Horse Trailer Driving with 1 or 2 Horses
There is nothing more important than the safety of the person driving the horse trailer and the horses themselves. This should be the top priority for any driver who will be driving the horse trailer. It is important also to check the horse trailer and the vehicle themselves before embarking on the journey to transport the horse, be it a short ride or a longer one.
First-Time Horse Trailer Drivers
For a first-time driver of a horse trailer, the saying “practice makes perfect” is perfect for him. Before you travel or even put the horse in the horse trailer, you must familiarize yourself with the combinations first. Since backing any kind of large vehicle, let alone a vehicle with a trailer attached (especially for first-time horse trailer drivers), is a scary thought, he should think that it is just like backing any other kind of vehicle and not be intimidated by the size of the horse trailer. If you want to move the trailer to the right, then place your hand on the steering wheel’s bottom and turn it slowly to the right. Remember, practice makes perfect, and before long, you will be backing that horse trailer like an expert in no time.
One Horse or Two Horses
It is important to place the horse (if you are transporting only one horse) on the driver’s side to help balance the trailer. But if you are transporting two horses, the heaviest of the two horses should be the one on the driver’s side of the horse trailer to even out the trailer. Why? Streets are usually much higher on the center. If you put the heavier horse on the passenger side, it will cause much greater unevenness to the trailer. Horses should always be placed forward of the horse trailer and never backwards unless you are using a horse trailer that is designed specifically for placing a horse backwards. Placing a horse backward is dangerous to the driver and the horse since the tongue weight of the horse trailer is changed, meaning you might overload it which can lead to an accident.
Before Going on the Road
Like any other vehicle, you have to check the trailer and the vehicle itself before you go on your way. Check the brakes and the headlights. Side mirrors should be checked as well and adjusted accordingly. Check to see if the tires of both the vehicle and the horse trailer are properly inflated to make the journey easier. If there are imbalanced tire pressures, then it might lead to a tire failure and towing problems. Lug nuts should be checked and tightened before the trip as well.
The Comfort of the Horse or Horses
You should also always check the horse trailer for any hazards. Wasp nests can be hazardous to the safety of the horses. You do not want an agitated horse or horses while you are driving your horse trailer, so to avoid this, make sure that it is hazard-free.
Be extra careful with all your stops and swerves while you are on the road and transporting the horse. Remember, your poor driving can have bad consequences for the horse’s attitude when it comes to transporting him next time on a horse trailer. He might not want to get in the trailer after the bad experience he has had with your poor driving, and it will be a big problem for you. Drive safely and gently so as to make the journey enjoyable or at least tolerable for your horse or horses.
Posted in Caravans and Trailers