When you own a horse, you will need to make sure you are fully prepared to transport the animal to different places. Traveling with your equine will make you think not only about the cost, but also the comfort of your horse and its safety. To make sure you get the best deal, consider the following ideas to ease the purchasing process.

Sizing with Horse in Mind

The first step in the trailer purchasing process is to make sure your horse has enough room to be comfortable. You want to make sure there is enough room for your horse to be able to stand with its feet slightly spread and to move its head freely. On the other hand, you do not want there to be so much room that your horse is not secure. 

Sizing for You

While your horse's needs are important, you will also have to remember that your vehicle is the one towing the trailer. You want to make sure that you do not have one that is too large to safely be towed by your vehicle, but one that can meet all of your needs. Some trailers have a fifth wheel, and others are simple single-horse trailers. If you have a smaller horse, then you may only need a trailer attached to your bumper. However, you are more likely going to need a ball-and-hitch setup, as they offer more stability for heavier loads. If you opt for the 5th-wheel model, you will need a vehicle that is prepared to handle the heavier duty.

Safety

It is ideal to purchase a trailer brand new, but that is not always the most cost-effective method. If you are purchasing a used trailer, make sure you look for sharp edges or rusty hardware that could injure your horse. You want to make sure the trailer is sound and well ventilated. If you are unsure, have a professional look at it before you take it home. Professionals that sell dump trailers, horse trailers, enclosed trailers, and the like will most likely be able to tell if your trailer is safe or not.

The Right Style

The style of the trailer is also an important decision. If you have an older horse, you will want a trailer that is going to have a ramp attached instead of forcing your equine to hop a little to get in. Then you will want to think about whether the manger is fixed or if you can remove it when your horse is not eating. Finally, where are you planning to put your tack--do you need the space in the trailer for that?

These are only a few things to consider with purchasing a trailer, but ultimately, you want it to be able to move your horse safely. Personal preferences are always important, but make sure you keep the safety of your animal in the top priority slot and then let your budget follow.