Horse Trailers?

Question

So what is a slant trailer and which type or horse trailer is the best? I have 4 horses but probably wont be pulling more than 2 at a time. Should I get a 4 horse? Are the ones with the ramp that drops down in back the best for the horses to back out of? Are the older ones with the thicker walls safer for the horse? We have a big truck so weight isnt an issue.

Please enlighten me.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

it a very good idea!so get the horse trailer!

Answer 2

Wow, that's alot of questions but.... it all depends on what you are using it for.  Slant loads are great, for some reason horses like traveling on an angle. On the recommendation of horse breeders, I have a 3 horse stock trailer.  I was breeding and the stock make trailering a mare and baby safer, as the babies can't be tied.  I have a step up, but have built a dirt ramp for loading and unloading at home.  They still have to step up on the road but it just makes getting out for early shows and rides easier.  And then there are the trailers with living quarters in front of the horse compartment.  Ask all the people you can for opinions, think it all over and choose. Then go looking! Have fun.

Answer 3

Well my friend had both a 2-horse straight load and a 4-horse slant load trailer. She likes the slant load better than the straight she says its easier for her to load and unload, and she would rather pull the 4 horse even if she is only taking onw horse with her. Me personaly I like the slant load trailer also, but you do have to position the horses right. If Im not mistaking I think they make a 4-horse straight load but Im not really for sure. Hope this helps you out

http://www.fthr.com/

http://www.doubledtrailers.com/

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/ne...

http://www.sundownertrailer.com/

http://www.exiss.com/

http://www.goldengait.com/horse_trailers...

http://www.equispirit.com/

Answer 4

A slant trailer is one where the horses are loaded to stand at a diagonal angle across the trailer, rather than parallel to the sides.

I don't like slants, myself.  They're harder to load into because the horse has to be maneuvered into place, tied, and then left while the handler gets out of the way and swings the gate into place.  If the horse isn't cooperative, it can be dangerous.  Once the horses are loaded, you can only get to the one in the back.  If something's happenned to the one in front, you have to unload however many are in behind it to get to it.

I like stock trailers,  the ones that are open in the back; I have a 4 horse myself.  It's not much more expensive than a 2 horse, and I'm forever taking a friend's horse along with mine for a trail ride or whatever.  You can load the horses however you want, or they want, even in a slant. When I get where I'm going, I take my QH out and tie him, and leave my daughter's OTTB who doesn't tie loose inside like a box stall.  They're both happy and safe.  I highly recommend the 4 horse.  

The stepup trailers are great.  I've had more horses object to the ramp then to the step up, which was the opposite of what I expected.  With the step up, you don't have to lift and lower a heavy ramp, you don't have to worry about the horse getting caught on the springs, you don't have to clean p**p out of the channel between the ramp and the trailer, and you're not putting yourself at risk when the horse decides to exit the trailer and you're in the middle of raising the ramp!

I think the safest ones are probably the aluminum ones simply because they don't rust.  Too many steel trailers have major rust problems that go unnoticed until too late.  Mine's steel, and I inspect it often, but the next one will be aluminum.  

If you're hauling horses that don't get along or don't know each other, you're probably better off with a standard two horse.  Here, the 4 horse may be a lot more than the two horse, but the kind where the front two horses face the back and the back two face the front are great.

Make sure it's well ventilated and tall enough for your horses.

Are things more illuminated now?

Edit:  In a real emergency, I have driven with up to 6 in my 4 horse stock.  Short distances only; horses all knew each other; 3 small ponies, 2 14 hand arabs, 1 horse.

Answer 5

First, YES, you need to purchase a 4 horse trailer. You may only be hauling 2 horses at a time, but what if you come upon an emergency? What if there is a wild fire on your barns land, or your barn catches fire, you need to get those horses out fast, and you won't have time to load 2 up, carry them away, then turn around and get the other 2.

Second, whether you get a ramp or not, it's all up to preference. I don't much care for ramps. Some horses have bigger issues slowly stepping down a ramp than they do just stepping down one step and it being over.

Third, while the older trailers are thicker, most are metal, which tend to rust, break welds easier, and yes, weigh more therefore decreasing gas mileage. Be kinder to the environment and purchase an aluminum trailer that weighs less, and is just as safe for equines. Plus aluminum trailers have a higher resale value. So you will get your money back if you decide to trade in or sale the trailer later on down the road.

Forth, safety is most important over looks and price. Make sure the drop down windows either have the feeder bars or nets so the horses can't hang their heads outside the window. Rubber mats will protect your horses feet and also the floor of the trailer, so they are a wise investment, and also the padding along the slants are great to protect the horse from scratching or bruising itself in any way. Make sure all dividers are secure, doors close properly, and the wiring is up to date and in proper order. If there are lose or expose wires, they can and will short out the lights on the trailer AND pickup. Also, I always make sure that if when I purchase the trailer it does  not have the protective reflecting tape, that I purchase some and put it on myself. So if a light should not properly work or go out, any vehicle behind me will still be able to tell where the end of the trailer is.

Answer 6

I have a slat and a straight load trailer. I think the horses travel just as well in both trailers. one of the problems that I have with the slant load is that the larger horses do not fit and if they do they have no ability to to reach their necks out.

I would get a trailer that will fit all your horse (size wise) and if you are comfortable and have the money to get a 4 horse then get a 4 horse. My slant load holds 3 , I use it for shows and taking three horses it is a goose neck, my striaght load is 2 horses and I keep that around for zipping around town and to lessons.

As for the safety of the trailer just have a trailer specialist make sure it is safe before you put anything into it. I like the steele frames and aluminunm skins

Answer 7

wow umm i was going to say something then i read the others and WOW lol... Good luck!