Trailering Question - UPDATE

gatorsmom · 10-28-2009, 01:06 PM

I am going to be moving my horse to a new barn this weekend. I had arranged to have someone move her for me on Saturday, but something has come up and they won't be available until Sunday.

Here is the question: I own a trailer, and the vehicle to pull it with, however I am terrified of actually pulling the trailer with her in it. I have not pulled much of anything, most recent was an 18 ft boat across the State of Florida; which does not even compare to pulling a live animal. I am a cautious driver at all times, but it scares the you-know-what out of me to even think about this. Can you all offer suggestions?

candy4legs · 10-28-2009, 01:21 PM

How far do you have to go? If it isn't too far, just take it slow...tie your horse so it doesn't move too much, and it shouldn't feel too different than pulling the boat. Give yourself extra stopping distance so you don't have to stop quickly, which should help your horse keep its balance...same with sharp turns...the smoother they are, the less the horse will move.

Good luck, and don't be too afraid...everyone has to start somewhere and we all had major butterflies the first few times...still do when I have to park in a crowded or tight area...

You didn't say if you have a bumper pull or a gooseneck...

gatorsmom · 10-28-2009, 01:27 PM

I have a 2 horse bumper pull. I am only going about 30-35 miles. The first 5 miles or so is a really rough road, lots of loose sand, washboard type.

The rest is pretty much highway. Last couple miles, 2 lane country road.

mingiz · 10-28-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by candy4legs

How far do you have to go? If it isn't too far, just take it slow...tie your horse so it doesn't move too much, and it shouldn't feel too different than pulling the boat. Give yourself extra stopping distance so you don't have to stop quickly, which should help your horse keep its balance...same with sharp turns...the smoother they are, the less the horse will move.

Good luck, and don't be too afraid...everyone has to start somewhere and we all had major butterflies the first few times...still do when I have to park in a crowded or tight area...

You didn't say if you have a bumper pull or a gooseneck...

DITTO on that. I still after 30yrs of towing horses still get butterflies. But as candy4legs said just take your time. If you can tow the boat you should be fine with a trailer..... Good Luck.......

Dream Ponies · 10-28-2009, 01:55 PM

When I was 18 I used to pull my horses everywhere and not think twice. Now that I am older and will be hauling horse again, I feel the same way you do.
I am sure that everything will go fine and you will feel much braver afterwards.

pippy · 10-28-2009, 02:28 PM

Don't sweat it- I'm sure you will be fine. If you can pull an 18ft boat, you can pull the trailer w/ horses. My response would be different if you would of said you've never pulled anything.

singing tree · 10-28-2009, 02:34 PM

Just make sure lights work, and that the vehicle is suited to pulling the trailer. The trailer should also be level when hitched. Make sure tires are properly inflated, etc. all the normal stuff. I rarely even feel that my horses are back there, which is normal if the trailer is well balanced and your horse is well behaved. When you drive, try to stay straight. I say this because my husband is one of those who weave. He wanted to drive onetime when we were hauling, and I said "never again". He over corrects. I actually love to haul - I feel like it is so cool to know that when you stop, your horse will be with you!

gatorsmom · 10-28-2009, 02:38 PM

Thanks for all the great support! So who wants to take a road trip

and move her for me? Actually, my husband says he can do it. This is coming from a former over-the-road truck driver! I kindly declined, telling him I know how he drives!!!!

Horse Show Mom · 10-28-2009, 02:45 PM

Don't worry, you will do fine. I have a two horse bumper pull that I do the driving when my husband can't and I just take it slow and we get there and back with no problems. Heck my last experience was to a horse show pulling 2 horses for the first time, up and down hilly roads. I parked on a hill at the show and did not realize I was low on gas and could not get the truck to start. My daughter pushed the truck and trailer, loaded with two horses, down the small hill so I could get the truck on flat ground to start it. I will make sure next time to check the gas gauge before I pass the last gas station.

lovemyTB · 10-28-2009, 03:42 PM

the difference between hauling horses compared to anything else is they move. they can shift weight as you go around corners. SO easy around corners. give youself lots of time to stop. and start off slowly. Imagine driving with a glass of water thats filled to within a 1/2 inch of the top. when you drive you don't want to spill any water.

alliebath · 10-28-2009, 03:53 PM

Take a deep breath, hook your seat belt, check all your mirrrors, start truck. Stop. Get out of truck - double check that the tires are inflated on said trailer, and that you in fact did close the back door (which you checked 18 times before you got in the truck). Get back in truck, hook your seat belt, take a deep breath and GOO! The first time I hooked my trailer, loaded my horse and hauled for a trail ride was SUCH a feeling of - LOOK AT ME!!! I You will do great - take your time, go slow over the rough road, use your signals, make wide, slow turns and you will be perfect!!!

