Do horses prefer slant or straight-load? (2023)

Is slant or straight load better for horses?

Slant-load trailers may be the choice for larger trailers, but for hauling two horses, straight-load trailers are the right choice. Emergency: If you have to reach your loaded horse in an emergency, it is easier and safer. Straight-load trailers have an exit door that allows access to trailered horses.

SLANT LOAD describes a trailer that has stalls angled from side wall to side wall rather than from front to back. Larger horses do not fit comfortably in most slant stalls because DOT limits the legal width to 102 inches, therefore limiting the length of the interior stalls. We don't recommend Slant Load trailers.

In a stock trailer, a horse may be hauled loose or tied. Horses should always face forward in a straight-load trailer.

Goosenecks, like fifth wheel travel trailers, are more stable than bumper towed trailers, safer to drive, and easier to maneuver. Gooseneck trailers will have room for horses in the back and most will include an area for tack in the front, and in some cases, saddle racks.

Horses are fine for up to 9 hours in a trailer as long as they have food and water, and unloading during the trip just adds to your end time considerably. Rather, get to where you are going and let them –and you- have a long rest.

So, what's the standard height for a four-horse trailer with living quarters? Standard four-horse trailers with living quarters are 7'6″ to 7'8″ tall.

Overall, slant loads are slightly better unless you have a limited budget or are hauling very large horses. Generally, it is down to personal preference and your needs.

Trailer Loading, how to load your horse into a slant load with Mike ...

When you are going in a straight load, the single horse should be on the left, the driver's side. If you have two horses in a straight load trailer, put the heavier horse on the left.

If you are only hauling one horse in a two horse straight load, put him on the driver's side of the trailer. If you are hauling more than one horse, put the heaviest one on the driver's side.

Which side of the trailer should the heavier horse be?

The camber (the gentle slope of the road which prevents flooding) slopes towards the pavement, therefore the heavier horse should always be on the higher side to create an even balance.

Some trainers walk a horse out of the trailer, but Cox prefers to back the horse out because it is safer for both horse and handler. Make sure your horse is well-versed in backing up before you ever load him.

It might be a better option to invest in a nice new trailer that has everything you want and need and that will last you a good 15-25 years. That's why so many people decide to invest in a custom made, uniquely designed horse trailer.

In the event of an accident, an all-aluminum trailer may not offer the same level of protection as a steel trailer. While aluminum trailers will not rust, aluminum is prone to corrode, especially when doused in horse urine and manure, according to the Horse Journal.

4-Star Trailers 'Quiet Ride' Horse Trailer - YouTube

“Do I Need to Wrap my Horse's Legs Before Trailering?” Almost always, yes. Whether you're hauling to a rodeo, dressage test or a distant trail riding event, you should carefully wrap every leg that's getting on that horse trailer.

How often should I stop? Your horse should have a 15- to 20-minute rest period every four to six hours during a long haul when the trailer is stopped and parked, ideally in a shaded area if it's hot. During this rest period, offer water, replenish food supplies, and do a general safety check.

A horse can live for almost a month without food, but within a mere 48 hours without water a horse can begin to show signs of colic and can quickly become life threatening.

Trailer Loading, how to load your horse into a slant load with Mike ...

When you are going in a straight load, the single horse should be on the left, the driver's side. If you have two horses in a straight load trailer, put the heavier horse on the left.

How do you haul a horse in a stock trailer?

Loading and Trailering Tips for Beginners | Stock Trailer - YouTube

HOW TO LOAD A HORSE INTO A TRAILER (the right way!) - YouTube

If you are only hauling one horse in a two horse straight load, put him on the driver's side of the trailer. If you are hauling more than one horse, put the heaviest one on the driver's side.

Lead it into the trailer and shut the door to the stock compartment before you tie your horse. If your trailer is slant loaded, you should secure the partition to the compartment before shutting the door. Do not tie your horse while the compartment door is open, however, to avoid a panicky horse.

Some trainers walk a horse out of the trailer, but Cox prefers to back the horse out because it is safer for both horse and handler. Make sure your horse is well-versed in backing up before you ever load him.

How To Solve Horse Trailer Loading Issues - YouTube

Do not make the situation worse by pulling back on both reins to try to stop the horse from rearing. The more you pull back on the reins and say, “Don't go!” the more upset and nervous the horse will get. The best way to gain immediate control of the situation is to yield his hindquarters.

How often should I stop? Your horse should have a 15- to 20-minute rest period every four to six hours during a long haul when the trailer is stopped and parked, ideally in a shaded area if it's hot. During this rest period, offer water, replenish food supplies, and do a general safety check.

“Do I Need to Wrap my Horse's Legs Before Trailering?” Almost always, yes. Whether you're hauling to a rodeo, dressage test or a distant trail riding event, you should carefully wrap every leg that's getting on that horse trailer.

Should you put shavings in a horse trailer?

NO to shavings in the trailer:

One of the main reasons for this is to cut down on the amount of dust in the trailer. Simple. Many horses are sensitive to dust, and when you have some fine shavings or sawdust in the trailer, dust may be stirred up more than you would like.