Horse Trailers

Learn about horse trailer types

People put a lot of time, money and love into their horses, but there is one major piece of equipment that many horse owners don't put too much thought into: a trailer. Sure, you can transport your horses in a regular stock trailer, but to reduce the risk of injury and increase the animal's comfort, a trailer made specifically for horses is ideal.

Steel vs. Aluminum Horse Trailers

Aluminum horse trailers are considered by some to be better than steel trailers because they are lightweight and resist rust. However, aluminum is only about one-third as strong as steel, and if it is put under too much stress, it tears and shreds. Aluminum is also a great conductor of heat, which may pose a problem for keeping horses cool during summer transport.

Gooseneck Horse Trailers

If you need to transport more than four horses, you'll probably want to invest in a gooseneck trailer. Unlike smaller trailers, which can be pulled by almost any pickup truck with a simple bumper hitch, goosenecks utilize a special ball-and-coupler hitch in the bed of a heavier (e.g., 1-ton) pickup truck. The hitch makes the trailer essentially part of your vehicle, which allows for the stable towing of more weight and makes steering around corners easier.

Horse Trailers with Living Quarters

If you plan to travel to a lot horse shows or to horse shows far away, consider purchasing a trailer with living quarters. Almost always gooseneck-style, these trailers dedicate space in the front for human bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchenettes. They're much like RVs you can share with your horse. Newer models can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but if you're on the road with your horses a lot, it might be worth the investment.

Used Trailers

There is nothing wrong with buying a used horse trailer. Like a car, a trailer is built to last for years, so "used" doesn't necessarily mean "used up."

You can find horse trailers for sale in many places: ads in newspapers or trade publications, word of mouth and even specialized horse supply websites.

No matter how you find the trailer, be sure to inspect it before you buy it. Do this in person if at all possible — things like a weak floor, rust spots or malfunctioning hinges or locks can be hard to see in photos.