How To Pick A Horse Trailer

Buying a trailer the first time can be overwhelming ifwater buckets, hay, and anything else you'll be carrying.
you don't know anything about rigs. It's best to take aMake sure you don't exceed the towing capacity of
friend with you who hauls their own horses. Even then,your vehicle or the weight capacity of your hitch. All
you'll still have to provide information on your horse andtrucks have labels and paperwork saying what their
truck to make sure you get the right trailer.towing capacity is. Make sure you have this
Where to Find a Trailerinformation when looking for trailers.
Most people would rather not pay full price for a trailerSlant Load or Straight Load Trailer
if they don't have to. Look in the classifieds of yourMost slant loads come with a dressing room which is
local newspaper; go to your local tack store. Both willgreat for horse shows or trail rides. Make sure to
have ads for trailers; the tack shop might have ameasure slant loads and well as straight loads since
photograph of the trailer which is always helpful. Youthe dressing room may take up space for your horse
can also ask the staff if they know the person sellingand may then be too short and narrow.
the trailer, about the type of trailer, etc. You can alsoSome manufacturers think slant loads are less
post an ad at the tack shop for a trailer which mightstressful for a horse because they can lean on the
quicken the process. It will take a while to find the rightdividers to rest if needed. You can also turn your
one, so be patient.horse around in a slant load and don't need to worry
Used trailers can be found on websites, but you'reabout backing them out if it's an issue for your horse.
always taking a chance if you buy off the web. It'sThe Material Choice
better to buy the trailer off a lot -- new or used --The majority of rigs are made of either steel or
because you can check out the overall condition ofaluminum. Steel is stronger, heavier and will hold up in
the trailer; see if there are rust spots or other damagean accident or crash. A steel trailer will cost less, but
the seller hasn't fully disclosed. Make sure you get ayou may need to spend more on upkeep later if the
warranty if one is available.trailer rusts. Since the steel trailer is heavier, it will affect
The necessary detailsthe towing capacity of your vehicle, so keep the
You'll need to know the length, width, height and weightweight difference in mind. An aluminum trailer weighs
of your horse to make sure you get the right size rig.less then a steel trailer and will be more expensive.
They come in a few standard heights: 7 feet, 7 feet 4However, an aluminum trailer will hold its value better
inches, and 7 feet 6 inches. Most 15 to 16 hand horsesand want to trade up for a new or larger model.
will easily fit in a 7 foot tall rig, but the added height isAluminum trailers tend to dent easier, which could be a
an advantage if plan to get another horse in the futureproblem if your horse is restless when being moved
or want to haul someone else's horse. If your horse isand tends to kick.
over 16 hands, you'd want to get the 7 foot 6 inch rig.Before you start looking for a rig, do some research.
You need to know the weight capacity of your hitchGo to a horse expo, check out a truck dealership.
and the towing capacity of your truck. And finally, you'llConsider sharing your rig with a friend who also goes
also need the gross trailer weight, which is determinedto horse shows. He/she can help with the gas costs
by adding the weight of the trailer and the weight ofand you'll have someone to go to shows when other
the cargo you'll carry inside it. Don't forget to include allpeople at your barn may be busy. Be safe, stay within
the other horse gear -- saddle, show clothes, tack,your budget and have fun wherever you go!