the horse to already be close to the wall or partition in case of an accident or a sudden maneuver. The stall enclosure is the closest thing they get to a seat belt. However, stock trailers are often more inviting for problem loaders. Since your horses are not all that big, I think getting the rubber torsion suspension would make a bigger difference to them than slant versus straight load.



3. This is also a subject of much debate. Some people (and horses) like ramps because a horse can bang the crap out of his leg on a step up. But some horses don't like the ramps. Older model ramps sometimes had springs that horses could potentically get caught in, but these are rare now. With a step up, you can get the horse's head and shoulders pointed into the trailer without haveing his feet in yet. For me personally, I want a ramp on any trailer where the horse has to back out such as a straight load. Because to them, they are backing out into empty space and they can't see where they are going. In many slant loads, you can turn the horse around and come out forwards so this is not an issue.



Whatever you decide, you must must must check the weight of your FULLY LOADED (with horses and tack) trailer against the towing capacity of your vehicle to make sure your vehcile can pull it safely.

Answer 3

Good questions and well organized.

1. It isn't harder to haul 3-4 horses really, but can the truck do the load? Gas mileage drops, speed in merging drops, etc.



2. We researched trailers about 15 years ago and there was actually a study done in Great Britain about what the best horse hauling condition was and without going into all of the details, a stock trailer won hands down. And horses untied. I know all of the slant loaders will not agree with this. But someone doing a doctorate rated horses condition, respiratory problems, etc. from different conditions, and open stalls and movable positions were best. So that's what we got.

Very few horses will not load into an open stock trailer. I have loaded many problem horses for other people in a stock trailer and let them loose to establish their footing and look around.



Other advantage, a stock trailer can be used to haul lots of other things: lumber, hay, furniture, etc. And they are the most reasonable.



Downside: weather coming through the sides...rain, snow, etc. I blanket my horses with waterproof blankets. I also use fly masks for debris and bugs flying in.



Plus: open and breezy in hot weather.



3. I am not a fan of ramps for these reasons: you always have to check those hinges for stability and try to find a pretty flat place to load. If you have a problem loader and are alone, how do you get that ramp up? With a step up, you can walk on, turn around, and close the door with the other hand. If we have a horse with a problem learning to step up, we back the trailer into a slight hill to drop the rear of the trailer to almost ground level and teach them to load in increments.



Since you have such good questions, I am sure you will research all of the other factors that make a safe trailer. With this budget, you should find something decent that may need some new tires or a coat of paint or a floor replaced.



When you learn to haul, do not bypass electric brakes. Don't buy a trailer without them and get the unit installed in your vehicle. Take the trailer out without horses and practice driving with it, braking with it, and merging into traffic with it and BACKING it. Happy hauling.



Edit: Our stock trailer has a middle divider to haul them compartmentalized and a center divider for the front two if you wish to haul them like a regular 2 horse. We put two horses in the back that get along well and one pair used to both turn around simultaneously and face the rear and never got tangled up.

Answer 4

A 3 slant is no harder than a 2 straight. I like step ups. If you have so many horses that act different, you might consider a stock or stock-combo, with or without dividers. Most trailers nowadays are like 7' tall inside ( or more). The more horses you haul at a time, the more weight, of course, so be sure your truck can haul it. Stock and stock combos will weigh less but haul more weight than a slant/straight enclosed.

!*!*! ALSO< VERY important.. before you haul horses, take your truck/trailer to a parking lot area (when there are no other vehicles..like on a weekend) and practice driving and turning, backing into a parking space, ETC. Then do it with your horses. When hauling, you have to stop sooner and take slower, wider turns.. it is totally different than just goin driving. Goosenecks are way different that a bumper hitch.

Answer 5

1. Size. I prefer a 3 horse or larger just in case



2. Style. Either slant or stock. My problem with straight loads is that most horses dislike them! They are more closed in. If you ever have to haul a difficult hauler the slants and stock trailers are more open and less threatening. Horses are more comfortable standing sideways or backwards. There are some that say straight loads are more comfortable but look at what happens when you stick a horse in a trailer without tying them. They stand sideways. If you buy a stock trailer you can usually find dividers for them to keep your horses separated and give them comfort.



3. Step ups :pro no slippery ramp cons: have to teach the horse to "step up" and to get out properly

Ramps: Pro: Easier to get horses in and out

Con: Slick and can be very scary

I personally prefer step ups



4. you wont find a good used trailer for under $4000. The ones you find for under $2000 are older models, rusted, and tend to be 2 horse straight loads. If you want a good trailer be prepared to spend at least $4000. With a $2000 down payment you should be able to find something.

Answer 6

1. A two horse bumper pull is easier than a four horse because you can just hook up to a bumper rather than having to have a special hook up in your truck.



2. I have heard that slants are actually harder on horses. It is easier for them to shift their weight forward and back rather than to the side. One reason (it stated) people think that horses prefer that horses like slants are that when you put them in stock trailers they stand at a slant, but horses will do the same thing in a stall. The article said something about it being harder on their legs because horses are not designed to have their weight dispersed like that. It was a good article, I wish I could remember the name of it. I found it on the internet so you could probably find it with a google search of "are slant horse trailers better?"



3. I purchased a horse trailer with a ramp and I hated it so much I sold it right away. The ramp got slippery and my foal did not like it at all but she does not mind step ups.



When I get a new horse trailer I will be looking for one with good height, lots of ventilation, and I would love to find one with padding. Also a center divider that is not conected all the way would be great. You know, the ones that are free in the back so that they can swing to the side.



Hope this helps.

Answer 7

I. Go with a three horse. That way you always have room for a friend.

2. Slant or stock. Slant give you bumpers between the horses to help keep them stable... but they can also rub your horse raw. Stock has the horses stand side by side to help support each other.

3. Step up. Ramps are just another thing to break.

Good luck on the price.

Answer 8

Well first if you have a goose neck it makes it so much easier to haul. Second for some reason horses tend to like slant load the best. I prefer ramps but it depends on your horse.. we have a "special" horse who thinks she needs to jump it. Good Luck.



I just got a 3 horse slant :)

Answer 9

You have a smorgasbord to choose from in the trailer department. It all depends on your budget. While Sundowners used to be the only well made trailer, you can also look at Bloomers, Classic, Trails West...the list goes on and on. We bought a Classic directly from the factory. Beautiful 4 horse slant, mangers (a definate must for storage) beds, etc. A friend of ours has a beautiful Trails West, another loves the Exiss. Depending on the size you choose, don't forget to make sure your truck can pull it. Our trailer is in excess of 6000 lbs unloaded, so by the time you pack it up and get horses in it, you need a heavy duty truck.

Answer 10

I prefer Sundowner traliers-

1. It isn't much of a difference as to the size of trailer- you might just have to make wider turns!

2. I prefer straight load, I have easier access of EVERY horse and I believe that that is important, especially if we were ever in an accident...

3. I don't think horses really care- but it might be easier to train them to trailer with a ramp, thats what i like best!

Best of luck =D!!!