Difference between revisions of "Trailer a Horse"
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Do you need to transport your horse? Using a trailer to transport a horse is very convenient. With practice, you and your horse can become experts. | Do you need to transport your horse? Using a trailer to transport a horse is very convenient. With practice, you and your horse can become experts. | ||
| − | [[Category:Transporting Horses]] | + | [[Category: Transporting Horses]] |
| − | [[Category:Trailers]] | + | [[Category: Trailers]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Preparing the Trailer=== | ===Preparing the Trailer=== | ||
#Park the trailer. It should be in a level area with good footing for the horse, and with enough space for you to easily access all the doors. | #Park the trailer. It should be in a level area with good footing for the horse, and with enough space for you to easily access all the doors. | ||
| − | #Perform a safety check. Before loading the horse, be sure the trailer and tow vehicle are in perfect order.<ref>http://www.whmentors.org/saf/trailer01.html</ref> | + | #Perform a safety check. Before loading the horse, be sure the trailer and tow vehicle are in perfect order.<ref name="rf1">http://www.whmentors.org/saf/trailer01.html</ref> |
#*Check for broken rivets or screws or any other sharp metal edges. | #*Check for broken rivets or screws or any other sharp metal edges. | ||
#*Make sure there the floor of the trailer is sound with no rotten spots a horse’s foot might punch through. | #*Make sure there the floor of the trailer is sound with no rotten spots a horse’s foot might punch through. | ||
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#*Emergency water for you and the horse (enough for 24 hours). | #*Emergency water for you and the horse (enough for 24 hours). | ||
#Cover the floor with wood shavings. Shavings help reduce shock and absorbs moisture from horse urine, helping to keep the trailer floor less slippery. | #Cover the floor with wood shavings. Shavings help reduce shock and absorbs moisture from horse urine, helping to keep the trailer floor less slippery. | ||
| − | #*Use rubber mats to provide additional shock absorption, especially for long distances.<ref>http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?300104-Bedding-in-Horse-Trailer</ref> | + | #*Use rubber mats to provide additional shock absorption, especially for long distances.<ref name="rf2">http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?300104-Bedding-in-Horse-Trailer</ref> |
#*Spread shavings on top of the mats. | #*Spread shavings on top of the mats. | ||
| − | #*Straw can also be used but it tends to become more slippery than wood shavings.<ref>http://stablemanagement.com/article/comfort-in-the-trailer</ref> | + | #*Straw can also be used but it tends to become more slippery than wood shavings.<ref name="rf3">http://stablemanagement.com/article/comfort-in-the-trailer</ref> |
| − | #Load everything you need. This might include tack, feed, grooming supplies, and camping gear. While you need to have everything you need, don’t over-pack as this can increase the weight of the trailer significantly making towing more difficult.<ref>http://thepitchforkchronicles.com/travel-competition-tips/52-outfitting-the-horse-trailer</ref> | + | #Load everything you need. This might include tack, feed, grooming supplies, and camping gear. While you need to have everything you need, don’t over-pack as this can increase the weight of the trailer significantly making towing more difficult.<ref name="rf4">http://thepitchforkchronicles.com/travel-competition-tips/52-outfitting-the-horse-trailer</ref> |
#*First aid kits for humans and horses. | #*First aid kits for humans and horses. | ||
#*Your own clothing and toiletries. | #*Your own clothing and toiletries. | ||
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#*Water (enough for 24 hours). | #*Water (enough for 24 hours). | ||
=== Preparing the Horse === | === Preparing the Horse === | ||
| − | #Practice loading. Horses have a strong flight instinct and often resist being loaded into a trailer.<ref>http://www.eqgroup.com/Library/trailerload.htm</ref> | + | #Practice loading. Horses have a strong flight instinct and often resist being loaded into a trailer.<ref name="rf5">http://www.eqgroup.com/Library/trailerload.htm</ref> |
