• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Care
    • News
    • Fun
    • Heartwarming
    • Videos
    • Rescue
    • Horse Fun
    • Tips For Riders
    • Fun Facts
    • Stories
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Horse Care

    6 Important Safety Checks Before Loading Your Horse In A Trailer

    Modified: Mar 25, 2016 by ihearthorses · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    If you’re planning on transporting your horse this summer, then it will soon be time to check out your trailer. Before you go on any trip, make sure that you perform these six important safety checks to make sure that your trailer is ready to go.

    Inspect Floorboards

    Image source: Michael Coghlan via Flickr.com

    Image source: Michael Coghlan via Flickr.com

    Lift up the trailer’s mats and inspect the floorboards every time before you load your horse. Floorboards can rot and weaken, and can potentially give way when your horse stands on them. This can create devastating injuries, so always take the time to inspect your floorboards, especially when your trailer has been stored for a length of time.

    Check Lights

    Image source: Serge Melki via Flickr.com

    Image source: Serge Melki via Flickr.com

    Hitch up your truck and trailer, and then do a safety check to make sure that all of the lights (and your truck) are working properly. Check your truck’s headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Then, check your trailer’s brake lights and turn signals. Always drive with your headlights on to improve the visibility of your truck and trailer.

    Evaluate the Tires

    Image source: Bugeater via Flickr.com

    Image source: Bugeater via Flickr.com

    Check the tires on both your trailer and your truck. Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure that all of the tires are properly inflated, and test the lug nuts to make sure that they are all tight.

    While you’re checking out the tires, don’t forget to check the spare tire, too. You don’t want to be stranded without a spare when you need it.

    Test Your Brakes

    Image source: Virginia State Parks via Flickr.com

    Image source: Virginia State Parks via Flickr.com

    With your trailer hitched up, check to make sure that your brakes are fully working. If braking feels funny, do not load up your horse – instead, take your truck and trailer to a reputable mechanic to have them checked out.

    Check Your Emergency Kits

    Image source: D Coetzee via Flickr.com

    Image source: D Coetzee via Flickr.com

    Your truck and trailer should hold two emergency kits – an equine first-aid kit, and a roadside emergency kit. Before you take a trip, take the time to check both of these kits to make sure that they are complete. If you use an item out of either emergency kit, replace it immediately so that you’re sure to have it on hand if you need it again.

    Double-Check the Hitch

    Image source: Steven Jackson via Flickr.com

    Image source: Steven Jackson via Flickr.com

    Before you load up, double-check the hitch. Make sure that the hitch is connected properly and securely, and that the safety chains are also properly attached, but that they won’t drag on the ground.

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    It only takes 15 minutes or so to do these 6 safety checks, but doing these checks before every trip could potentially save your or your horse’s life. It’s well worth the time.

    More Horse Care

    • Pros and Cons of Braiding Your Horse's Mane or Tail
    • lone brown horse at barn door
      10 Items Every Horse Owner Needs in Their Barn First Aid Kit
    • 6 Important Things The Horse Care Books Don't Tell You
    • White horse lounging on grass
      10 Common Reasons You Have a Tired Horse and What to Do

    Sharing is caring!

    1.1K shares
    • Share1.1K
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 17 Gorgeous Equestrian Outfit Ideas for Women
    • 15 Fantastic Pictures of Horse's Jumping to Make You Smile
    • Pros and Cons of Braiding Your Horse's Mane or Tail
    • 10 Things to Do with Your Horse That Aren't Riding
    • 30 Stunning Pictures of White Horses You Must See

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    1.1K shares
    • 1.1K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy