Horse Trailer Safety Tips
by Michelle Staples, author of Save Your Horse!

Some tips from Horse Safety Specialist, Michelle Staples.

Spring is almost here, and with it comes good weather. We’re all anxious to be playing with our horses, whether on the trail or competing in shows. Now is the time to make sure your trailer will be ready when you need it.

If you’re like most of us, your trailer has been sitting idle over the winter. Harsh weather takes its toll on mechanical equipment, so it is wise to go over your trailer with a “fine-toothed comb” before hitting the roads. Writing down a plan and sticking to it is the safest way to make sure all problems are fixed; all areas of concern addressed.

Start by taking some pictures of the trailer from the front, sides and back. Print them up on plain paper s o you can write over them. List the main areas you need to check on the back of one sheet, and then start a visual check of the trailer. These areas are: tires and wheels, floor and body, brakes, hitch, wiring, suspension, safety equipment including first aid kit.

Checklist:

TIRES AND WHEELS

Are tires in good condition? Look for bulges, slices, bare spots, worn tread.
Are tires the right size for the load?
Rotate the tires (including balancing and properly inflating them.
Clean and repack wheel bearings and replace seals.
Are the wheel lugs tight? Are they all there?

FLOOR AND BODY

Check for floor for soft spots, rotting, splintering. This includes the ramp if you have one.
Replace damaged floor boards and treat floor with a preservative.
If you are using mats, do they fit snugly? Are they worn and need replacing?
Check metal for rust.
Check fiberglass for damage.
Check the registration to be sure it’s up-to-date. Make sure the license plate is positioned so there are no sharp edges exposed.
Check and oil all hinges, dividers, doors, locks, and windows.
Check all gaskets and molding to ensure good fit of windows.

BRAKES AND HITCH

Clean and oil the jack stand.
Grease the ball and the coupler.
Inspect and service the brake drums and wheels.
Check fluid levels and lines to hydraulic brakes.
Do a loaded and unloaded drive test to check for even stopping.
Inspect emergency trailer brake battery.
Check levelness of hitched trailer.

WIRING AND SUSPENSION

Do all the lights work?
Is the wiring intact, clean and secured?
Grease the springs, shackles if appropriate.
Check shock absorbers and bushings.
Tighten up the axle bolts.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Is your first aid kit complete?
Is your truck and trailer safety kit complete?
Do you have extra halters and lead ropes?

By spending the time to prepare for the road, you help to ensure the safety of your precious cargo, yourself and your fellow travelers. Happy trails!

Written by Michelle Staples

Author of Save Your Horse! A Horse Owner’s Guide to Large Animal Rescue and the “Teach It Yourself Class” Horse Awareness and Safety. You can contact her through the Large Animal Rescue website, www.saveyourhorse.com or info@redjeansink.com. Type “Contact author” in subject line.