Towing horse trailers takes practice, patience, and caution. With special cargo on board, you can’t just hop into the driver’s seat and zoom off down the road. Safety is paramount. Here we’ll touch on some great tips to get you started for many happy, safe miles on the road.
Do You Need A Specific License
Whether you need a special driver’s license or not depends on your rig’s total weight and purpose. If you are hauling as a profession, a racing operation, or as a boarding business, you will likely need a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Another factor that can affect what license you need is the total weight capacity of your rig. This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Restriction (GVWR). If the GVWR exceeds 10,001 pounds, then you may need a commercial license. You will also need an electronic logging device (ELD).
Practice, Practice, Practice
Towing a horse trailer is not the same as towing a trailer full of immobile, non-living weight. You need to take extra care when you have your precious cargo on board. This is for their safety and yours before attempting to pull a trailer with a horse onboard practice when it’s empty.
Next, put some weight in the trailer, but not a horse. This will get you used to how the rig feels, giving you an idea of how you should turn, brake, and accelerate. It is a good idea to take some hauling lessons with a professional instructor.
Pre-towing Safety Checks
Each time you plan to hit the road, carry out a series of safety checks. Ensure the tire pressure is correct, as this can affect trailer sway. Check all the lights on your trailer and tow vehicle, making sure they all work. Inspect the hitch, safety chain, and coupling for any faults.
Make sure that the trailer ramp and door don’t have damage. Inside the trailer, check the divider and bars, ensuring they are secure. Regularly get the trailer floor inspected. A weak floor can lead to a horse putting a leg through it with disastrous consequences. Finally, get your trailer serviced at least once a year.
Ensure that the towing vehicle can pull the fully-loaded weight of the trailer, with some room to spare. Using a vehicle that cannot pull the weight increases wear and tear, and most importantly, comprises safety.
Pack An Emergency Kit
Always pack an emergency kit for both the horses and people traveling. This should include a fully charged cell phone and a list of emergency contacts, including vets along your route. You need a first aid kit, spare tire, flares, flashlights, emergency triangles, and blankets. Include any items that you think would help in an emergency situation.
How Fast Should You Drive
While there is no defined speed limit for towing a horse trailer, you cannot drive as fast as you would in a car. You must take into consideration all the other elements of towing a trailer when monitoring your speed.
Essential Driving ‘Rules’
Your horse stands while traveling and will work hard to keep its balance. It is vital to keep your driving steady and smooth. Allow extra distance between yourself and other vehicles. The braking distance can be more than double that of a car. You must brake slowly and steadily. The same applies to acceleration.
When going around a corner, stay slow and don’t increase your speed until you have fully straightened out. Always use your indicators well in advance of your turn, lane change, or exit.
Check your mirrors regularly to make sure you are safely placed on the road. Note that your trailer is may be wider than your towing vehicle. Keep your width in mind when taking a corner or changing lanes.
Make yourself aware of other vehicles on the road, especially large trucks on the highway. A large truck overtaking you at speed can result in your trailer pulling or swaying. Remember to stay calm, drive steadily, and not overcorrect any pull from the trailer in these circumstances.
Weather conditions also affect horse trailer towing. High winds can cause sway and tugging. If winds look like they are too high, avoid towing altogether. Educate yourself on how to cope with trailer sway before you attempt any towing.
Finally, always make sure your visibility is the best it possibly can be. Wipers should be in excellent condition and windows clean. If possible, plan to travel during off-peak times. Having less traffic to contend with increases your ability to provide your horse with a smooth ride. It also avoids getting stuck in traffic and increased travel times.
Driving Smoothness Test
One great way to test how smoothly you’re driving is to place a full cup of water in the cupholder. If any water spills out of the cup, then you are not driving smoothly enough for your horse. You can use this test when practicing how to tow a trailer. It will help give you a good feel of how you need to drive.
Where Do You Place Your Horse
When loading a horse into a trailer, follow some basic rules. Roads are higher in the middle, creating a slight slope. The heavier horse always goes on the inside. Or if traveling with just one horse, place that horse on the inside.
That is the side that is closest to the middle of the road and directly behind the driver. Doing this helps distribute the weight of the trailer better and provides better stability.
Make Your Horse Comfortable
Make the trailer as comfortable as possible for your horse. Driving well and providing a positive experience for your horse is in everyone’s best interests.
It is common for horses to develop issues with trailering. A bad experience, such as braking too fast, can cause the horse to lose its balance, even fall. This is enough to trigger a fear of loading into the trailer for the horse.
Fear of the trailer can have long-term consequences. These consequences include the inability to load the horse quickly in an emergency and panicking when inside the trailer.
An insulated trailer is better at regulating temperature and reducing noise. Good but safe ventilation is also necessary. By safe, we mean a way to allow air to circulate but prevents any debris from entering the trailer. Padded dividers also add to the comfort of your horses.
When tying your horse, use a safety clip and a halter that will break easily or is easy to release. It is a good idea to use shipping boots or bandages and a tail guard. The temperature and distance you plan on traveling can affect the choice to use boots or bandages.
Travel your horses with haynets. Access to hay will keep your horse busy and help it stay relaxed. Hay also helps prevent ulcers, which can develop from the stress of traveling. Allow your horse enough room in the trailer to spread its legs. As a horse tries to keep its balance in a trailer, it will spread its legs. Large horses may need to travel in a double trailer without a partition.
Always put bedding on the floor of the trailer. Shavings are the best option. They provide some cushioning under your horse’s feet and absorb urine. Without the shavings, moisture on the floor becomes slippery, risking your horse slipping or even falling.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to consider is to educate yourself. With the proper knowledge, you give yourself the best chances of comfortable and safe trailering. If you are looking at purchasing a new trailer read here to check out my advice on things to look for in a good horse trailer.
Bonus Tips
● If you live in a hot area, avoid horse trailering during the hottest time of day.
● Always give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Rushing can encourage driving too fast or forgetting about smoothness.
● If you are trailering donkeys, many of the same rules apply with some adjustments. For example, donkeys may need more loading training. Donkeys also may have to travel with their bonded companion. Donkeys bond very strongly, and separation can cause a significant amount of distress. Due to their size, a donkey will travel better in a box stall as trailer bars are too high.