Do you need to transport your horse?The use of a trailer to transport a horse is convenient.You and your horse can become experts.
Step 1: The trailer should be parked at the park.
It should be a level area with good footing for the horse and enough space for you to easily access all the doors.
Step 2: Do a safety check.
The trailer and tow vehicle should be in perfect working order before the horse is loaded.Check for broken screws or other sharp metal edges.There are no rotten spots on the floor of the trailer.Make sure the bolts are in good working order.The floor mats might trip the horse.Check the brakes and other things.Make sure the hitch is functioning correctly at the ends of the tow vehicle and trailer.Make sure the lights are working.
Step 3: There should be safety gear in this pack.
It's important to have the right emergency gear when hauling a short distance.A human first aid kit should include bandages, antibiotic cream, pain relief tablets, scissors, and sterile alcohol wipes.A horse first aid kit should include bandages, leg wraps, hoof picks, phenylbutazone paste, and an antibiotic.There is a horse blanket.There is a fire extinguisher.Road flares.A cell phone is fully charged.If possible, a CB radio.There is emergency water for you and the horse.
Step 4: Put wood shavings on the floor.
The trailer floor is less slippery with the help of shavings.For long distances, use rubber mats to provide additional shock absorption.The mats have shavings on them.Straw can be used, but it is more slippery than wood.
Step 5: Everything you need to carry.
This could include tack, feed, grooming supplies, and camping gear.Over-pack can increase the weight of the trailer and make towing more difficult.Humans and horses have first aid kits.Your own stuff.There are more horse blankets and leg wraps.A pitchfork and shovel are being mucked.There are buckets and sponges.There are saddles and other riding gear.There is hay and other feed.Enough water for 24 hours.
Step 6: The practice loading is happening.
Horses tend to resist being loaded into a trailer.Introduce your horse to the trailer slowly.Allow him to check out the trailer while you walk him around.Positive steps towards the goal of loading include sniffing the trailer, not backing away and showing curiosity.Rub him and give him encouragement.If you use force or violence, you will create a bad association for your horse and make him even more resistant to the trailer.It may take a long time to get your horse comfortable.He should be allowed to back out whenever he wants.He will load easily if he is relaxed and comfortable.If the horse loads for the first time, do not shut the doors.The butt bar and doors should be closed when he is completely comfortable.
Step 7: Practice loading.
You want the horse to leave the trailer.When teaching him to back out of the trailer, use patience.It's time to back out if you use a small tug on the tail.Use the lead rope to slow him down if he wants to leave the trailer.Don't push or pull the horse.Stand away from the horse.Before opening the back door, untie the horse from the trailer.Praise and pat him on the back when he unloads properly.
Step 8: Know when to ask for help.
There are horses that are resistant to being in a trailer.Past bad experiences may cause your horse to be afraid of the trailer.If your horse is resistant to violence, ask a horse professional for help.This will make the problem worse, so don't lose your patience or react with violence.
Step 9: The horse is in the trailer.
If you use a side by side style trailer, load the horse in the left hand stall of the trailer as it will tow more safely if the heavy side is behind the road.The trailer will balance better if you load the horse in the front stall.The horse should be taught to load on command.You may have to lead him into the trailer.In case of an accident, ask a friend to help you guide the horse into the trailer.If you use shipping boots or leg wraps over a long period of time, they may cause sores or loss of circulation.Wrap properly to avoid injury.If there is an emergency, use a leather halter.Make sure the nylon halter is a break-away.
Step 10: Attach the trailer tie to the horse.
The horse should be secured in the trailer.A trailer tie can be used with a quick release snap.The tie ring is on the trailer.He doesn't want to become tangled in the rope.The rope should be kept slack.The horse's head can be jerked by sudden turns if you tie the horse too tightly.Feeding from the hay bin is easier with a slack rope.You can either tie the horse in the trailer or not.
Step 11: The butt strap should be used to close the doors.
The butt strap and back doors of the trailer should be secured regardless of whether you tie the horse or not.All doors need to be closed and latched.Nothing will fall on the horse during transportation.
Step 12: There are open air vents on windows.
Keep the air moving through the trailer by doing this.As horses breathe, they release a lot of heat.Respiratory distress can be caused by exhaust fumes and ammonia in a closed trailer.
Step 13: One last check is necessary.
Doors, wheels, and the hitch are places to check.No tools, lead ropes, or anything else should be missed.The trailer has been left on the ground or leaning on it.
Step 14: Don't drive recklessly!
Take corners, accelerate, and stop slowly.The horse is trying to keep its balance.You should practice driving the trailer before riding a horse.Take turns slowly and change lanes gradually.
Step 15: You should take frequent breaks on long trips.
Your horse needs time to rest.Stop at least once a day.The horse should not be removed from the trailer.You can park in the shade.The horse needs some water.Make sure the trailer is in good shape.
Step 16: You should park again.
If you want to avoid traffic and highways, choose a good place.Park on a level surface.If possible, park in the shade.
Step 17: The horse needs to be removed from the trailer.
The risk of injury to your horse and yourself is the same as loading properly.The horse needs to be untied from the trailer.Remove the butt bar from the ramp doors.It is best to teach your horse to back up.If you enter the trailer to back him out, make sure to speak to him as you approach so he knows you are there.Back him slowly out of the trailer to make sure there are no obstructions.The horse could be turned around in a trailer so he doesn't have to back out.If the horse bolts out of the trailer, you should never stand behind him.He should be tied to the trailer or other safe space once outside.Offer him some water and check for injuries.