Horse Trailer Safety – Preparing for an Emergency on the Road

Experiencing an emergency while towing a horse trailer is every horse owner’s worst nightmare. Maintaining your trailer and tow vehicle lessens the odds of this happening, but there are no guarantees.

The old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry” is a good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to traveling with your horse trailer. Everyone who trailers horses, whether across town or cross-country should have emergency kits prepared and ready to use. These kits should contain first aid for horses and humans, as well as tools and supplies for making repairs to your trailer or tow vehicle.

Keep the human first aid kit in your tow vehicle along with insurance and registration information for both the vehicle and the horse trailer. Also, include a document that lists emergency contact names and numbers, such as your veterinarian and friends or family members. If you’re seriously injured in an accident, this list provides rescue personnel a means for contacting individuals familiar with you and your horses.

In case of mechanical failures in your tow vehicle, always keep the following on hand: jumper cables, spare tire, jack, tire iron, tool kit including wiring materials, spare belts and hoses, tow chain, cellular phone or CB radio, replacement fuses, road atlas, work gloves, portable air compressor, extra cash or a credit card.

Store the equine first aid kit in your trailer. Discuss with your veterinarian what medications and supplies you should include. Always pack extra water in case you need it for cleaning wounds or sponging overheated horses.

Be sure to keep the following in your horse trailer for emergency repairs: spare tire, jack, tire iron (if different size than the truck), three emergency triangles, flares, chocks, flashlight, electrical tape and duct tape, knife, spare bulbs, spare fuses, fire extinguisher, and WD-40.

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use these emergency kits, but if you encounter trouble while trailering, you’ll be glad you did.

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