| − | #*Start slowly, introducing your horse to the trailer without forcing him to get in. Walk him around and let him check out the trailer.<ref>http://americashorsedaily.com/free-report-horse-trailer-loading-tips/#.VTQGbCFViko</ref> | + | #*Start slowly, introducing your horse to the trailer without forcing him to get in. Walk him around and let him check out the trailer.<ref name="rf6">http://americashorsedaily.com/free-report-horse-trailer-loading-tips/#.VTQGbCFViko</ref> |
#*Reward all positive steps towards the goal of loading including sniffing the trailer, not backing away and exhibiting curiosity. Pat or rub him and give verbal encouragement. | #*Reward all positive steps towards the goal of loading including sniffing the trailer, not backing away and exhibiting curiosity. Pat or rub him and give verbal encouragement. | ||
| − | #*Do not use force or violence as this will create a bad association for your horse and make him even more resistant to the trailer.<ref>http://www.parelli.com/horse-trailering.html</ref> | + | #*Do not use force or violence as this will create a bad association for your horse and make him even more resistant to the trailer.<ref name="rf7">http://www.parelli.com/horse-trailering.html</ref> |
#*It may take many tries to get your horse comfortable enough to load. | #*It may take many tries to get your horse comfortable enough to load. | ||
#*Let him back out whenever he wants to. The goal is make him comfortable and relaxed so that he will load easily. | #*Let him back out whenever he wants to. The goal is make him comfortable and relaxed so that he will load easily. | ||
| − | #*When the horse loads for the first time do not shut the doors as this may panic him. Once he is completely comfortable, close the butt bar and doors.<ref>http://www.extension.org/pages/11307/safe-loading-practices-for-horses#.VTQISSFViko</ref> | + | #*When the horse loads for the first time do not shut the doors as this may panic him. Once he is completely comfortable, close the butt bar and doors.<ref name="rf8">http://www.extension.org/pages/11307/safe-loading-practices-for-horses#.VTQISSFViko</ref> |
#Practice Unloading. You want the horse to walk out of the trailer, not bolt. | #Practice Unloading. You want the horse to walk out of the trailer, not bolt. | ||
#*Use patience when teaching him to back out of the trailer. | #*Use patience when teaching him to back out of the trailer. | ||
#*Use verbal cues or a small tug on the tail to signal that it’s time to back out. | #*Use verbal cues or a small tug on the tail to signal that it’s time to back out. | ||
| − | #*If he wants to rush out of the trailer, use the lead rope to slow him down.<ref>http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/safe-unloading.aspx</ref> | + | #*If he wants to rush out of the trailer, use the lead rope to slow him down.<ref name="rf9">http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/safe-unloading.aspx</ref> |
#*Do not attempt to pull or push the horse. | #*Do not attempt to pull or push the horse. | ||
#*Do not stand behind the horse. | #*Do not stand behind the horse. | ||
| − | #*Untie the horse from the trailer before releasing the butt bar or opening the back door.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/horse-behavior/tips-trailering-your-horse</ref> | + | #*Untie the horse from the trailer before releasing the butt bar or opening the back door.<ref name="rf10">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/horse-behavior/tips-trailering-your-horse</ref> |
#*When he unloads properly, reward him with praise and patting or rubbing. | #*When he unloads properly, reward him with praise and patting or rubbing. | ||
#Know when to get help. Some horses are very resistant to being in a trailer. | #Know when to get help. Some horses are very resistant to being in a trailer. | ||
| − | #*Your horse may be afraid of the trailer because of past bad experiences.<ref>http://research.vet.upenn.edu/HavemeyerEquineBehaviorLabHomePage/HavemeyerEquineBehaviorClinic/FrequentlyAskedBehaviorQuestions/BoltingOutofaHorseTrailer/tabid/3009/Default.aspx</ref> | + | #*Your horse may be afraid of the trailer because of past bad experiences.<ref name="rf11">http://research.vet.upenn.edu/HavemeyerEquineBehaviorLabHomePage/HavemeyerEquineBehaviorClinic/FrequentlyAskedBehaviorQuestions/BoltingOutofaHorseTrailer/tabid/3009/Default.aspx</ref> |
