What to Know Before You Tow

Whether you are dealing with flat tires, brake problems, or loading challenges, safe horse hauling starts with knowing what can go wrong before you hit the road.

By Debbie Elliot

Being able to safely transport your horse is essential whether you are showing, wanting to meet friends for a trail ride, or needing to evacuate in an emergency.

As infuriating as it is when your horse won’t load when heading out to a competition or off-site lesson, it can become a matter of life and death if there is a forest fire or hurricane — which was proven during the January 2025 Los Angeles fires.

The safety issues don’t stop once your horse is loaded, however. It is also essential that your trailer is in good working order, and that it is being towed by a trained driver — whether that is you, your trainer, or hired hauler.

Learning to Load

Like most things when it comes to horses, teaching a young or green horse how to load onto a trailer takes time and patience. If this is also something new for you, consider hiring a professional who will come to work with you and observe how your horse reacts, advised Sara Mastellar, PhD, associate professor and equine programs coordinator at the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute.

“They can give you more information about why a behavior is occurring or not occurring while attempting to load, such as the trailer lighting or handling timing,” she said. “Having those expert eyes there to really understand the entirety of the situation and to help you get your horse onto a trailer is important. This is something you really want to go well for your horse because it is such a foundational skill.”

Rebecca Gimenez Husted, BS, PhD, who provides training in Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue techniques, advises always giving your horse time to evaluate the situation.

“Studies show that it takes a horse between 12 and 17 seconds to really evaluate and then decide that they are going to go forward,” she said. “Horses will also often show you what they are looking at, whether it is a hole in the floor, a creek they're considering crossing, or stepping onto a dark trailer.”

Trailers can be particularly frightening because horses can only distinguish shapes in dark conditions after a long period of visual adaptation, meaning they cannot adjust from light to dark as quickly as humans can.

“Lighting is important,” said Mastellar. “You're making a prey animal going into a dark enclosed space that might not have food or a buddy in it, which is going to be scary.”

While you want to make the trailer feel like a safe space, you have to balance lighting with what the horse may perceive as a potential escape route.

“Occasionally you'll see on social media horses who tried to go through a trailer window or the escape door. We should be thinking through how we can provide light in a way that makes the space inviting, but not so much that if the horse were to panic that they think that's an exit.”

Preparing your horse before they even step on the trailer ramp is the key to success.

“People spend hours in the arena training their horses, and they should also spend time learning how to get your horse in the trailer safely,” Husted said. “You have to teach them the right skills before you even ask the horse to go into the trailer.”

When teaching a new horse to load — or if people are learning how to load themselves — Husted recommends wearing a helmet.

“I require young people to wear a helmet when loading and unloading horses from trailers because it is dangerous inside that space if a horse freaks out,” she said.

Mastellar recommends breaking down aspects that make up the trailer experience, such as teaching your horse to be comfortable walking on different surfaces or flooring.

“If you have a wooden bridge in a trail class, that would be good practice before you get to a trailer ramp,” she said. You can also practice walking between narrow spaces.

Noise desensitization is also important, and Mastellar suggests having the horse walk past a trailer that has a different horse inside, so they associate the sounds as coming from a safe place without the pressure of having to go into that enclosed space yet.

While having a buddy inside the trailer may make it seem less scary, you need to understand the herd dynamics between the horses beforehand.

“Make sure it is a horse or pony they want to be associated with,” Mastellar warned. “If you have a trusted buddy in there that can be a good way to help a new horse get acclimated to the situation.”

We often put a hay net in the trailer or try to lure our horse in with high value treats, but we should also think about think about making sure we have some forage in their digestive tract to ensure you have a fiber mat to protect the stomach lining while traveling.

“Essentially, you're bouncing them around in the trailer and then they could have acid splash up in their stomach,” Mastellar said.

Because horses produce stomach acid continuously, forage in the stomach can help create a protective fiber mat and stimulate saliva production, which helps buffer acid and reduce irritation to the stomach lining.

Each horse will be unique in terms of how long it takes them to

feel comfortable with the trailer. Mastellar said she has some weanlings who jump right on with no fear, while other horses need to go through each step slowly and repeatedly. “Wherever you are at, you need to make sure you end each training session on a positive note,” she said.

“Trailer training is all about good horse welfare and good communication,” Mastellar stressed. “It is about making it an enjoyable, positive experience for your horse.”

Once you have that foundational skill, the easier it is for you and your horse, and the calmer they are going to be at shows.

“Just like with any other in-hand obstacle training, you need to practice trailering when there are low stakes,” Mastellar concluded. “Not when the barn is on fire, or you’re late for a lesson or class. Then work up to the more challenging situations.”

Trailer Maintenance

If we’re going to try and persuade our horse that entering a trailer is safe — then we have to make sure it is actually safe!

“We sometimes set our horses up for failure because we use trailers that are unsafe,” Husted explained. “You are asking your horse to do the most difficult, dangerous, terrifying thing to them that you could ever dream up — putting them in a moving black box and sometimes without their friend. You have to do your homework, and make sure that it is a nice, safe place for them that is as inviting as possible.”

