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  Discussion on Question on Trailering - loading
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Member:
Canter

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 2:06 pm:

Hi All,
I'm finally going to bite the bullet and buy my own trailer and have been doing quite a bit of reading on all the discussions. Other than HA, my 2 main sources of info (both trusted) are the owner of the barn where my mare is boarded and my trainer. Unfortunately, both differ as to what I should buy. The barn owner (trailers their horses all over the place dozens of times each year) suggests a slant load, step up. My trainer (50+ years in the business here and abroad) suggests a straight load, with loading ramp. The barn owner doesn't like the ramps as she's seen horse step off the edge and injure themselves if they come off crooked. I've seen this happen before too.

Through borrowed rides, my mare has ridden in a slant load step up in the past. She seems to ride comfortably, loads beautifully. It's the unloading that worries me. As I have backed her off the trailer, she seems to hesitate with one hoof teetering on the edge as I coax her backwards. That teetering hoof has slid off once in the past and she has to catch herself. That being said, someone who trailered her this fall (with a step up) and unloaded her twice before I got to them said he wished that all horses loaded and unloaded as easily, so my horse might be catching my concern as she steps off backwards.

Is there a reason why you can't turn a horse around in the trailer and have them come off a step-off trailer head first? The first thing that comes to my mind is that the horse might leap off, putting the handler at risk, but I don't recall ever seeing this (but I have VERY limited experience going to shows/clinics).

As to the ramp loading, I know some horses are bothered by the sound of stepping on the ramp, but I don't think it will be an issue for my mare as I've trained her to do a western trail coarse, including wooden bridge, as one way to get her out of the arena and as a break from dressage.

What does everyone think about the head first out of a step down? Any other good advice from you more experienced haulers?

Thanks!
Member:
Leilani

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 2:52 pm:

Hi Fran,

I let my horses turn around and step off my trailer. They can back out if necessary, but I feel more comfortable with them seeing where they are going. Good luck. Leilani
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 3:04 pm:

As you have guessed there are pros and cons to both types. A big advantage imo to a ramp is that it's easier to get a mare and foal up one, and, again imo, easier to get a young, inexperienced horse up the ramp than to step up into the trailer. I have heard of injuries, but if a horse comes down off a step-up the wrong way there can be injuries also.

I would think the only thing that might prevent you from turning your horse around in the trailer would be the size of the horse. Most of mine prefer to turn and walk out frontwards. You do have to make sure you aren't in front of the horse if it's a nervous and inexperience horse. The arguement can be made, however, that a horse should be willing to also back out because there could arise the situation where turning around wouldn't be possible...and a horse should do what you ask.

Main things, imo, when buying a trailer are making sure the inside is finished safely so there are no sharp points/rough edges for the horse to hit; have as much room as possible, both width and height; and the other safety features which I think are mostly standard in a good trailer - good brakes; auto braking system if trailer breaks away from towing vehicle; lights; well balanced; etc. Extras I love are a water tank, storage for grooming supplies, a pull out saddle rack, and enough room in the tack compartment to stand and move around in a little. Tack room should have a light, too. If you show, room enough for tack room to double as a dressing room is great. I have outside lights on my trailer, which I love. Good luck. It took me forever to figure out what I wanted and then I went over budget...another problem!
Member:
Juliem

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 4:10 pm:

In this part of the country, the preference seems to go along with ones riding style--straight load with ramp for the English, slant step up for western riders. I've had both, including a step up straight load. If your horse is really large, some of the straight loads fit better. Many of the new slants are larger now, and you can almost always specify 7 foot height and width if you're buying new if your horse is larger. I prefer the slant--horses load and ride more reliably in them IMO. As stated above, they should know how to unload both ways. In almost every situation I turn mine to unload, but when I have one that rushes out, they have to unload by backing slowly out. They go slowly, feeling their way. This is no accident--I firmly believe in lots of schooling when a trailer is involved. Loading, unloading and riding in the trailer have huge potential for "wrecks". It's alien to everything in a horses nature--enclosed, unsteady, noisy, etc. It's a huge testament to their level of trust and tolerance that they ever get in!! So bottom line, whatever type you decide on practice, practice, practice in a calm, slow manner. Let them take as much time as they need to feel comfortable and you take as much time as it takes to get them there. Whatever type of trailer you choose, one very firm rule (not many of those with horses are there?)ALWAYS untie your horse before you open the back door. That"s where many of the off the ramp or under the bumper injuries occur. The horse rushes out, hits the end of the rope,and may panic and slide off or under. As to young horses and foals--mine have always been happy to hop in with or without a ramp and when they are really young, a helper with hands locked with yours behind their butt will boost them gently in. Young horses like to put their feet on things to paw or test and that leads to loading in my experience. At any rate, to answer your question (finally)--if the horse is well schooled, there is no reason they cannot turn and walk out unless they are just too big to turn in the trailer or have a lameness issue that makes a sharp turn uncomfortable--thus the reason why they must be trained to unload either way.
Member:
Hpyhaulr