#*Ask a horse professional for assistance if your horse is particularly resistant or reacts with violence (such as bolting or rearing). | #*Ask a horse professional for assistance if your horse is particularly resistant or reacts with violence (such as bolting or rearing). | ||
#*Do not lose your patience or react with violence as this will exacerbate the problem. | #*Do not lose your patience or react with violence as this will exacerbate the problem. | ||
=== Loading the Horse === | === Loading the Horse === | ||
| − | #[[Load a Horse on a Trailer|Load the horse in the trailer.]] If you are using 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 of the trailer is in the center of the road. If you are using a slant load trailer load the horse in the front stall; the trailer will generally balance better.<ref>http://www.aaep.org/info/horse-health?publication=700</ref> | + | #[[Load a Horse on a Trailer|Load the horse in the trailer.]] If you are using 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 of the trailer is in the center of the road. If you are using a slant load trailer load the horse in the front stall; the trailer will generally balance better.<ref name="rf12">http://www.aaep.org/info/horse-health?publication=700</ref> |
#*It is safest to teach the horse to load on command. However you may need to lead him into the trailer. Ask a friend to help you guide the horse into the trailer and to observe in case of an accident. | #*It is safest to teach the horse to load on command. However you may need to lead him into the trailer. Ask a friend to help you guide the horse into the trailer and to observe in case of an accident. | ||
| − | #*You may want to use shipping boots or leg wraps but these may cause sores or loss of circulation if used over a long period of time. Be sure to wrap properly to avoid injury.<ref>http://www.mobileveterinarypractice.com/Leg-Wraps.html</ref> | + | #*You may want to use shipping boots or leg wraps but these may cause sores or loss of circulation if used over a long period of time. Be sure to wrap properly to avoid injury.<ref name="rf13">http://www.mobileveterinarypractice.com/Leg-Wraps.html</ref> |
| − | #*Use a leather halter as it will break if there is an emergency. If you use a nylon halter make sure it is a break-away.<ref>http://animals.pawnation.com/correct-use-horse-trailer-ties-6931.html</ref> | + | #*Use a leather halter as it will break if there is an emergency. If you use a nylon halter make sure it is a break-away.<ref name="rf14">http://animals.pawnation.com/correct-use-horse-trailer-ties-6931.html</ref> |
| − | #Secure the horse with the trailer tie. Your horse should be secured in place in the trailer.<ref | + | #Secure the horse with the trailer tie. Your horse should be secured in place in the trailer.<ref name="rf10" /> |
#*Use a trailer tie with a quick release snap. Hook it to the tie ring on the halter and the tie ring on the trailer. Remove his lead rope so he does not become tangled in it. | #*Use a trailer tie with a quick release snap. Hook it to the tie ring on the halter and the tie ring on the trailer. Remove his lead rope so he does not become tangled in it. | ||
#*Keep the rope slack. If you tie the horse too tightly, sudden turns will jerk the horse's head around. A slack rope also makes feeding from the hay bin easier. | #*Keep the rope slack. If you tie the horse too tightly, sudden turns will jerk the horse's head around. A slack rope also makes feeding from the hay bin easier. | ||
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===Driving=== | ===Driving=== | ||
| − | #Open air vents on windows and doors. Do this as needed to keep plenty of air moving through the trailer.<ref>http://www.equinews.com/article/ventilation-in-horse-trailers</ref> | + | #Open air vents on windows and doors. Do this as needed to keep plenty of air moving through the trailer.<ref name="rf15">http://www.equinews.com/article/ventilation-in-horse-trailers</ref> |