She stressed the importance of having lights in your trailer (that work!) and a camera so you can see your horses in the dark while driving.

“Nighttime in the summer is the coolest time to drive, and it is also the safest time on the road as there is less traffic,” she added.

Husted recommends that when shopping for a new trailer, take a person with you who knows what they are looking at, such as someone who works at an RV dealership. She said things to check are the hitching system; make sure your trailer and the truck match; look for signs of wear, damage or rust; ensure the floor is secure; check the brake system and ensure there are brakes on both axles.

“Bring a tarp with you so you can check underneath that trailer, because most of the signs [of wear] that we find in trailers are there out of sight,” said Husted.

She also suggests weighing your truck before you even start looking at trailers. The gross weight of your truck determines how much combined weight it can safely carry and tow, including the trailer, horses, passengers, tack, feed, water, and equipment.

If hiring a hauler, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions as you are putting your horse’s life in their hands, such as do they have insurance? Do they have a commercial driver’s license? Do they have paperwork and a bill of lading? How long will the trip take? (Many haulers pick up several horses along the route.) The National Horse Carriers Association website at nationalhorsecarriers.com has a wealth of information on what questions to ask, and how to spot illegal or unlicensed haulers.

Before every trip in a trailer, USRider Equestrian Motor Plan recommends ticking off the following checklist:

• Inspect hitch and coupler for wear, rust, or damage, and that the hitch is securely attached to the towing vehicle.

• Test all brake lights, turn signals, and running lights; inspect the wiring for any signs of damage or wear.

• Check tire pressure and inspect for signs of wear, cuts, bulges, or punctures. Ensure spare tires are properly inflated.

• Test the trailer brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly, and check the brake fluid.

• Verify that safety chains are securely attached to both the trailer and the towing vehicle, with no signs of excessive wear or damage.

• Check the suspension system for signs of damage or wear, and inspect the trailer frame for rust, cracks, or other structural issues.

• Ensure emergency equipment such as a fire extinguisher and first aid kit are present and easily accessible.

USRider serviced nearly 3,000 calls with horses on board trailers in 2025, the majority of which were tire changes. The most common breakdown type for trailers is having a second blow out (after you've used your spare and now you don't have an extra one) which is why USRider highly recommends having two spare tires for your trailer.

Your regular trailer maintenance program should also include:

• Grease wheel bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

• Inspect brake pads, drums, and hydraulic lines regularly for wear and tear.

• Replace brake components as needed to maintain optimal braking performance.

• Regularly inspect the trailer flooring for signs of rot, damage, or weak spots.

• Check dividers, bars, and gates in the stall area to ensure they are securely latched and in good condition.

• Lubricate hinges, latches, and other moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

• Clean windows, roof vents, and other ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow for the comfort of the horses, and check for any damage.

• Regularly inspect all doors and latches to ensure they open, close, and lock securely.

• Inspect interior lights, fans, and other electrical components to ensure they are working properly; replace any bulbs or wiring that are damaged or malfunctioning.

• Check reflective triangles or flares to ensure they are present and in good condition; replace expired or damaged safety equipment as needed.

Conscientious Driving

Just as you wouldn’t learn how to drive a car by reading a

magazine article or blog, you shouldn’t plan to learn how to tow a trailer that way either. Before hauling a horse, drivers should strongly consider taking a trailer-towing course or safety clinic that covers hitching, weight distribution, braking, turning, backing up, and how to respond if the trailer begins to sway. Licensing requirements can vary depending on the state, trailer weight, combined vehicle weight, and whether the hauling is commercial.

Once you are properly trained and confident to drive on your own, be mindful that how you drive impacts your horse’s body weight distribution. To avoid your horse having to scramble for balance, USRider advises watching your speed, turning and accelerating slowly, and braking gently.

As over 65% of your horse’s body weight is on their forequarters, it’s difficult for them to keep their hind legs on the floor when you apply the brakes — causing them to tip forward and brace with their front legs. In addition, drive over bumpy roads carefully to prevent excessive bouncing for your equine passengers.

Arriving With a Healthy Horse

A 2016 study titled “A Survey on Transport Management Practices Associated with Injuries and Health Problems in Horses” by Barbara Padalino et al found that 45% of transport-related problems consisted of traumatic injuries (cuts, wounds, etc.) rather than medical or muscular conditions (heat stroke, colic, etc.), and over 50% of the injuries impacted the lower limbs.

USRider recommends using leg protection for your horse, especially if they are young, green, traveling for more than 30-60 minutes, or sharing the trailer with other horses. The most common types of protection are shipping boots, and standing wraps (with quilts or no-bow bandages). Please note that wraps must be properly applied, as poorly wrapped legs can do more harm than good, especially if the wraps come loose.

Other health factors to consider when hauling are temperature control, as the trailer can often be warmer than outdoors. Monitor if your horse is sweating, allow ventilation (but don’t let your horse hang their head out the window when traveling), and use a fly mask to protect from bugs or foreign objects.

