Horse trailers often use a gooseneck trailer and hitch and so if you are going to be hauling you need to know how to drive a gooseneck trailer.
Good driving habits and a safe rig that’s properly rated is a great place to start. Both long and short trips have a certain amount of risk but that risk can be minimized by knowing your rig and ensuring that your tow vehicle is not only in top condition but also rated to tow the trailer you have.
If your trailer is a tag along trailer you will need either a Class III or IV hitch that must be bolted to the frame of your vehicle. It must be rated for the weight of your trailer and it must be correctly wired for brake lights and turn lights, as well as the braking system.
Many states require a gooseneck as well as other hitch styles to have a safety cable hooked to the tow vehicle. Once you’ve taken care of all the equipment related safety elements it is time to get yourself in the right frame of mind.
If you’ve never actually rode in a moving trailer you should try it. Now I don’t recommend it because most places it is illegal but just try it on your own properly. You’ll realize quickly how “not so great” the ride is. So the key is to practice and practice a lot.
Put a cup of coffee on your dash. When you can corner, start, and stop without spilling the coffee it means your horse will have a comfortable ride. Always keep your passenger in mind.
You should also take some time to practice your backing skills. It isn’t nearly as hard as you think. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. If you want the back of the trailer to go left move your hand and the wheel to the left. What to go right then move to the right. If you need to turn sharply move the wheel before you begin to move the vehicle. If you need a more gradual turn then turn the wheel while you are moving.
If you are hauling two horses put the heavier one on the driver’s side. If you are hauling only one horse in a two horse trailer put it on the driver’s side. The road crowns in the middle so that’s where the heaviest part of the load should be.
Once you learn how to drive a gooseneck trailer you and your horses will be heading on down the road.
