Three Key Horse Trailer Safety Tips

For many horse owners, trailering and hauling is necessary, whether it be for competitions, trail riding trips, or after purchasing a horse. Whatever your reason, and whether or not you haul frequently, it’s important to practice caution. Without proper safety, a simple road trip could become dangerous. To prevent an accident, here are three key horse trailer safety tips to keep in mind.

Load Distribution

Your trailer weight is critical when it comes to your safety. Trailer weight already puts stress on your vehicle, and when you factor in horses and other materials, it can turn into a hazard. Too much stress on your towing vehicle can cause damage to vital pieces that keep you safely on the road. Having a heavy trailer can also affect the way your vehicle will react when you brake, such as before an accident. Need help determining whether or not your trailer weight is safe? Check out our blog Three Questions to Ask Yourself About Horse Trailer Weight.

Secure the Load

Horses should be tied securely with a strong lead and a proper slip knot. The slip knot will secure the horse but allow for easy release in an emergency.  All other cargo should be tied down tightly to avoid shifting in the trailer. Any weighty cargo that comes loose and shifts around the trailer can cause the driver to lose control and veer into oncoming traffic. Make sure that your horses are tied down with sturdy material and are wearing strong halters and faceguards during the trip. If you experience trouble with nylon halters and faceguards, choose a material that you know will keep your horse secure and safe. If you have horses with behavior issues, consider full partitions or dividers that can keep kicking and unruly animal behavior at a minimum.

Watch Your Driving

The most important tip to remember is mindful driving. Not only are you transporting your animals, but yourself as well. Consider your speed and the weight of your trailer. If the trailer is overloaded and you are speeding down the highway, the extra weight will lead to a much harder impact in an accident. Even if your trailer is not overloaded, driving at high speeds is always risky, as it takes much longer to stop for lights and stopped traffic. Lastly, be cautious when turning corners and braking. Fast turns could result in horses being thrown under or over partitions, leading to injury.

Implementing these three tips into your trailer maintenance routine will keep you safe and give you peace of mind. If your horse trailer is in need of upgrades, such as automated windows, check out our blog on How to Get Remote Access to An Automated Window and our SideWinder window upgrade page. Have questions about our work? Contact us today!