Stock FAQs

how to load horses in a stock trailer

by Natasha Daugherty Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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14 Jun Loading a Horse on a Trailer: Simple Step By Step Guide

  1. Take the Proper Safety Measures When Loading Your Horse. ...
  2. Work On Desensitizing Your Horse From Tight Spaces. If your horse is reluctant to get onto a horse trailer, it could be because of the tight and claustrophobic ...
  3. Use Basic Groundwork to Encourage Your Horse to Get On the Trailer. Groundwork allows you to work the horse without having to ride them. ...
  4. Give Your Horse a Good Experience Once They’re In the Tailer. ...
  5. Be Consistent With the Practice of Getting On the Trailer. ...

Full Answer

What is the safest way to load a horse trailer?

Some of the popular options are:

  • Drop Down Doors at the Rear of Each Horse
  • Spring Loaded Rear Ramp
  • Stall Pads

How to safely tie a horse to a trailer?

  • It is safest to teach the horse to load on command. However you may need to lead him into the trailer. ...
  • You may want to use shipping boots or leg wraps but these may cause sores or loss of circulation if used over a long period of time. ...
  • Use a leather halter as it will break if there is an emergency. ...

How to load and unload a horse from a trailer?

How to Load a Horse on a Trailer

  • Method 1 of 3: Loading Your Horse. Have the trailer ready. Have the trailer set up in a secure location where the horse can feel comfortable to enter.
  • Method 2 of 3: Preparing the Horse to Load. Gain your horse’s trust. ...
  • Method 3 of 3: Using the Right Equipment. Use a close lead rope. ...

How long can I keep a horse in a trailer?

The answer is yes, horses can stay in a trailer overnight. A horse can stay in a trailer up to 9 hours, so long as they have enough food and water to get through the night. This is an important question, too, because of the time it takes to load or unload a horse.

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Can horses be hauled in a stock trailer?

If you need to haul animals other than horses, or you are looking for a less-expensive means of transporting your horses, you might consider a stock trailer. Looking for a budget-friendly, multi-purpose trailer to haul your horses and maybe other animals? A stock trailer might be the best option for you.

How do you transport a horse in a stock trailer?

2:384:08How to Load a Horse into a Trailer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgain as you approach the horse make sure you talk to them make sure she knows that you're there andMoreAgain as you approach the horse make sure you talk to them make sure she knows that you're there and what your intentions are. So I'm talking to her Kenna whoa.

Do you tie horses in a stock trailer?

Lead it into the trailer and shut the door to the stock compartment before you tie your horse. If your trailer is slant loaded, you should secure the partition to the compartment before shutting the door. Do not tie your horse while the compartment door is open, however, to avoid a panicky horse.

How many horses can fit in a stock trailer?

Up to six horses can fit in a trailer, depending on the size and model of the trailer. When transporting more than one horse, the minimum height inside the compartments must exceed the height at the withers of the tallest animal by at least 30 inches (almost 75 cm).

How do you load a stubborn horse into a trailer?

0:523:17How To Solve Horse Trailer Loading Issues - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOpen. So get him straight and allow him to look. He's allowed to look and think about the trailer asMoreOpen. So get him straight and allow him to look. He's allowed to look and think about the trailer as long as he's not trying to go away.

How often should you stop when hauling horses?

every four to six hoursHow often should I stop? Your horse should have a 15- to 20-minute rest period every four to six hours during a long haul when the trailer is stopped and parked, ideally in a shaded area if it's hot. During this rest period, offer water, replenish food supplies, and do a general safety check.

Where do you tie a horse in a stock trailer?

0:583:132 ways to tie a horse to trailer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake it to the left of your standing end or pony. End and the working end of your lead the workingMoreTake it to the left of your standing end or pony. End and the working end of your lead the working end needs to be in the middle take that working in run it over. And around that first loop or bite.

How long can a horse stay in a trailer?

Horses are fine for up to 9 hours in a trailer as long as they have food and water, and unloading during the trip just adds to your end time considerably. Rather, get to where you are going and let them –and you- have a long rest.

How do you attach two horses to a trailer?

2:408:28Trailer loading into a two horse trailer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI could just go ahead and slam the door on him and run for the front of the truck. And turn aroundMoreI could just go ahead and slam the door on him and run for the front of the truck. And turn around and go on and get where I'm going or.

What size trailer do I need for 4 horses?

The average 4-horse trailer is about 36 ft. long and approximately 7 ft. 8 in. tall, although the optimal height and length will depend on the size of your horses.

What size trailer do I need for 3 horses?