Offer your horse water every two to four hours while on the road but be aware that many are reluctant to drink unfamiliar water, so packing water from home can often make them feel more comfortable. Many people offer their horses hay in the trailer, but it should be free of dust, so soak it before putting it in the hay net. Never feed grain in the trailer as it is more likely to cause digestive upset. Some horses also “bolt feed” when stressed, increasing the risk of choking.

While owning your own trailer takes time, training, education, and a financial commitment, Husted said that if you have the means, it is the best option for you and your horse.

“I like people to have horse trailers because it gives them the opportunity either for evacuation in case of an emergency, or the freedom to travel and enjoy their horse when times are calm,” she said. “It means they are not trapped at the barn or dependent on somebody else, but I also understand that financially a trailer is a big swallow for many people.”

Alternatives to Traditional Equine Transport

Horsebox vs. Trailer

European-style horseboxes or vans are on the rise in the U.S. due to ease and convenience.

“Overall, all the features we use on the horsebox are aimed for it to be comfortable for the horse, but also safe,” said Eva Laumond, U.S. business developer for French brand, THEAULT.

One of the differences between a horsebox and a traditional trailer set up is that the horse is positioned directly behind the driver’s cabin, separated by a reinforced safety partition engineered by THEAULT and impact-tested to automotive safety standards.

“This system was specifically designed to enhance safety and compartment integrity in the event of an accident,” Laumond said.

In addition, the platform of THEAULT vehicles is designed to be very well-balanced to create a stable, scramble-free ride for horses. The ramps are long and large, but also have wing protections, so horses cannot step off the side when loading or unloading.

Having been established in 1924, THEAULT have done extensive studies into how horses prefer to travel, which concluded that they will naturally face backwards because it's better for their balance. Sliding adjustable aluminum partitions can be placed in five different positions dependent on your horse’s favorite way of standing.

Side windows and skylights create a welcoming, light atmosphere, while ventilation fans, temperature gauges, and optional air conditioning prevent overheating.

“When traveling at night, all of our vans come with a blue light system, which helps the horse calm down and focus on the inside of the box instead of car lights from the outside, which can be bad for their eyes,” said Laumond.

A benefit for horse owners is that it is a lot easier to learn how to drive a compact horsebox than it is to tow a trailer.

“It's just like having a big car,” Laumond explained. “Once you become familiar with the vehicle’s height and dimensions, similar to driving a large truck, it becomes very easy to handle — even for someone with little or no horse transport experience.”

Air Miles

Domestic air travel is becoming increasingly more viable, and not just for high-end horses.

The Dutta Corporation’s tagline is aptly, “We give horses wings,” as they are known for flying equine passengers around the world and across the U.S.

“People move, people buy, people sell, people compete,” said founder Tim Dutta.

“They might buy a horse in Ocala and need to take it to California or want to train with a professional in a different state.”

For riders competing on the east coast one week and the west coast the next, air travel is a no-brainer, and while many of their clientele are elite show horses, Dutta Corporation are open to everything.

“We fly ponies, ducks, goats, donkeys ... whatever people want,” Dutta explained.

When transporting their horse, people’s biggest concerns are how much it will cost, and if it is safe. At Dutta Corporation, safety and comfort are their priority, and professional grooms are always on hand to mitigate risks.

“Every horse is an individual,” Dutta.

“Some horses fall asleep before the plane leaves the gate, others never get used to the pressure or worry about the noise and turbulence. But in general, most horses travel well in the air, and we always make sure we know what they need to keep them calm and comfortable.” He recalled one Grand Prix horse who was a frequent flyer and would lie down and snore the whole flight!

“We want to get them to their destination stress-free. During the flight, we lengthen their ropes so the horses can stretch their backs and drink their water on a lower level. We try to keep the cabin temperature between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit so that we have less bacteria growing and the horses don't sweat,” Dutta said.

“Hydration is big factor while flying. Some horses don't drink water and others chug it. Whether they need electrolytes, apple juice, carrots in the bottom of the bucket, or half a bottle of Gatorade, our grooms will cater to them. Most of the time we bring water from their stable that they are used to as horses will stop drinking if the smell of the water is different.”

While the most common hubs are cities such as New York, Wellington, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago, Dutta Corporation will fly anywhere their clients need them to go.

Flying is obviously much more efficient than driving in terms of time management, and there are also less variables than when traveling by road.

“Horses get hurt, they get colic, they get shipping fever, they get pneumonia,” Dutta said.

“They can also get all of these on the plane, but the chances are less as there is less time for these issues to occur.”

For anyone considering equine air travel for the first time, Dutta recommends initially talking to your vet.

“Get your horse fit, make sure they are healthy before you start the journey,” he said.

“Then share with us all we need to know. Even the silliest nuance that a horse does, whether it wants to go to the right instead of the left. We want to keep it as much as possible like home, so the horse does not feel stressed. We’ll scratch their heads and give them an apple or sugar cube if they want or dim the lights and leave them alone if they prefer.”