sherriawright · 10-28-2009, 04:05 PM

After years of not having horses, my father who is in his 60's wanted one. I purchased my first horse about 3 years ago. At first, my father was very hands on, took me everywhere I wanted to go, he's a ex truck driver. Then he had a stroke and everything changed. I was "stuck" with a 3 horse goose slant, 3 horses, lots of horse shows that I wanted to go to and several friends that wanted to go riding. I hooked it up one day and drove all around town with it empty. After I felt comfortable doing that, I loaded up a horse and did the same thing.

I still need a football field to back up in, but it's getting better. Just do it, because what other option do you have? and besides, what happens if there is a medical emergency and you have to get them to the vet? Better to learn to take them now then when you are all freaked out and worried about an injury.

dixiesmom · 10-28-2009, 06:48 PM

Highway is the most annoying to me - people pass you and then pull over right in front of you. Suppose their tire blows - do they really think my truck, trailer and load are going to be able to stop before I push them out of the way?

But as someone else said, hook up and pull empty to get the feel of it - one horse won't make a huge difference in the way it pulls - actually for bumper pulls I think they pull better with a horse because they just feel more "stable" to me - pun not intended.

Horselady44 · 10-28-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alliebath

Take a deep breath, hook your seat belt, check all your mirrrors, start truck. Stop. Get out of truck - double check that the tires are inflated on said trailer, and that you in fact did close the back door (which you checked 18 times before you got in the truck). Get back in truck, hook your seat belt, take a deep breath and GOO! The first time I hooked my trailer, loaded my horse and hauled for a trail ride was SUCH a feeling of - LOOK AT ME!!! I You will do great - take your time, go slow over the rough road, use your signals, make wide, slow turns and you will be perfect!!!

I agree

You will be totally fine! Just go for it. You and your horse will be just fine

Plus, the more you do it the more comfortable you will be and then in a emergency or if you just want some where different to ride...you can load up and go! Dont sweat it...you will do just fine. Bring a friend or your hubby along to keep your mind off of 'what might happen'. because everything will go smoothly...trust me. Just go for it girl!

Lorna · 10-29-2009, 12:16 PM

Take your time when hooking up the trailer, and loading the horses. Give yourself extra time for everything. Drive slow and make your turns wide. I bought my first trailer about 5 years ago. It was a 2 horse bumper pull and I used my expidition to pull. I had never pulled anything or knew how to hook up a trailer.

Decided that I had to learn how to do this myself. Now I have a 3 horse slant load and a F450 with a full bed. Lots of length to deal with. And I am proud to say that I can back that baby up by MYSELF. You will be FINE!!!

Comfort · 10-29-2009, 12:29 PM

You can do it!!

Double check everything, at least 3 times. lights, brakes, mirrors etc before you even load a horse on.
Load the horse on and double check everything again, this time include all trailer doors!!
Pull out slow and make sure all your tires stay between the ditches!
I love driving the rig down the road, especially on the weekend and I look in my sideview mirror to see a 20 mile backup behind me and laugh, that's what they get for giving me traffic on my way to work, Monday-Friday!!
Oh and don't forget to sing "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar" when you hit the road.

gatorsmom · 10-29-2009, 12:38 PM

Thanks for all the support! I am going to do this, actually, my husband and I both are. I know we will be fine, I just let my imagination run away with the "what-if's".

Horselady44 · 10-30-2009, 02:25 PM

YOU GO GIRL!

You will do fine...plus you got hubby there to guide you...your going to be totally fine...just make sure you dont do it just this once...practice pulling that thing around everywhere...it will come natural to you after awhile...and when you want to load up and go for a ride somewhere or to a show or in a emergency you have to take one to the vet...you will be able to hook that baby up...load up and GO! Its not as bad as it seems...

Let us know how it goes

Oran'sMom · 10-30-2009, 02:29 PM

You will do just fine...take it slow...use the breaks early...take the turns wide. When i was 17 i hauled my horse and a friends horse to a show it was my first time doing it but it went very smoothly and i have never pulled anything before that. You will do just fine dont be too nervous

gatorsmom · 11-01-2009, 03:54 AM

Well, the move is done. Gator was such a good girl, just jumped right in (only the 2nd time she has been in a trailer in 4 years). She settled in nicely, and off we went. My husband pulled the trailer with his truck, and I followed behind in mine, and my eyes never left that big hiney belonging to my horse

. He said it pulled great! She pawed alittle, and voiced her opinions loudly, but overall the move went well. She backed right off when we got to our new barn, and of course mommy had some treats to give right away. Thanks for all the suggestions and support!

