Why Horses Prefer the SafeTack Reverse Load Trailers

A reverse load horse trailer is a customized transport design that lets horses travel backwards! Scientific studies have shown that horses travel with less stress and fatigue – and more effortless balancing – when facing the rear. Double D Trailers has taken the reverse load concept by coming up with a design that makes loading, unloading, and transport more efficient and stress-free for both horses and handlers: the patented SafeTack Reverse Slant Load horse trailer.

 

Discerning horse owners have since loved the SafeTack Reverse Slant Load design since being awarded a U.S. patent in 2015... and for 5 good reasons!

1. Better balance
2. Easier loading
3. Safer unloading
4. Wider emergency access
5. More Versatile facing options (reverse or forward)

Plus, benefit from Double D Trailers’ trademarked safety features!

In this article, we'll explore the advantages of reverse load trailers, delve into the unique features of Double D Trailers' exclusive SafeTack Reverse design, discuss factors to consider before purchasing, compare it with other configurations, and share insights from satisfied SafeTack Reverse owners.

What is a Reverse Load Horse Trailer?

A reverse load horse trailer is a specialized trailer designed to transport horses facing the rear. Unlike traditional trailers where horses face forward, reverse load trailers often feature side ramps for loading, allowing horses to enter and stand backward. Studies by equine behavior researchers, such as Dr. Sharon Crieger and Dr. Barbara Padalino, have demonstrated that rear-facing orientation allows horses to utilize their natural balance and strong hindquarters to effectively brace themselves against acceleration and deceleration by absorbing motion and maintaining stability. This reduces stress on their muscles and joints during transport.

“I am a huge advocate of these trailers. This was by far one of the best purchases I made.  I am very pleased that I did my research and came out ahead!”- Anne from Keene, New Hampshire

Anne explained how her horses are better able to balance in the rear-facing direction: “I noticed that in the rear-facing direction, they can shift their weight more readily to the rear, allowing them to counter balance more easily.”. She watches them carefully using her on-board video camera and compares their travel when forward and reverse facing.

Reverse load trailers typically employ a slant load configuration where horses are positioned at an angle, further enhancing their ability to brace and balance. With Double D Trailers’ SafeTack Reverse Slant Load design, all horses are loaded through a side ramp. Depending on the customization, this ramp can be on either the passenger or driver's side, which dictates whether horses stand with their heads toward the passenger side or the driver's side of the trailer.

Research Shows Reduced Stress and Better Safety for Horses in a Reverse Load Trailer

A study from the Journal of Veterinary Behavior took twelve horses and trailered them in three different positions - forward facing, backward, and sideways - during a 3-hour, 125-mile journey. The researchers checked their heart rates, breathing rates, and body temperature during different parts of the journey to determine their stress levels, health, and overall comfort.

They discovered that horses who were facing backwards and sideways traveled more comfortably than the forward facing groups. They were able to keep better balance while the trailer was in motion. And, the backwards facing group left the trailer with almost no fatigue or muscle tension after their journey!

Researchers concluded that facing backwards or backwards at a slant was the best position for horses during travel. Not only are these horses more comfortable, but they have much less physical stress and leave the trailer calmer and with less fatigue. Scientists could measure stress level by looking at the amount of a stress hormone – called cortisol – in their systems.

It’s not enough to answer the question. Researchers wanted to know why…

The answer: It turns out a horse who is facing backwards is in a more comfortable and natural position. They are able to “absorb deceleration with their haunches” and maintain stability on a bumpy trailer ride. A forward facing horse has less control and less balance and thus has higher levels of stress.

Other equine experts have made similar observations as well. Dr. Sharon Cregier observed, “horses can most easily keep their balance when they are facing away from the direction of travel - this has actually been proven by experiments using a stock trailer, bumper pull trailers, vans, 3-horse and 2-horse tagalongs.”

Our design was awarded a 2015 U.S. Patent because the unique SafeTack design provides a much safer and more comfortable environment to transport horses.

Horse Owners Reported Their Horses Travel Better in a Reverse Load Trailer

Based on the science, many horse owners began to question if their horses would travel better in a reverse load trailer. About 150 horse owners shared their opinions during a Facebook debate, and the majority of them argued that horses prefer to travel either backwards or slanted backwards in the trailer.

Horse trailer video cameras and first-person observation accounts began flooding in. Here are some observations from Double D Trailers customers who started watching to see which direction their horses preferred.

