Buyer’s Guide
All the advice you need before buying a trailer
HAVING YOUR OWN equine transport can make all the difference to your life with horses. It gives you the freedom to go wherever you like — clinics, camps, competitions, you name it. But transport doesn’t come cheap, so do your homework before you buy.
No longer the poor relation of the horsebox, trailers now offer everything from streamlined bodies for easy towing, state of the art suspension systems for a comfortable ride, to livein accommodation and much more.
The following questions will help you determine exactly what it is you want from a new set of wheels so that you can find the right trailer for you.
Can you legally tow?
Most importantly, are you legally allowed to tow a trailer? If you passed your driving test after January 1997 then you will need to take your B+ E trailer training test to be able to legally tow a horse trailer. The test consists of two parts: the first is off road and you’ll be asked to carry out a number of tasks to show that you can confidently drive and control the car and trailer. These include reversing, carrying out safety checks and hitching and unhitching the trailer. The second part is carried out on the road and is similar to your driving test. The driving test lasts for approximately 60 minutes. There are many people who offer training courses for this test. Do a search on the internet to find an expert local to you. Find out more about whether you need to take the trailer towing test at www.gov.uk/towing-with-car.
What’s your towing vehicle?
All cars have a maximum recommended towing weight. This is usually listed in the vehicle handbook, or on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. When towing a trailer, remember that the weight of the trailer and its load must not exceed the maximum towing weight of the car, so check this before buying. If your car can pull up to 2000kg and the trailer you’re thinking of buying has an unladen (unloaded) weight of 800kg then you can load no more than 1200 kg in it, which includes everything — your horse, tack, food, water, fuel etc.
How does he like to travel?
Travelling facing forwards is the conventional way but you can now buy trailers where your horse travels backwards, with his quarters at the front and there are even ones that offer a herringbone set up — these are perhaps worth looking in to if your horse is used to this style of travelling in a horsebox.
Every horse is different and it’s a case of understanding what your horse prefers. Researchers at the University of Bologna in Italy and Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, Australia*, studied horses in transit. They found that horses facing backwards and standing in wider bays show less signs of stress- and balance-related behaviours than those transported facing forwards and in smaller bays.
How do you want him to load?
Innovative ramp design has made the prospect of loading into a trailer far more inviting from your horse’s point of view. Instead of the traditional rear fold-down ramp, there are now American-style rear doors with a short pull-out ramp, not to mention rampless trailers, which allow your horse to step in and out with ease, eliminating the risk of slipping on the ramp.
Which other features are most important?
Modern technology and materials mean that safety is at the forefront of all the latest trailer designs. Quality rubber matting on the floor, while emergency-release breast bars are commonly found on many models and an aluminium floor adds strength and longevity compared to wood.
Windows and vents are also key features to consider as they allow in light and air, making the trailer more welcoming for your horse.
What extras do you need?
Some trailers offer more space than others. If you’re likely to spend time away overnight with your horse, it’s worth considering how much a trailer has to offer in terms of storage and even living space.
There are some trailers available that offer some pretty smart live-in accommodation and tack storage areas. Bear in mind that these features will up the price, and don’t forget to check their unladen weight.
REFERENCES: *Effects of Transport Conditions on Behavioural and Physiological Responses of Horsesbarbara Padalino1, and Sharanne L Raid al 21 department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy2school of Animal and V eterinary Sciences, Charles Stuart University, Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia; 2020