Which side should a horse travel on in a trailer?
If two horses are travelling, the heavier horse should always travel behind the driver's side (UK on the right).
If a horse is travelling on their own, they should always travel behind the driver's side (UK on the right).
The reasons for one horse or the heavier horse travelling behind the driver is for weight balance of the trailer. The camber (the gentle slope of the road which prevents flooding) slopes towards the pavement, therefore the heavier horse should always be on the higher side to create an even balance.
Loading and travelling a horse in tack:
Many horses load politely in a headcollar and leadrope. However, if they are boisterous or stubborn a bridle can be fitted over the headcollar and the horse can be lead from it to offer more control. Once in the trailer, the bridle can quickly be removed and the horse can be tied up from the headcollar.
If the horse is being travelled in tack, the bridle and reins must be fastened securely before travelling. The headcollar and leadrope can be fitted correctly over the bridle either before being loaded (if the horse is good to load), or put on once the equine is in the trailer.
The horse must NOT be tied up from the bridle.
If the horse is wearing a saddle, the girth should be tightened at the correct tension and the stirrups secured so they cannot fall down whilst the horse is being transported.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Regardless of the horse you are loading, to protect yourself from harm and injury, you always should wear a hard hat (riding hat), gloves and sturdy boots with good grip. A long sleeve jacket and trousers are also preferable.
Before loading:
Prepare the trailer. All equipment needed for the journey should be ready and packed. The back ramp should be down and the front ramp or jockey door open, this makes a lighter space and encourages the horse to enter.
If the horse is nervous or difficult to load an assistant may be necessary to help you. If the assistant is inexperienced, explain what their job is at each stage before loading the horse.
Leading the horse to the ramp:
Lead the horse on the near side and look ahead at all times. Do not look at the equine as this can discourage them from moving forward. Make sure their walk is active and forward, do not drag them. If they are not thinking forward they are less likely to go in the trailer.
If you have an assistant they can walk at the side of the horse encouraging them forwards.
Leading up the ramp:
Walk at the side of the horse actively and positively looking straight ahead.
If they hesitate, allow them time to look and sniff, especially if it is a new or different trailer.
Once you reach their partition walk slightly ahead of them, this allows room for you both to fit in there.
Inside the trailer:
Once in, duck under the breast bar.
If you have an assistant instruct them to fasten the breeching strap (if you are on your own this will be done once the horse is tied up).
Tie the horse up at the correct length:
Nervous horses: If the horse is slightly nervous, it may be necessary to stay in with the horse BEHIND the breast bar whilst the assistant fastens the breeching strap and puts up the ramp. NEVER stand in the horse’s partition with them as they may crush you if they panic.
Fasten the breeching strap:
If you are on your own, leave the trailer through the jockey door or front ramp, go around to the back and fasten the breeching strap.
Raise the ramp:
Raise the ramp slowly so as not to frightened the horse and fasten the clips. Talk to them as you are doing this.
Ensure the horse is settled. Go around the front of the trailer, close and fasten the jockey door.
Safety checks before setting off:
Check all door and ramps are closed and locked.
Set off as soon as possible as horses can become unsettled or impatient once they have been loaded.
