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Our box stalls have an adjustable rolling gate and three position spring pole gate to accommodate different size horses. Generally, we truck horses loose, letting them choose to stand the way they are most stable and comfortable, and no halters to get caught on anything. If hayed, the hay is on the floor so there's no net to get caught up in. Of course these conditions can be changed if the owner requests. Once inside the trailer, the two access doors are locked so no one but me can get in with the horse. I carry an extra set of keys and bolt cutters should the need ever arise. I drive with the horse(s) in mind, starting, cornering, and stopping slowly.
When I stop for breaks or for the night, the horse(s) get to move around just like they were in the barn. If I have just one horse on, I open the stall gates and let them walk the full length of the trailer. I don't let them out of the trailer! I give them feed and water and will often brush them to pass my time. The windows allow plenty of light and air, and can be closed depending on other conditions.
Here a warm blood mare and her colt are in a 12' (L), X 8' (W), X 7'6" (H) stall. This baby, was unfamiliar with trailers and trailering upon arrival. After a little bit of training, he was loading like a pro, all by himself while we stood at the door and told him to "load up". Due to the adjustable gates and stall size, our trailer is an absolute dream for shipping mare/foal combinations.
The size of the trailer (24'L X 8'W X 7'6"H), adjustable stalls, & open atmosphere help horses not feel claustrophobic. If they don't want or haven't been trained to load, I spend some time to get them so they will. I do not beat or scare them on. I teach them to understand and want to "load up". I then work with them to make them familiar and relaxed in the stall, so they're not a nervous wreck the entire time.
A horse's previous trailering experience has a huge impact on their next trip. Poor training, handling, and/or poor equipment make for "accidents waiting to happen". If we (people) were forced into a closed, unfamiliar space that was unsafe and we were locked in for a ride and were "scared to death" the entire time, we probably wouldn't get in for the next ride and might even put up a fight to keep from doing so.
Our method is to train, get the horse as familiar & relaxed as we can, and give the horse as comfortable and safe trailering experience as possible. If your horse doesn't want, or know how to load, I can train them to.
The trailer allows for several options when necessary for emergency shipping depending on the horse's injury and/or condition.
Finally, we clean the trailer between trips. We also disinfect the trailer and do quarantine shipping for import / export.
Our 2006 Dodge Ram 4 X 4 crew cab gets us where we have to go. Sometimes bigger rigs are not able, or will not go door to door, during certain weather or driveway conditions. We have postponed and/or waited if driving conditions were bad enough that it became unsafe for the horses to travel. Otherwise, I am pretty much able to pick up at your barn, loading spot, etc. and unload likewise.
Both truck and trailer are serviced regularly and maintained for maximum safety and efficient operation.
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