3 Horse Model - 18' x 7'

How many horses can a 14 foot trailer hold?

Steel Slant Load Bumper Pull Horse Trailer Ranging in lengths from 14 to 16 ft. and able to accommodate up to 3 horses, this 6'-6'8” wide and 6'6”-7' tall trailer will take you anywhere.

Where do you tie a horse in a stock trailer?

0:583:132 ways to tie a horse to trailer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake it to the left of your standing end or pony. End and the working end of your lead the workingMoreTake it to the left of your standing end or pony. End and the working end of your lead the working end needs to be in the middle take that working in run it over. And around that first loop or bite.

What is the difference between a stock trailer and a horse trailer?

The main difference between a horse trailer and a stock trailer is the size, the latter being usually larger, with a full rear swing gate or double back doors. Some people interchangeably use a stock trailer as a horse trailer.

Why do you load horses in a trailer?

There is actually good reason for loading your horses in a specific way - it’s to keep the rig balanced and safe on the road. This also helps to create a more pleasant trailering experience for your horse!

Which direction should a single horse go for slant loads?

For slant loads, the single horse should go in the front for balance and a smoother ride.

Do you need to inspect your trailer before loading it?

Don’t forget to conduct inspections of your trailer inside and out, your towing vehicle, and your horses before you load up. Travel safe - and have fun at your destination!

How to get a horse on a trailer?

For the willful horse, we prefer a simple exercise. It’s not a quick fix to get your horse on the trailer instantly, but if you take a few deep breaths and keep your cool, this method will get your horse to step onto the trailer. If you are attempting to load your horse in shipping boots and extra equipment, remove the boots- getting the horse the trailer may be more easily accomplished without additional equipment.

Why is it important to understand horses loading on trailers?

Loading into a trailer is a difficult task for an animal that has every instinct telling them to flee from cave-like spaces .

What does a scared horse look like?

What scared horses look like: A horse truly afraid to load onto a trailer will appear tense and distraught, the whites of his eyes may be showing, he may appear to be ready to bolt, and he may poop as soon as he sees the trailer (passing manure can be a sign of anxiety in horses). If your horse is legitimately afraid, ...

What to ask a horse to step into a trailer?

When you ask your horse to step into a trailer- especially a dark one- you are asking them to go against instinct, and that takes a motivated, horse who trusts you and your ability to keep them safe. The first step to a safe trip is a successful loading of the horses. Load the horse most likely to hesitate to load last- they’ll likely want ...

What to do if you lose your cool while loading a horse?

If you start to lose your cool while loading, STOP , tie your horse to the trailer (with enough play in the rope to self load if they choose) and take a break. If your anxiety rises the loading refusal is likely to get worse, not better. This shift from load refusal to work does two things: 1. tells the horse you are in charge, and 2.

What does a challenging horse look like?

What challenging horses look like: A horse who is simply testing boundaries will appear calmer. More likely to stand sedately outside the trailer in between attempts to load, they may carelessly barge over or around you during loading attempts as a way to avoid stepping into the trailer.

Why won't my horse walk in a trailer?

Some horses legitimately find trailer loading terrifying, while other horses refuse to walk in a trailer simply because they believe that if they refuse long enough or with enough force, they won’t have to.

Why do you need to trailer a horse?

Trailering your horse is essential for veterinary visits and if you ride off your property . Even if hauling is a rare occurrence, it is vital that horse owners know how to properly tie a horse in a trailer. The most important aspect of tying is safety- trailering should be done in the manner which poses the least danger to both the handler and the horse.

What to use for a trailer tie?

Choosing an attachment is a matter of owner preference. If using a lead rope, make sure the excess rope is out of the way. A quick-release knot should always be used. If using a trailer tie, opt for an adjustable tie (not a bungee) to limit the range of motion. Trailer ties are made with quick-release snaps.

Why do you tie a horse?

Tying a horse will help prevent a horse from hurting itself. This stabilizer will prevent them from irritating other horses or stop them from turning around. It will also prevent them from going under a divider or laying down. Most trailers will have rings to attach a lead rope or trailer tie to.

Can you use food on a horse trailer?

Using food can offer a good distraction and keep horses content when tied. But make sure to use actual trailer accessories build with safety in mind, and ensure the horse can access the food safely while properly tied.

Is trailering a good idea for a new horse?

Trailering can be a daunting task for new horse owners. But with quick-release knots, trailer-ties, and knowledge of trailer styles, it can be a safer experience for both horse and rider.

Can horses be tied in a stock trailer?