• “When my horse was being transported from Orlando to Tampa, she was untied in an open cattle trailer. I was following behind her in my car, and I could see her in the trailer. The whole time, she rode in the rear position. Sometimes she would dance to keep her balance. I remember thinking it was strange that she was facing the back of the trailer, but now it makes total sense - apparently it’s the position horses prefer when traveling.” - Marcia Trotter
• “When my horses are allowed to be loose in the stock trailer, they are always either sideways, or facing backwards.” - Dianne from North Carolina
• “One study in Europe measured horse heart rates and other factors and found that rear-facing horses had lower stress levels after long trips. In my opinion, it’s because a horse can use its rear end muscles more effectively with a horse facing backwards, especially during slowing and stopping movements.” - Julius
• “I vote rear-facing. Whenever I put my horses in the trailer without tying them, when I unload them I always find that they are facing the rear of the trailer.” - Sunny from Virginia

Horses Balance Differently in a Reverse Load Horse Trailer

We can’t actually ask our horses which direction they prefer, so we have to go off of observations like the ones above. Scientists have also continued to research this over the years.

Many experts and researchers have also noticed that horses voluntarily choose the backward-facing position when left untethered in a trailer. Japanese researchers, Ryo Kusunose and Kyoko Torikai, put this theory to the test in an experiment in 1996. They put two horses in a trailer and didn’t tether them or tie them at all.

They watched the horse’s behavior and discovered that the horses were the most stable when they were facing backwards. If a horse was facing backwards during an abrupt stop, it was much better able to remain stable and avoid falling or stumbling.

For that reason, a horse facing backwards is actually much safer than a forward-facing or a sideways-facing horse. Dr. Sharon Cregrier agrees with this claim - she says, “There have been numerous studies about horse transportation that have shown that horses that travel facing away from the direction of travel have fewer falls and fewer impacts with the horse trailer partitions and dividers.”

So, if you want to keep your horse stress-free and avoid injuries while traveling, you should transport them in the rear-facing position. Not only will it reduce the likelihood of injury, but it will also feel more natural for them, helping them arrive at your destination ready to perform at the highest level.

Introducing A Unique Reverse Load Horse Trailer Design That Benefits Horses and Their Owners

Brad Heath, lead designer and owner of Double D Trailers, was impressed when he saw the research that showed you could reduce your horse’s stress by changing the direction he faces in the trailer. So he set out to create a horse trailer design that would eliminate the stress of trailer travel for horses and make the loading and unloading process much easier: the SafeTack Reverse Slant Load Horse Trailer. 

What is the SafeTack Reverse Slant Load Horse Trailer?

The SafeTack Reverse Slant Load is an innovative horse trailer design featuring a rear-facing slant load configuration with a US patent awarded to Double D Trailers in 2015. SafeTack trailers feature a unique side load layout with a walk-on, walk-off feature. This allows horses to easily enter the trailer from the side, ride comfortably facing backward, and exit straight out the back upon arrival.

Unlike conventional reverse or side load trailers with narrow loading and unloading areas, SafeTack trailers offer a spacious and unobstructed pathway for horses. Each SafeTack trailer is custom-built to accommodate the specific needs and size of your horse. Available in various hitch configurations, SafeTack trailers provide a secure and efficient transport solution for safety-conscious horse owners.

While Double D Trailers did not invent the reverse load concept, the SafeTack Reverse Slant Load elevates this principle with enhanced safety features and a focus on ease of use. This patented design has garnered numerous positive reviews from satisfied Double D Trailer customers. 

Let’s take a look at what makes this trailer truly exceptional.

A Smart Rear Tack Design for Safer Loading and Unloading

The SafeTack Reverse Slant Load horse trailer design addresses the potential hazards of narrow doorways and claustrophobic spaces by incorporating a rear tack storage area that swings open, providing a wide-open loading area. This design allows for safe and easy entry and exit for both horse and handler, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a less stressful experience.

In a traditional slant load horse trailer, the rear tack storage area is built into the empty back corner of the horse area. This might look like a convenient area for a tack area on paper. But in real life, this reduces the entryway width, which can pose challenges and safety risks during loading and unloading. If a horse becomes startled or moves unexpectedly, it could potentially pin the handler against the trailer wall, leading to injury.

Many side load horse trailers also feature narrow ramps and doorways, creating a confined, claustrophobic environment. Maneuvering a large horse through such a restricted space can be difficult and potentially dangerous for both horse and handler. Some trailer brands have unloading areas as narrow as 39 inches, further exacerbating these challenges.

The SafeTack Reverse Slant Load horse trailer design eliminates these dangerous problems. In all SafeTack trailers, the rear tack storage area is actually attached to the rear door, so it swings out for easy access. And, it leaves a wide-open loading area so that you and your horse can enter and exit the trailer safely and without fear of an accident.

Research suggests that loading and unloading are among the most stressful aspects of trailering for horses. Therefore, a trailer design that prioritizes ease of use and safety during these processes can significantly improve the overall horse and handler experience.

A wide-open loading area offers several benefits.

• Reduced Stress: Horses are less likely to experience anxiety or become startled during loading and unloading.
• Improved Safety: Handlers have more room to maneuver, minimizing the risk of getting pinned or injured.
• Ease of Use: Loading and unloading become simpler and more efficient.

An Efficient Walk-Through Trailer Design for Enhanced Safety

We’ve discussed the rear door on a SafeTack reverse load horse trailer, now let’s look at the extra wide side door and ramp.