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 4:57 pm:

WOW!!! Something I know a bit about! Walt has been hauling for I don't know how long, parting of flood waters was mentioned... He averages about 90,000 miles a year. (see why I need Amanda?) And yet there is not more I can add to Sara's post. Up until a few years ago, he had ramp trailers, now the last 2 trailers have been step ups.So far, he wants to stay with that. We wil be trading in this trailer in a couple of months and the next one is a step up as well. Yes,like anything else, they all have pros & cons. We have not had many problems loading minis or ponies at all in the step ups. Give them a moment to take a look around before they step off and they do just fine. Of course there are what if's everywhere...We also have exterior and interior lights in the trailer, we took out the tack room, but we have a small (GN) LQ up front. We do a LOT of cross country, losing the tack room gave back enough space to create another box stall. Most critical to us is the insulation/ventilation factor. The laydown windows with grates and ceiling vents are great. The auto brake is an absolute must too. We had the dividers extended to the ceiling so they travel untied. We also find a HUGE difference in manufacturers. Some drag behind like a ton of bricks. Others, you don't even know you have something back there. We switched to Sundowner a few years ago and are more than pleased with it. I would suggest you take your truck to the dealer and hook up, drive around and get a feel for it. We keep (3)50 gallon water tanks and all our tack supplies in the LQ and had the hay rack put on top. Air ride cushions are the JOY OF JOYS!! Worth every penny for our kind of mileage.
Good Luck and enjoy!
Member:
Stevens

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 4:59 pm:

I've had a slant load with a ramp, but when I bought my current horse had to go with something bigger that he would fit it and ended up with a straight load with a ramp.

My quarter horses pretty much always turned around and walked out of the slant load, but also backed down the ramp of the straight load when I switched trailers. My warmblood untied himself and turned himself around in the previous owner's slant load when we were finishing up the vet check so I guess that particular trailer was wide enough to a 17.2 horse to turn around!

Most folks I know buy straight loads for bigger horses since the width of the trailer is restricted by the size of traffic lanes and you can buy a longer slot with a straight load (at least with Sundowners).

I've seen wrecks with both types of trailers and agree that it's the training that prevents most of them.

If you end up getting something with a dressing room, there can never be too many hooks to hang stuff on.

Chris
Member:
36541

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 5:33 pm:

With respect to your truck, are you equipped for a bumper or a goose-neck? Two horse or three? Intend to use for transport to small one-day shows, or long hauling and staying overnight? Buying new or used? What about the budget?
IMO, horses should back out of trailers because it is easier for you, and because you asked them to do it. I have taught mine to anticipate the step-down from my 3H slant Sundowner(15 yrs old) by saying "back, back, back, step, step. They know it is coming and are not surprised. The Sundowner I have has a thick rubber bumper at the back that will support their weight if they step on it as they are coming out. It sinks down, so they know for sure they are at the end.
When I buy again, I will stay with aluminum, but I will get less fancy. The DrOp-down doors, bag feeders, all the rubber gasket things I will not miss. I pull to sanctioned dressage and eventing shows, but I will be happy to see the day that I show up in a plain aluminum stock trailer with less bells and whistles than my current version. With respect to a slant vs straight load, I have enjoyed the increased versatility to load large amounts of hay, or really help a friend with moving a household in the rain...
Member:
Shanson

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 6:04 pm:

Pausing at the edge as she gets ready to step down is pretty normal in my experience. Most horses need to get a sense of where exactly the edge is so they can step down safely as they back out.

The advantage of teaching a horse to back out as they unload is that they then know how to unload from any kind of trailer. Not all trailers are wide enough or configured so that a horse can turn around.

Sounds like your mare is an easy loader/unloader so straight vs. slant really depends on your preference. Slant loads are more open so can make it easier for hard-loaders. Straight loads can accommodate bigger horses and when configured without the manger at the head, allow the horse to lower its head comfortably.

