Types Of Horse Trailers

There are endless variations of trailers, but every trailer fits into one of three main types: stock, straight load and slant load.

Stock Horse Trailers

Stock trailers are open trailers, generally with open slatted sides. These types of trailers can be used for several different types of hauling needs. It seems that horses tend to prefer stock trailers for the fresh air and openness, as well as proper space to stand the way they like to.

Though the openness of stock trailers can be perfectly suited for nice weather and shorter trips, they do not offer necessary protection from the elements in extreme weather conditions.

Straight Load Horse Trailers

Straight load trailers are the most common types of trailers used to haul horses. These kinds of trailers are often equipped with a hay manager.

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Straight load trailers get their name from the way the trailer’s tires follow directly in line with the truck’s wheels.

There is some concern with this type of trailer that the manager may restrict the horse’s front legs. In this type of position the is not able to brace itself to change positions and therefore may have trouble clearing their respiratory tracts.

Slant Load Horse Trailers

In a slant- load trailer the ride diagonally, which is positioning that many feel is most comfortable for the horses. Particularly with stopping and starting, the diagonal placement of the horses seems to decrease discomfort during these transitions.

Another advantage of slant loaders is that they offer more variety for storage areas. Slant loading trailers are typically shorter, but wider than other types of trailer.