#*Horses release a lot of heat and moisture as they breathe. | #*Horses release a lot of heat and moisture as they breathe. | ||
#*Exhaust fumes and ammonia can build up in a closed trailer, causing respiratory distress for the horse. | #*Exhaust fumes and ammonia can build up in a closed trailer, causing respiratory distress for the horse. | ||
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#Drive gently! Take corners, accelerate, and stop slowly and smoothly. Remember that the horse is standing up, trying to keep its balance. | #Drive gently! Take corners, accelerate, and stop slowly and smoothly. Remember that the horse is standing up, trying to keep its balance. | ||
#*Practice driving the trailer before you try with a horse loaded. | #*Practice driving the trailer before you try with a horse loaded. | ||
| − | #*Get used to taking turns slowly and changing lanes gradually.<ref>http://www.equispirit.com/info/articles/drivingtrailer.htm</ref> | + | #*Get used to taking turns slowly and changing lanes gradually.<ref name="rf16">http://www.equispirit.com/info/articles/drivingtrailer.htm</ref> |
| − | #Take frequent breaks on long trips. Your horse needs time to rest and unlock its legs.<ref>http://www.thehorse.com/articles/27423/tips-for-long-distance-hauling</ref> | + | #Take frequent breaks on long trips. Your horse needs time to rest and unlock its legs.<ref name="rf17">http://www.thehorse.com/articles/27423/tips-for-long-distance-hauling</ref> |
#*Stop at least every 3-4 hours. | #*Stop at least every 3-4 hours. | ||
#*Do not remove the horse from the trailer. | #*Do not remove the horse from the trailer. | ||
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=== Unloading === | === Unloading === | ||
| − | #Park again. Choose a good place, away from highways and traffic and set all brakes.<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=AgOxfsrNqLsC&pg=PA266&lpg=PA266&dq=after+unloading+horse+from+trailer&source=bl&ots=RLxKIG25Kz&sig=riaPlrB3JZebr29iPy5QzBkxnEM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h5wyVY-tJo_xoASJw4GYBA&ved=0CDoQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=after%20unloading%20horse%20from%20trailer&f=false</ref> | + | #Park again. Choose a good place, away from highways and traffic and set all brakes.<ref name="rf18">https://books.google.com/books?id=AgOxfsrNqLsC&pg=PA266&lpg=PA266&dq=after+unloading+horse+from+trailer&source=bl&ots=RLxKIG25Kz&sig=riaPlrB3JZebr29iPy5QzBkxnEM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h5wyVY-tJo_xoASJw4GYBA&ved=0CDoQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=after%20unloading%20horse%20from%20trailer&f=false</ref> |
#*Park on a level surface with good footing (preferably not pavement). | #*Park on a level surface with good footing (preferably not pavement). | ||
#*Park in the shade if possible. | #*Park in the shade if possible. | ||
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*Have an assistant help with loading and unloading. They can watch for any problems and help if the horse does something unexpected such as bolting out of the trailer. | *Have an assistant help with loading and unloading. They can watch for any problems and help if the horse does something unexpected such as bolting out of the trailer. | ||
*If your horse is young, inexperienced or bad at loading, practice loading before it's actually necessary. Ask an experienced horse person help you. | *If your horse is young, inexperienced or bad at loading, practice loading before it's actually necessary. Ask an experienced horse person help you. | ||
| − | *Pay attention to your horse's body language. For example, rapidly darting eyes and a rapidly swishing tail may be signs that he is stressed and about to bolt. Watch for warning signs so you can diffuse the situation.<ref>http://equusmagazine.com/article/how-to-read-your-horses-body-language-8577</ref> | + | *Pay attention to your horse's body language. For example, rapidly darting eyes and a rapidly swishing tail may be signs that he is stressed and about to bolt. Watch for warning signs so you can diffuse the situation.<ref name="rf19">http://equusmagazine.com/article/how-to-read-your-horses-body-language-8577</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