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10-28-2009, 01:06 PM
gatorsmom Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Trailering Question - UPDATE I am going to be moving my horse to a new barn this weekend. I had arranged to have someone move her for me on Saturday, but something has come up and they won't be available until Sunday. Here is the question: I own a trailer, and the vehicle to pull it with, however I am terrified of actually pulling the trailer with her in it. I have not pulled much of anything, most recent was an 18 ft boat across the State of Florida; which does not even compare to pulling a live animal. I am a cautious driver at all times, but it scares the you-know-what out of me to even think about this. Can you all offer suggestions? __________________ I used to have money, now I have horses. ~ Most of Us~ Last edited by gatorsmom : 11-01-2009 at 03:55 AM.

10-28-2009, 01:21 PM
candy4legs Long Yearling Join Date: May 2009 Location: O'Fallon, MO Posts: 1,452	How far do you have to go? If it isn't too far, just take it slow...tie your horse so it doesn't move too much, and it shouldn't feel too different than pulling the boat. Give yourself extra stopping distance so you don't have to stop quickly, which should help your horse keep its balance...same with sharp turns...the smoother they are, the less the horse will move. Good luck, and don't be too afraid...everyone has to start somewhere and we all had major butterflies the first few times...still do when I have to park in a crowded or tight area... You didn't say if you have a bumper pull or a gooseneck... __________________ VOTE FOR "DUSTY TRAILS HORSE RESCUE" DAILY IN THE PETFINDER SHELTER CHALLENGE! http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/c...faces?siteId=3

10-28-2009, 01:27 PM
gatorsmom Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	I have a 2 horse bumper pull. I am only going about 30-35 miles. The first 5 miles or so is a really rough road, lots of loose sand, washboard type. The rest is pretty much highway. Last couple miles, 2 lane country road. __________________ I used to have money, now I have horses. ~ Most of Us~

10-28-2009, 01:55 PM
Dream Ponies Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NY Posts: 764	When I was 18 I used to pull my horses everywhere and not think twice. Now that I am older and will be hauling horse again, I feel the same way you do. I am sure that everything will go fine and you will feel much braver afterwards.

10-28-2009, 02:28 PM
pippy Started Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 2,300	Don't sweat it- I'm sure you will be fine. If you can pull an 18ft boat, you can pull the trailer w/ horses. My response would be different if you would of said you've never pulled anything. __________________ "It's never to late to live happily ever after."

10-28-2009, 02:34 PM
singing tree Long Yearling Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hartville, Ohio Posts: 1,047	Just make sure lights work, and that the vehicle is suited to pulling the trailer. The trailer should also be level when hitched. Make sure tires are properly inflated, etc. all the normal stuff. I rarely even feel that my horses are back there, which is normal if the trailer is well balanced and your horse is well behaved. When you drive, try to stay straight. I say this because my husband is one of those who weave. He wanted to drive onetime when we were hauling, and I said "never again". He over corrects. I actually love to haul - I feel like it is so cool to know that when you stop, your horse will be with you!

10-28-2009, 02:38 PM
gatorsmom Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Thanks for all the great support! So who wants to take a road trip and move her for me? Actually, my husband says he can do it. This is coming from a former over-the-road truck driver! I kindly declined, telling him I know how he drives!!!! __________________ I used to have money, now I have horses. ~ Most of Us~

10-28-2009, 02:45 PM
Horse Show Mom Halter broke Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Central, NJ Posts: 188	Don't worry, you will do fine. I have a two horse bumper pull that I do the driving when my husband can't and I just take it slow and we get there and back with no problems. Heck my last experience was to a horse show pulling 2 horses for the first time, up and down hilly roads. I parked on a hill at the show and did not realize I was low on gas and could not get the truck to start. My daughter pushed the truck and trailer, loaded with two horses, down the small hill so I could get the truck on flat ground to start it. I will make sure next time to check the gas gauge before I pass the last gas station.

10-28-2009, 03:42 PM
lovemyTB Halter broke Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 106	the difference between hauling horses compared to anything else is they move. they can shift weight as you go around corners. SO easy around corners. give youself lots of time to stop. and start off slowly. Imagine driving with a glass of water thats filled to within a 1/2 inch of the top. when you drive you don't want to spill any water.

