Transporting a horse and trailer basics
What goes into transporting a horse safely? Explore the trailer and its parts, the preparation before you leave, welfare on the road and the paperwork. Each item briefly explains what it is and what it is for. Descriptive only; not a substitute for expert guidance.
Parts of a trailer
Schematic view. Parts vary by model.
Vehicle and parts
The trailer or lorry and the parts that carry, separate and ventilate the horse.
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Horse trailer
A horse trailer is a towed unit hitched behind a car to carry a horse.
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Horsebox (lorry)
A horsebox is a motorised vehicle with a built-in load area for horses.
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Loading ramp
The loading ramp is the fold-down slope the horse walks up and down to enter and leave.
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Breast bar and breeching bar
The breast bar and breeching bar are padded bars that contain the horse at the front and rear.
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Partition
A partition is the divider that keeps two horses, or a horse and the wall, apart.
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Ventilation
Ventilation is the airflow through the trailer via windows, vents and roof hatches.
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Floor
The floor is the load-bearing surface the horse stands on, usually with a non-slip mat on top.
Preparation and loading
The checks before you leave, safe loading and unloading, and protecting the horse.
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Pre-trip inspection
The pre-trip inspection is the fixed round of tyres, brakes, lights and coupling before you drive off.
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Loading and unloading
Loading and unloading is calmly leading the horse in and out via the ramp or step-up.
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Travel boots and wraps
Travel boots are leg protectors or wraps that shield the legs during the trip.
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Headcollar and safe tying
This is about how the horse is secured during transport, with a headcollar and rope.
Welfare on the road
What the horse needs during the trip: water and hay, rest, cooling and a plan for problems.
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Hay and water on the road
This is the general idea that a horse needs access to hay and water on a journey.
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Rest and long journeys
This is the general idea that long journeys call for breaks and recovery time.
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Heat and airflow
This is about heat inside the trailer and how airflow keeps the horse cool.
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Emergencies en route
This is about being prepared for a breakdown, an accident or a horse in distress during the trip.
Documents and rules
Papers that travel with the horse and a careful overview of the EU rules. Rules differ by country; always check the official source.