Many horse owners utilize standard stock trailers for transportation. Although it is recommended all horses are tied with the exception of long-distance box-stall transports, horses can be loose or tied in the stock trailers. Due to the openness of a stock trailer, many horses prefer to face the rear when the trailer is in motion. Although this is not standard, research has shown horses experience decreased fatigue and muscle stiffness when traveling rear-facing. There are reverse load trailers on the market.

Should a horse be tied at wither height?

For safety reasons, horses should be tied at wither height, minimum. There should be enough length in the tie or lead for a natural head position, but shouldn’t allow excess movement. Horses can become tangled, tripped, or even break a leg with low ties. Under no circumstances should a horse be able to graze the ground with its head! The decreased movement from tying will keep a horse safe during a haul, and a handler safe once parked and retrieving the horse.

Is Gigem good for horses?

Gigem, just because people do it doesn't mean it's good or even comfortable for the horses. There's a reason they make different types of stock trailers. I'd rather haul my horse in a trailer made specifically to haul his species.

Is a stock trailer safe for horses?

My stock trailer is more of a horse trailer, it has a divider and butt/chest bars, and is 7' high. This type is okay, but a long, short stock trailer might not be the safest for a horse.

Where are Cimarron trailers made?

Cimarron Trailers, manufactured in Chickasha, Okla ., makes horse trailers and stock trailers, but a lot of their horse customers choose stock trailers with custom features. Robbie Merritt, sales manager at Cimarron, says stock trailers don’t come with rubber mats on floor or walls, but these can be added. "Most stock trailers have open spaces above the door, and open spaces instead of windows along the sides, but you can add plexiglass to enclose it. If you want it open for summer, you can take it out," he says.

Can you use a stock trailer for horses?

A livestock trailer is generally less expensive than a horse trailer of comparable size. Stock trailers can be used for horses off the lot, or custom ordered to make them even more convenient for hauling horses.

How tall is a 1987 4 horse trailer?

I bought an open stock four-horse bumper pull trailer brand new in 1987. It is 6'6" in height.

Can you trailer if your floor is rotted?

As long as your floor isn't rotted out, and you don't have dangerous rusted places in your trailer, it is just fine for trailering. Ignore the critics. =D

Do you need to shorten the chain on a horse trailer?

BB, you need to shorten that chain she keeps pulling. If more people would take a ride in their trailer in various weather they'd have a better idea of what the animals deal with instead of just talking about it. I've been told those aluminum Exiss are quite noisy inside, unpleasantly so for our hearing, imagine what it's like for the horse.

Is a stock trailer safe for horses?

As long as the stock trailer is tall enough for your horse's height, and it is wide enough for your horse to turn around ( as most will ride backwards, unless you tie them ), and it is safe with no rusting metal , it is just as good, if not better than a slant load (because it gives the horses more room).

Do you need dividers for horses?

or if you are hauling a few horses that don't get along..thats where dividers come in handy..

What do you need to know before loading a horse into a trailer?

First and foremost, before attempting to load a horse into a trailer, you need to understand your horse. Whether you are loading a horse you have owned for years or a horse you are meeting for the first time, it is critical to understand upfront how the horse might behave.

How to train a horse to enter a trailer?

Whether you are training your horse how to enter a trailer for the first time, or you are working with an older horse who has severe anxiety around being trailered, it is critical to take it literally one step at a time. Invite your horse to move forward slowly. Let it take one step forward and then let it relax.

What to do if your horse is not responding to basic queues?

If your horse is not responding to basic queues, such as move forward, you might need to spend some more time training your horse on groundwork queues. This will go a long way in ensuring a smooth loading and unloading process.

How to calm a horse that is anxious?

If your horse seems extremely stressed, anxious, or ready to bolt, give them a change of scenery. Take them on a walk around the area and give them a little time to calm back down. It is easier to resume the process with a horse who is in a better state of mind.

What does a horse trailer do?

Horse trailers make loud noises and move around as a horse enters them. This can be a scary, unnatural experience for your horse. Allow your horse to take one step forward, and even one step back, over and over until it becomes increasingly comfortable with its footing.

Can you push a horse into a trailer?

While it might be tempting to resort to pushing, shoving, and pulling your horse into the trailer, this is not the ideal method for training a horse to behave the way you wish.

Do horses step on trailer ramps?

In many cases, the horse will want to step one foot lightly on the trailer ramp or opening and will then retract its foot. This is a natural part of a horse determining whether or not the ramp and trailer are stable. Horse trailers make loud noises and move around as a horse enters them. This can be a scary, unnatural experience for your horse.

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