Put It To Use
-Get a ramp-load trailer.
-Aviod slant-load if you have large horses.
-Insist on side-escape trailer doors.
-Be sure the tailer has lots of ventilation windows and vents.
-Never sacrifice height.
-Consider a fiberglass roof for warmer areas.
Wood flooring is a money-saving option. Aluminum is more expensive but is lighter weight and will last longer with correct care. More manufacturers are focusing on how the horse feels as he rides along. Turnbow, for example, has a new product called the "Soft Ride" floor that is a cushion that fits under the rubber mat and improves shock absorption.
Remember, though, that all trailer floors do better with mats. Even when you add options like a Rhino lining or Rumbar floors (composite plastic flooring), you still need mats so that horses won't slip.
Inside: Partition type is a real matter of preference. Some drivers prefer removable because it increases the versatility of your trailer-you can haul a mare and foal or a golf cart as well as two horses. It is also nice to have the option if you're going to be traveling with an aggressive horse or a stallion to have a stud divider. On the Merhow trailer, for instance, the two butt bars hold the partition in place because there is no center post between stalls.
Adequate padding is crucial for your horses' comfort and safety. Look for padding on the butt bars, chest bars, and on the sides of the walls where the horses are going to brace themselves. Head padding is nice for horses, especially tall ones, but not as important, since you can always put a head bumper on your tall horse. And be sure the trailer has interior light, as you never know when you might need it at night.
The trailer industry is constantly adding new creature comforts for people and horses. These will, of course, cost you, but they may also make your trailer even more enjoyable. Trail-et offers swing-out saddle racks and hide-a-screen roll-up screens. Upright water tanks can be installed in the dressing area for hauling extra water without taking up much floor space.
Sooner has options all the way down to blanket bars, bridle bars, brush trays, hat shelf and boot boxes. Featherlite now offers feed doors with centered handle bars to allow more airflow and light into the horse area and rubber-coated tie rings to keep the trailer quieter, a really nice touch. Cotner offers a built in tack box, LED lights, and a built-in battery charger. We wish all manufacturers followed Cato Classic's lead and offered online quotes, so that you get an idea of how much the options will cost you before you even head to the local trailer dealership.
Dressing Room Or Not
Dressing rooms are popular features on trailers, as they're convenient and make for easy storage/packing, especially if you do a lot of one-day shows. There is a sacrifice, however, in that your horse will have less head room in most dressing-room-equipped trailers, which can lead to respiratory problems.
Horses need to be able to comfortably lower their heads during a trip to clear their airway passages. A breast-bar front, as opposed to a more solid front found in a dressing-room trailer, gives horses more space, as they can extend their head over and down.
You can also get a trailer with an extended front without a dressing-room wall partition, which will allow your horses lots of neck room but still give you useful add-ons, like saddle racks. It's a trade-off, of course, but we think the horse's comfort is far more important than having a dressing room. Be sure the trailer you choose allows your horses to adequately and comfortably adjust their heads.
Bottom Line
Overall, you need to weigh your needs, budget and the trailers readily available in your area to determine which brand is most suited to your situation. And, of course, budget concerns add constraints. However, we don't think you can go wrong with Trail-et's Baron Spirit. It's not the lightest thing on the list (that would be the Cato, at 1,850 pounds), but at 2,720 pounds it's not overly heavy, either, and the spring-assisted ramp will be a real help to anyone who hauls alone.
Its flooring of pressure-treated wood is the cheaper way to go, but the mats you would put in any trailer will alleviate any slipperiness. The fiberglass roof is nice because it's like an opaque skylight for a pleasant environment and will keep horses cooler. And, of course, it is a good value at $8,705.
When trailer shopping, keep in mind that you can negotiate for a better price. Like with most cars and trucks, trailers usually list "sticker prices" that aren't necessarily the final selling price. In addition, many dealers will also work with you on a fair trade-in price for your old trailer.
Finally, ask the dealer for names of customers who purchased the model you're considering so you can get first-hand information on how the trailer is when in use.
Check out some of these manufacturers for more information:
Exiss, www.exiss.com, 877-55-EXISS
Featherlite, www.fthr.com, 800-800-1230
Sooner, www.soonertrailer.com, 800-256-6668