I've had trailers with and without ramps and, again, this is really your preference. In my experience, the cons are that a ramp is an additional part that has to be maintained, can be heavy to lift for some people, and unless they're covered properly with nonslip material can be slippery in wet weather. Pros are that they allow horses that are unable to step into a trailer to load, which is not a small concern. I once saw a seriously injured mare that had to be trailered to the vet. Because of her injury, there was no way she could step up into a trailer. She required a ramp to load. I would guess this might also be an issue with foals, as well as older horses.
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 7:30 pm:

just make sure the ramp isn't aftermarket, if you do go that route. I just don't trust them putting it on after the fact.

I know this sounds silly,, but try to take the horse out of the equation. And visualize how you feel the most comfortable loading and unloading the animal, any animal. One trailer i was always nervous loading in, and unloading in, and gee whiz always had a problem. So i realized the horse will load most anything in his training, its the owners comfort level regarding it all that makes it work...

I prefer (after some research) a 2-3 horse slant with ramp and as large as i can find (warmblood size). a small horse in slot #2 by moving the movable tack room could be turned to walk out front. then horse in #1 will be able to, also.


I like ramps, because i've only seen bad accidents from step ups. 1 time a broken leg on a horse that slip on its backing out and snapped the cannon... and once an owner broke his nose and back, ribs and got beat up bad, trying to leverage a horse back into the trailer, same scenario horse slipped on the step down and lost its balance, if the man hadn't almost killed himself the horse surely would have gotten hurt worse.
New Member:
Judynv

Posted on Saturday, Jan 6, 2007 - 10:54 pm:

Sharon's comment about injured and older horses should be a consideration. I've had two horses that did very well in my straight load/step up, until they got older. Then it was hard for both of them to step out of the trailer. A lot of weight is placed on the leading hind leg as they step down, especially on uneven ground. Even though I now have a young horse I think my next trailer will have a ramp.
Member:
Canter

Posted on Sunday, Jan 7, 2007 - 10:56 am:

Thanks everybody, for your input. I don't have the experience to breed or handle young foals, so that concern is out of the equation. However, Sharon & Judy's comments about the older horses is something I didn't think about. My mare is 16 and although perfectly sound, neither of us are getting any younger and a ramp makes perfect sense.

I'm glad to know that there is no reason NOT to turn the horse around, given fit, and walk her out head first. I think I will be more comfortable with that, thus I think my horse will be happier with it too. Jojo, the scenario you describe has been exactly my fear as I've backed her off. She's calm and willing, but just appears uncertain about that big step backwards.

Stacy, to answer your questions, the truck is a 3/4 ton Chevy. My husband just bought it and he bought it with trailering in mind and consulted with the dealer. As it is now his favorite new toy, I can't imagine him agreeing to a gooseneck as I think you have to cut a hole in the bed to make that work. So, I'd buy a bumper pull. As I only have the one horse and it's likely the longest haul we'd take is a couple of hours, I'm thinking of a 2-horse, larger size for warmbloods, with a small tack room. I don't want all the bells and whistles, just a well built trailer that will ensure the safety of my horse.

Julie, what you say about the English & Western preferences is so funny because my trainer is English (literally - she's from the UK) and teaches dressage and my barn owner is Western - the youngest and only daughter still in horses does barrel racing. So, apparently, those preferences must be universal!

I'll probably go to the dealer next Saturday. You've all given me a list of things to look for and watch out for, many which I hadn't thought of, so I greatly appreciate all your help!!

Oh, as for the actual hauling, I will leave that to my husband. Don't tell him I said so, but he drives like an old man ...exactly how I want my horse hauled. I, on the other hand, learned to drive in and around Boston and I can assure you that everything anyone says about Boston drivers is true. Ten years in Michigan hasn't changed my driving habits. I don't trust myself to pull my own horse!

Thanks everyone!
Member:
Erika

Posted on Sunday, Jan 7, 2007 - 11:02 am:

I like step up because I don't have to raise the ramp! After some hours in the saddle it can be tough to bend over and pick it out of the mud.

Love having a water tank, and my friends love that I have a pull-out awning for tailgating on hot afternoons.

Best part is the gooseneck. You can put a bed in there for naps or sleepovers, or use it for extra hay storage for a long trip. And it adds little to nothing to the overall length of your rig.

I find most horses don't give a hoot about what kind of trailer if they are trained to load.