10-28-2009, 03:53 PM
alliebath Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leavenworth, Kansas Posts: 1,097	Take a deep breath, hook your seat belt, check all your mirrrors, start truck. Stop. Get out of truck - double check that the tires are inflated on said trailer, and that you in fact did close the back door (which you checked 18 times before you got in the truck). Get back in truck, hook your seat belt, take a deep breath and GOO! The first time I hooked my trailer, loaded my horse and hauled for a trail ride was SUCH a feeling of - LOOK AT ME!!! I You will do great - take your time, go slow over the rough road, use your signals, make wide, slow turns and you will be perfect!!!

10-28-2009, 04:05 PM
sherriawright Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pekin, Illinois Posts: 635	After years of not having horses, my father who is in his 60's wanted one. I purchased my first horse about 3 years ago. At first, my father was very hands on, took me everywhere I wanted to go, he's a ex truck driver. Then he had a stroke and everything changed. I was "stuck" with a 3 horse goose slant, 3 horses, lots of horse shows that I wanted to go to and several friends that wanted to go riding. I hooked it up one day and drove all around town with it empty. After I felt comfortable doing that, I loaded up a horse and did the same thing. I still need a football field to back up in, but it's getting better. Just do it, because what other option do you have? and besides, what happens if there is a medical emergency and you have to get them to the vet? Better to learn to take them now then when you are all freaked out and worried about an injury. __________________ Illinois, where our Governors make our license plates!

10-28-2009, 06:48 PM
dixiesmom Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 436	Highway is the most annoying to me - people pass you and then pull over right in front of you. Suppose their tire blows - do they really think my truck, trailer and load are going to be able to stop before I push them out of the way? But as someone else said, hook up and pull empty to get the feel of it - one horse won't make a huge difference in the way it pulls - actually for bumper pulls I think they pull better with a horse because they just feel more "stable" to me - pun not intended.

10-29-2009, 12:16 PM
Lorna Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Belle Chasse, LA Posts: 321	Take your time when hooking up the trailer, and loading the horses. Give yourself extra time for everything. Drive slow and make your turns wide. I bought my first trailer about 5 years ago. It was a 2 horse bumper pull and I used my expidition to pull. I had never pulled anything or knew how to hook up a trailer. Decided that I had to learn how to do this myself. Now I have a 3 horse slant load and a F450 with a full bed. Lots of length to deal with. And I am proud to say that I can back that baby up by MYSELF. You will be FINE!!! Last edited by Lorna : 10-29-2009 at 12:17 PM. Reason: Incomplete sentence.

10-29-2009, 12:29 PM
Comfort Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Zeiglerville, PA Posts: 61	You can do it!! Double check everything, at least 3 times. lights, brakes, mirrors etc before you even load a horse on. Load the horse on and double check everything again, this time include all trailer doors!! Pull out slow and make sure all your tires stay between the ditches! I love driving the rig down the road, especially on the weekend and I look in my sideview mirror to see a 20 mile backup behind me and laugh, that's what they get for giving me traffic on my way to work, Monday-Friday!! Oh and don't forget to sing "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar" when you hit the road. __________________ Brandy and Southern Comfort. Never owned but always loved.

10-29-2009, 12:38 PM
gatorsmom Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Thanks for all the support! I am going to do this, actually, my husband and I both are. I know we will be fine, I just let my imagination run away with the "what-if's". __________________ I used to have money, now I have horses. ~ Most of Us~

10-30-2009, 02:25 PM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,437	YOU GO GIRL! You will do fine...plus you got hubby there to guide you...your going to be totally fine...just make sure you dont do it just this once...practice pulling that thing around everywhere...it will come natural to you after awhile...and when you want to load up and go for a ride somewhere or to a show or in a emergency you have to take one to the vet...you will be able to hook that baby up...load up and GO! Its not as bad as it seems... Let us know how it goes __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!

10-30-2009, 02:29 PM
Oran'sMom Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 825	You will do just fine...take it slow...use the breaks early...take the turns wide. When i was 17 i hauled my horse and a friends horse to a show it was my first time doing it but it went very smoothly and i have never pulled anything before that. You will do just fine dont be too nervous __________________ Oran

11-01-2009, 03:54 AM
gatorsmom Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Trailering Question - UPDATE Well, the move is done. Gator was such a good girl, just jumped right in (only the 2nd time she has been in a trailer in 4 years). She settled in nicely, and off we went. My husband pulled the trailer with his truck, and I followed behind in mine, and my eyes never left that big hiney belonging to my horse . He said it pulled great! She pawed alittle, and voiced her opinions loudly, but overall the move went well. She backed right off when we got to our new barn, and of course mommy had some treats to give right away. Thanks for all the suggestions and support! __________________ I used to have money, now I have horses. ~ Most of Us~