Hold Your Horses

As an owner, you’ll know that there’s often a fair bit of travelling involved when it comes to horses. You might be a seasoned competitor or perhaps you simply enjoy hacking in new and different locations, but wherever you’re going, you’ll certainly want your four-legged friend to travel in comfort and with the least amount of stress possible, not only for him but for you, too. But with so many different horse trailers out there, where do you start looking for your perfect transport?

First things first

Before you start your research, there are a few things to consider:

• While some horses do prefer to face forwards when travelling, research has shown that rear-facing horses are more comfortable and secure. Whatever you decide, though, it’s important that your horse has enough space, particularly for his head – don’t overdo it, though, as too much space could mean there’s a chance he might fall over
• As of September 2021, drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 don’t need to take a separate trailer test if they want to tow a trailer. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to practise towing before transporting horses and maybe even take some lessons
• Safety will be your priority when transporting your horse – the last thing you want is for him to pick up any injuries during the journey or when loading or unloading. A well-fitting, leather headcollar can protect his head, while tail guards, bandages and leg protectors can prevent rubs or knocks on the dock and legs. Also consider having a rug handy to keep your horse warm. Whatever protection you choose, let him get used to it beforehand so that he’s comfortable and unlikely to react adversely to it
• Every vehicle has a maximum towing weight, and you’ll find yours in your vehicle handbook or on the VIN (the vehicle identification number) plate. Any trailer you tow must weigh less than the maximum towing limit for your car. For example, if your car’s limit is 2,000kg and your trailer is 800kg, you can’t load more than 1,200kg in the trailer to include your horse, all the equipment, any food and water and fuel. You also need to think about your own driving/towing experience, as pulling a ‘live load’ changes how you drive, brake, accelerate and take corners
• Trailers can be quite dark and your horse is much more likely to enjoy the journey if he feels settled and secure in a light environment. If the interior isn’t a pale colour, you could install lights inside your trailer. It’s also better to have any windows or hatches at your horse’s head height, as horses prefer to travel with good visibility, although they must never have their heads out of the window while the vehicle is moving

Make it positive

As with anything new, get your horse accustomed to the new trailer slowly so he doesn’t become distressed. It’s worth taking time over this, as one bad experience can put a horse off travelling for the rest of his life.

Start with short trips, then gradually increase the distance. You could use treats or give your horse a small feed on the trailer, anything to make it a positive experience.

Your purchase checklist

Before making your decision on which trailer to buy, think about your answers to the following questions…

• How many horses will you be moving? Will you need space for two horses, or is a single-horse trailer a suitable option?
• Do you have a lot of extra kit to carry? If so, look for trailers with internal storage to help you save space in the towing car
• How accessible is the trailer? Are the ramps stable and easy to open and close? Which side will you load and unload your horse from?
• What’s the interior like? Is there any padding on the sides or partitions? Is it well-ventilated and light?
• What’s the suspension like? Some trailers have independent suspension which makes for a smoother ride for your horse

An essential piece of the puzzle

Finding the best horse trailer might seem a big decision to make, but having your own transport gives you the freedom to go wherever you want when you want. Having made your choice, you should also think about insurance for your trailer, as it’s just as important to be properly covered when you’re transporting your horse as it is when your horse is transporting you!

Policies at the Insurance Emporium come with one standard benefit, but you can also choose from a range of additional optional benefits, which means you can tailor your policy to suit your requirements while not paying for cover you don’t need. You know it makes horse sense.

To find out more visit, theinsuranceemporium.co.uk

^Horse Trailer Insurance covers trailers or other horse-drawn vehicles. This is subject to some exclusions.

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