Are you in need of a new trailer but just do not have the
funds to get the one you need? If you are willing to put in
a bit of work of your own, consider the benefits of buying a
used trailer.
Of course, when you pick out a trailer you are going to want
to keep in mind the type of horse you will be transporting.
Different breeds make different sized horses, which need
different sized trailers. For larger horses, you want to
stay away from the slant load type, but for horses under
fifteen inches a slant load will do in cases of a straight
one.
In the matter of what type of hitch you will need for
your trailer, think about the vehicle you will be using to
tow the car. Larger cars can pull larger trailers, but
smaller cars cannot pull the
Hollywood-style trailers they are making out there these
days.
Once
you have figured out exactly what you want, you are in great
shape. Now it is just a matter of finding it. You can find
used trailer ads at the feed store, in the newspaper want
ads or around town. It is important to inspect the trailer
yourself before you make a purchase, and make sure that
things are in order and purchase the trailer that fits your
needs most and will cost the least amount of labor to put
in.
First off, check out the wheels and axels of the trailer.
Ensure that they are all straight and that the wheels are
properly aligned, and htat the tires are in good shape. IF
this is not right, the trailer won’t pull correctly or in a
straight line and that creates problems for you.
Take a look at the drums, the rims, the springs, and the
whole undercarriage of the bottom of the trailer. Make sure
that the tires are worn evenly to reduce the amount of
jostling and shaking and unevenness of the trailer. Many
trailers are prone to dry rot and damage from oxidiztion, or
even rust so be sure to check for these.
Most importantly when inspecting prospective used trailers,
check the floors. If the floor cannot support the horse, you
have no need for the trailer so be sure to check for rot and
rust in the floor as well, not to mention racks that may
weaken the floor.
Don’t forget the hitch, another integral part of the
trailer. Makes ure that the hitch can lock down well, and be
sure to check the wiring. This is not always a hard repair,
but it is best to know what you are working with from the
beginning.
Also, if there is a ramp this is something you want to take
a good look at too. Ensure that the springs are in working
order and all there. Look for a real ramp rather than a step
up ramp if possible, to eliminate accident problems when
loading horses. However, with some old trailers you may not
always be able to find a good, sturdy ramp, or at least the
one you want.
Before you make a purchase, please be sure that the trailer
is going to fit the horse; with used trailers this cannot be
stressed enough. The trailer has to be a comfortable size
for the horse, and make sure it has windows. Ventilation is
important, and plexiglass or safety glass is always best.
For cutting and reining horse events, you definitely need a saddle that’s designed to help you "ride in balance and sit the stop." First, you want a saddle that was designed and built specifically for reining or cutting. Both of these designs have their individual advantages but remember, just because the manufacturer "calls" it a reining saddle doesn’t mean it was designed "well" for reining.