I give my too-long-to-turn-around horses a word when they reach the end of the step. Kind of like that back up beep that some cars have. Then they know to look for new footing.
Good luck!
Member:
Gailkin

Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 4:09 pm:

You got good advice, Fran. I have a slant load step down with tack room, water storage, lights, etc. My horses are small so fit perfectly and turn to come out. Not all slant loads are designed the same size inside. You need to check that out if you do get a slant. I have two other really important things I got on my trailer that are so handy: (1) a two-door closing back door instead of one single large door. I have seen so many single doors get caught in the wind and are hard to close if you are loading a difficult horse. It makes closing so much easier and safer if you have two smaller doors. (2) I got a stock trailer for more ventilation, but I had tracks put above and below the open window area (cost $75) Then I had screens made that slide in so that the whole trailer is screened when closed up. I also have plexiglass that I can use in the winter, but I don't always bother. It is so important to not leave your trailer open or unscreened. Someone loaded their horse for the first time in spring and before they left their driveway, their horse had hysterics and had crawled out the front escape window partway severing a tendon in his leg and is permanently lame. There was a wasp nest in the trailer. These wasps try to get into my trailer even when just unloading so it is really important not to leave openings. Finally, you should learn to drive your horse in case of emergency. Also learn how to back up safely and manuver the trailer. You don't want to have to try to learn in an emergency. Also get a good brake controller. I have a Prodigy which I really like. Good luck with your purchase. Gail
Member:
Canter

Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 4:44 pm:

Thank you, Gail. You've given me more to think about and great advice about checking for wasps before the horse is loaded first time in the spring...something that probably would not have occurred to me as it's all a new experience.
Member:
Shanson

Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 11:26 am:

One additional thought on unloading by backing them out vs. letting them turn to unload. I've seen horses that hadn't been trained to back out get into trouble in trailers that didn't allow it. Once they're used to turning around, many will try it in any trailer. I saw a horse try it in a straight load. He got his head and neck turned, then was stuck against the stall divider. Fortunately he managed to free himself without injury but it could have been a big wreck.

I guess I'm saying that even though you may turn her most of the time, you really need to back her out sometimes to ensure that she remembers how to do it and tolerates it. You never know when you might have to trailer your horse in a different trailer. An important supporting bit of training is to be sure your mare stands quietly in the trailer until you give her the unload command. This is essential to maintaining proper control of the situation, particularly if you're in an unfamiliar trailer.

You're going to LOVE having a trailer and an easy loader. It is great to be free to go whenever and wherever you choose. Have fun!
Member:
Canter

Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 8:56 pm:

Thanks for your input Sharon. I have no concerns about my horse forgetting about how to back out if she's turned many times. She's gone years without trailering anywhere and then loads and unloads quietly. Then it was another 2 1/2 years again before she was trailered to a show and clinic this summer & fall. Again, she was willing and quiet and as long as she's handled with confidence, she's fine in just about any situation.

I am bummed out, though, as my trailer shopping expedition will have to wait another week or two. I had planned on going tomorrow, but a relative is visiting. Considering I'm ditching her for a lesson on Sunday morning, I don't think it would be wise (or welcoming) to ditch her on Sat afternoon to go trailer shopping. And I can't drag her along as she totally doesn't understand or appreciate animals: my dog annoys her, she's afraid of my 2 friendly cats and she thinks the barn and horses are filthy and dangerous. Last time I took her to the barn to watch my 5 year old ride, she practically dumped my kid in an antiseptic bath when we got home. Oh well...

Anyhow, I want to thank everyone again for their help & advice. I've kept a list of things to consider and will have it firmly in hand when ever I do get to go shopping for that trailer.
Member:
canter

Posted on Saturday, May 5, 2007 - 12:56 pm:

Hi all,
I'm briefly resurrecting this discussion to ask one more question. I did find a beautiful used trailer, fits my needs perfectly, is in perfect condition (had it checked by a dealer) and I got the deal of the century on it. My mare has already travelled in it twice and she seems quite comfortable.

Thanks again for everybody's help - I'm sure I was viewed as a nutcase when I arrived to look at each option with a handfull of things to look for, all obtained from your advice.

There's a company out there, like AAA for horses, that will come to assist in case of a breakdown or accident. They are specific to the needs of trailers and horses. I can't recall the name of it and would like to obtain the insurance. Any help?
Member:
mrose

Posted on Saturday, May 5, 2007 - 3:09 pm:

Fran, so glad you found a trailer. The company is USRider. They have a great reputation. Check it out at: www.USRider.com
Member:
mrose

Posted on Saturday, May 5, 2007 - 3:10 pm:

oooops. It's www.USRider.org
Member:
canter

Posted on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 8:04 am:

Thanks so much, Sara. Now that I see the name, that's definitely the one I was thinking of. I've heard good things about them too.
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