How to Choose a Horse Trailer

and whistles entice you into spending more than you need to. Take the maxim basic is better to the trailer lot with you. The trailer should have whatever amenities you and your horses need for comfort and safety. If you absolutely must have that 42 foot polished stainless steel beauty with the builtin satellite TV and air conditioned horse box go for it. Just remember the more complicated the plumbing the easier it is to plug up the drain.
Here are a few musts I would insist upon
Easy access for both horses and handler. A wide entry can make the difference between an easy load and negotiating with the horse.
Windows and hatches at each head position. Horses trailer more easily when they can see outside and a hatch can come in handy for getting to a panicked horse in an emergency. NEVER allow your horse to have his head out the window while the trailer is moving!
Bright interior. If it isnt white it should be. Trailers can be dark scary places. A horse will be more agreeable about stepping into something that doesnt look like its going to eat him. Interior lights should be mounted in order to reduce glare while loading and avoid being hit or broken if the horse acts up.
Padding in all the right places. If theres a bar wall or post the horse will eventually bump into it. I like to see padding on the top rail just inside the entranceway as well. There should be no sharp edges or protrusions anywhere! Even a latch handle can cause serious injury if its in the wrong place.
Ease of operation. Ensure that you can operate every feature on the trailer by yourself. It can be a little scary trying to load a horse and being unable to operate something
at the same time.
Ease of maintenance. A wellbuilt trailer should last over 20 years before metal fatigue and deterioration becomes a factor but I shouldnt have to recruit an army of assistants every time I want to do routine trailer maintenance. Make sure wiring hinges moving parts suspension spare tires and such are all easy to get at