tying in the trailer

["Jonni" <jonnij@earthlink.net>]

I was always told if you had a straight load trailer, and the stall is large
enough that your horse could get his head out of the manger, and reach down
to the floor, you should tie. If your horse were to put his head down, and
you had to stop suddenly, you could break his neck. As far as slant loads
etc. I personally do not always tie. I also have taken to just keeping all
the dividers latched back out of the way, and let my one horse stay loose in
the 4 horse slant. He does not move around very much. Some horses that move
around loose in a trailer can make some rigs unstable. One thing I do always
as a safety precaution is leave the lead rope attached to the horse. If I do
tie, it is with a separate trailer tie, with a safety release snap. the lead
is on the horse to grab him in a hurry if needed. Also, if you use the pre
made trailer ties, make sure it is of a length that is comfortable for your
horse. Some are so short, larger horses can not lift their heads, and feel
over restrained. That can cause a horse to panic. Too long, and the horse
can still get the head out of the manger,and down towards the floor. Another
advantage to slant loads is that the horses CAN stretch their heads down
some. I had a horse that would get respiratory irritations while hauling,
and upon arrival would drop her head, and huge globs of goo and snot would
roll out of her nose. Another good reason to dampen hay and bedding if used.
(keeps dust down) Thats my $.02 worth on trailering.

Jonni in California. Getting ready for Tevis pre-ride next week.


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