Avoiding Equine Emergencies In the Trailer

For as long as people have made horses a part of theirlives, there have been horse related emergencies. Those who don’t know muchabout horses are often surprised that these seemingly graceful and beautifulanimals are so accident prone. If you are just getting involved with horses,moving them home for the first time, traveling to your first competition orsimply want the peace of mind that comes with being better prepared, there aresimple steps that you can take to lessen your chances of an emergency resultingfrom an neglect, accident or illness.

Evaluate Your Rig

Many horses are terrified, or at least somewhat nervousabout getting in or traveling in a horse trailer. It is often impossible toregain the trust and confidence of a horse who has been in a trailer accidentor has had a bad experience. Because of this, it is of great importance thatone seeks to avoid accidents and emergencies in a trailer as best they can.

Foremost, evaluate the type of trailer you expect to haulyour horse in. While it may be costly to invest in a new one, it is even morecostly if you get in an accident where your horse severely injures itself. Manyloading and hauling phobias can be attributed to old, poorly sized, lit andventilated trailers that may be a bargain to buy. Your trailer should be tallenough, wide enough, and provide a smooth ride. It should allow adequatelighting and ventilation to help ease the mind of an animal that isclaustrophobic. In addition, the interior design from the trailer should befree from sharp edges and latches that a horse can get caught or cut on.

Tow your horse trailer with a vehicle that is properlyfitted with towing equipment and rated for the weight you are pulling. Evaluateyour own driving technique, and if necessary, practice and perfect your drivingskills with an empty trailer before adding a horse to the equation. Maintainboth your truck and trailer to lessen your chances of something going wrongwhile you’re on the road. Before your trip, visually inspect the condition ofboth your truck and trailer tires and check that the air pressure isappropriate. Test your batteries, brakes, turn signals and lights on both thetruck and trailer, as well as the fluid levels of the tow vehicle. Have yourhitch and floorboards inspected by a professional on a regular basis to insurethey are sturdy and in good working order, and have them show you how toinspect it yourself as well.

Build Your Horse’s Confidence

If your horse is prone to panicking while being hauled, andyour trailer is not to blame, practice building his confidence on short,pleasant rides before embarking on a long one. Outfit the horse in protectiveboots or bandages, a breakable halter, and protective head wear. While this mayseem unnecessary to some, it is a quick, inexpensive way to protect your horsesfrom many injuries that can occur on a trailer and give the horse a badexperience. Provide hay in a bag or net so the horse can eat and relax duringthe ride.

Plan Ahead

Once your horse has become comfortable on their short rides,you will be better prepared for longer trips. Plan well in advance for travel,and pack for the journey accordingly with supplies for both you and the horses.Have emergency numbers ready and map out your route. Put shavings on the floorof the trailer to absorb urine and help prevent your horse from slipping duringtransport. Make sure the horse is tied in a position that they can lower theirhead and clear their respiratory tract. On an extremely long trip, arrange tostop and offer the horse water, especially during hot times of the year. Planstops where you can safely unload the horse and allow it to stretch and movearound. For trips that involve more than one day of travel, arrange to stay atareas where the horse can be stabled for the night to rest.

Should your vehicle breakdown during your trip, turn on your4-way flashers and do your best to stay out of the traffic lanes. Be preparedwith warning triangles or flares, and have your cell phone and emergencynumbers handy. Besides a roadside emergency kit that includes a spare tire, lugwrench, small air compressor, jumper cables and a fire extinguisher, it is alsorecommended that you pack water and hay to keep your horse content as well asan extra halter, leadrope and first aid supplies just in case.