Most people would rather not pay full price for a trailer if they don't have to. Look in the classifieds of your local newspaper; go to your local tack store. Both will have ads for trailers; the tack shop might have a photograph of the trailer which is always helpful. You can also ask the staff if they know the person selling the trailer, about the type of trailer, etc. You can also post an ad at the tack shop for a trailer which might quicken the process. It will take a while to find the right one, so be patient.
Used trailers can be found on websites, but you're always taking a chance if you buy off the web. It's better to buy the trailer off a lot -- new or used -- because you can check out the overall condition of the trailer; see if there are rust spots or other damage the seller hasn't fully disclosed. Make sure you get a warranty if one is available.
The necessary details
You'll need to know the length, width, height and weight of your horse to make sure you get the right size rig. They come in a few standard heights: 7 feet, 7 feet 4 inches, and 7 feet 6 inches. Most 15 to 16 hand horses will easily fit in a 7 foot tall rig, but the added height is an advantage if plan to get another horse in the future or want to haul someone else's horse. If your horse is over 16 hands, you'd want to get the 7 foot 6 inch rig.
You need to know the weight capacity of your hitch and the towing capacity of your truck. And finally, you'll also need the gross trailer weight, which is determined by adding the weight of the trailer and the weight of the cargo you'll carry inside it. Don't forget to include all the other horse gear -- saddle, show clothes, tack, water buckets, hay, and anything else you'll be carrying. Make sure you don't exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle or the weight capacity of your hitch. All trucks have labels and paperwork saying what their towing capacity is. Make sure you have this information when looking for trailers.
Slant Load or Straight Load Trailer
Most slant loads come with a dressing room which is great for horse shows or trail rides. Make sure to measure slant loads and well as straight loads since the dressing room may take up space for your horse and may then be too short and narrow.
Some manufacturers think slant loads are less stressful for a horse because they can lean on the dividers to rest if needed. You can also turn your horse around in a slant load and don't need to worry about backing them out if it's an issue for your horse.
The Material Choice
The majority of rigs are made of either steel or aluminum. Steel is stronger, heavier and will hold up in an accident or crash. A steel trailer will cost less, but you may need to spend more on upkeep later if the trailer rusts. Since the steel trailer is heavier, it will affect the towing capacity of your vehicle, so keep the weight difference in mind. An aluminum trailer weighs less then a steel trailer and will be more expensive. However, an aluminum trailer will hold its value better and want to trade up for a new or larger model. Aluminum trailers tend to dent easier, which could be a problem if your horse is restless when being moved and tends to kick.
Before you start looking for a rig, do some research. Go to a horse expo, check out a truck dealership. Consider sharing your rig with a friend who also goes to horse shows. He/she can help with the gas costs and you'll have someone to go to shows when other people at your barn may be busy. Be safe, stay within your budget and have fun wherever you go!
When looking for a trainer, you need to decide what your goals are. They may change depending on what you and your horse decide to do, but at least have an idea of what you want to do. Do you want to show or just take lessons? Do you want to trail ride and just want to learn how to control your horse and ride better?
WHERE to look for a trainer
You can start with your vet, horse-related magazines, local tack store, friends or the classified advertisements in your local paper. Tack stores usually have a bulletin board, where they allow barn owners and trainers to post announcements when they have stalls available and if they're accepting new clients. If a tack store has been established for a while, they can usually tell you about the local barns, trainers and their disciplines. Compile a list from everyone and give the trainers and/or barns a call.
Pleasure or show?
Showing your horse is quite different then just riding for fun or taking lessons. If you're serious about showing and winning it requires a different mindset then taking lessons and going trail riding or hanging out with your horse. Its also much more expensive. Show barns usually charge more for boarding, but usually have a trainer available if the barn owner doesn't train and show horses. Make sure the trainer has shown in the discipline you're involved in.
VISIT THE BARN
After you get a list of trainers, call them to set up an appointment. Go to the barn they work out of. Check out the facility. If the barn isn't in great shape, don't worry. Instead, look at the horses -- are they well fed and cared for? Do they have plenty of grass and turnout? How's the fencing?? Is the barn neat and orderly? Does it look and smell clean?
MEET THE TRAINER
It's helpful to watch a trainer teach a lesson, so try to schedule a time when a few clients will be at the barn. Talk to him or her in between lessons. Find out about their personal riding experience. How long did they show as a kid or adult? Where and on what circuit? If they still show as a professional, that will take away from their time to teach. And if they're on the road with advanced students a couple months a year, they may not be the right trainer for you. And find out how long they've been teaching. If they're new to teaching, they may have more time for you and your horse. Just because they're new, doesn't mean they don't have talent. Ask the trainer for references and if they're reluctant, don't enlist their services.
And finally, remember finding the right trainer is a personal choice. You need to like and trust the trainer you choose. They should be willing to answer your questions about their training philosophy and what they're doing with your horse. Lastly, go with your gut instinct. If you click with a trainer who's relatively unknown, that will turn out to be a better choice then going with a well-known trainer that everyone knows, that you don't click with. Riding and having a horse should be fun. If you do your homework beforehand you'll have more options and make the right choice for you and your horse.
Phil Wiskell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Horse Racing and Pets. Philippe Wiskell is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of ,. Phil Wiskell's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.