Horse Trailering Tips for Beginners
If you’re trailering your horse for the first time, you probably have a million questions on your mind. Even for an experienced horse hauler, varying weather conditions, horse health, and distance can make traveling a challenge. Limit the stress of your big adventure by being as prepared as possible. Here are a few tips for your first horse trailering trip.
1. Learn your hitch backwards and forwards.
Make sure you know how to hitch and unhitch your trailer with absolute certainty. Practice as much as you need in order to feel confident hooking up the trailer before you leave AND troubleshooting as you go along. If you have prepared and practiced well before the trip, you’ll be able to stay calm when preparing for departure and if you should have an issue mid-trip.
2. Practice with a mini trip.
If you know someone who’s experienced in horse trailering, ask them to come with you on your practice run (or better yet, on your first trip). If you’re flying solo, a practice run will help you feel more relaxed when the day arrives. Even if it’s just around the block, there’s no doubt it will boost your confidence. Safety issues, forgotten items, or good ideas may pop up during your practice trip.
3. Be prepared for the worst.
Emergency contact numbers for both you and your horse are really important to have, both in your phone and in writing. On the road, your toolbox is your best friend (especially when you’re stuck), so make sure to stock it with everything you might need ahead of time. Right before you leave, double check to make sure you have everything you need to handle the toughest situations. Preparing for the worst prepares us for the best.
4. Put together (and follow) a checklist.
Some of us live by checklists and find extreme gratification from checking off those little boxes. Even if you’re an, “I’ve got it all up here!” warrior, a checklist is a good idea for your first horse trailering adventure. Horse Illustrated has a Horse Trailering Checklist of everything you’ll need for yourself, your horse, and your vehicle. We recommend printing two copies, one for planning and one for right before departure.
5. Inspect everything ahead of time.
Make sure your vehicle and horse trailer maintenance are up-to-date. Check your tire condition, air pressure, and the lug nuts. Don’t forget your spare tire too! Check your breaks and lights. Then, run around back and check the hitch and look over the trailer floor. All these things may take time to fix, so don’t wait till the day before to see what needs fixing. (If you come across any issues with your horse trailer, the Tropic Trailer Service Department is happy to help!)
6. Doublecheck everything right before you leave.
Go through your checklist thoroughly. Make sure to check the trailer inside and out before boarding your horse. Secure your doors and climb up into the driver’s seat. After one last check for cell phone, wallet, and snacks, start your playlist and get it in gear. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the horse!
We hope these tips help you approach your first horse trailering journey with confidence. Happy trails to you… until we meet again!