In traditional front-facing horse trailers, unloading often requires horses to back out of the trailer. This is a very unnatural movement for horses, especially because they are moving directly into their blind spot, which increases their stress levels and the potential for dangerous behaviors. Some horse owners have even reported horses bolting out of the trailer backward as fast as they can!

SafeTack horse trailers from Double D Trailers eliminate the need for horses to back out during unloading. They feature an extra-wide side ramp and doorway for loading, allowing horses to walk onto the trailer from the side, enter their rear-facing stall, and then walk straight off the back of the trailer when it's time to unload.

Easy Emergency Access For Multi-Horse Evacuation

Another advantage of the SafeTack Reverse Slant Load design is easy emergency access to every horse, even those in the front-most position, precisely because it comes with a side ramp and a rear door.

Most side load horse trailers have only a single doorway where all the horses enter and exit. In case of an emergency, horses would have to be unloaded one by one from the single trailer doors. In a trailer like this, it’s difficult to have access to each horse individually.

Benefits of Easy Emergency Access:

• Enhanced Safety: In the event of an emergency, horses can be quickly and easily accessed for assistance or evacuation.
• Peace of Mind: Horse owners can travel confidently knowing their horses are safe and accessible at all times.

This focus on safety ensures that horse owners can respond effectively to any unexpected situations during transport, minimizing potential risks and promoting the well-being of their horses.

Customizable Rear-Facing Stalls for Optimal Horse Comfort

SafeTack trailers are customizable in stall dimensions to ensure optimal comfort and support for horses of all sizes. Horse owners can request extra width or ceiling height to accommodate larger breeds.

• Standard gooseneck trailers (for horses up to 15.2 hands) typically have a 7'4" height and 80" width.
• Warmblood horse trailers can be built with a 7'6" height and 90" width.
• Larger breeds may require a 7'8" height and the legal width limit of 102" for road travel.

Individual stalls can even be built with varying dimensions to accommodate horses of different sizes within the same trailer. They can also be oriented in the rear-slant-facing direction. This means the horses will travel with less stress, have better balancing, and arrive at their destination more physically prepared to perform.

Available SafeTack Reverse Slant Load Models and Customization Options

Our reverse horse trailers with the SafeTack patent is available in various models, including the following.

• Two-horse, three-horse, and four-horse gooseneck trailers.
• Living quarters models.
• Bumper pull horse trailers.

All Double D Trailers offer custom design options, allowing horse owners to add safety features and personalized details to their trailers.

Choose the model that fits your requirements here: SafeTack Reverse Slant Load Horse Trailers: Stress-Free Ride. 

Things to Consider When Buying a Safe Reverse Load Horse Trailer

Selecting a Reverse Load Horse Trailer that prioritizes equine and human safety involves considering essential factors. Below are tips from various perspectives.

Key Considerations According To A Horse Trailer Designer

Brad Heath, a horse trailer designer with over 25 years’ experience, says, “There are numerous reverse loads on the market, some better than others.  Several key factors to consider when purchasing are layout, side ramp width, slant load configuration, escape routes and rear tack storage.”

• Layout

When it comes to your trailer’s layout, ask yourself the following questions: Is your dress door on the road side or ditch side? Is the side ramp road side ditch side?  

Side Ramp

A good and safe side ramp is at least 48" in width with a door entry way opening of at least 52". 

Slant Load Configuration

Slant loads are the best layout for reverse loads in configurations from 2-horse up to 6-horse trailers.

Emergency Exits

Safety escape routes for horse and handler are highly important. Consider how many escape points does the handler have particularly when loading the last horse. When walking a horse in, you should always have at least two points of escape in case of an unruly (spooked) horse.

Rear Saddle Compartment

Make sure the saddle rack compartment folds completely out of the trailer loading area during each load and unload. This minimizes claustrophobia, and is safer for both horse and handler.

Key Considerations According To An Equestrian

Rachael Kraft, who has been riding for over 30 years and owning horses for 20 years, listed the following as salient factors when looking for a safe reverse load horse trailer.

• Size and Capacity

Choose a trailer that comfortably accommodates the number and size of your horses. Common options include 2 horse trailers, 4 horse trailers, and larger models. Ensure adequate space for horses to move and stand comfortably, minimizing stress and promoting balance. 

If you’re hauling multiple horses yet need sufficient interior space, read our guide on side load horse trailers.

• Hitch Configuration

Consider features such as gooseneck or bumper pull hitches, and additional amenities like living quarters. Evaluate these features based on your specific needs and preferences, ensuring they align with your horses' behavior and travel requirements.

• Manufacturer Reputation

Choose a reputable trailer manufacturer known for producing high-quality, durable trailers. Research different manufacturers, comparing their safety records, customer reviews, and commitment to innovation in trailer design.

For a complete buying checklist, see the guide that Rachael wrote on Everything You Need To Know Before Buying a Horse Trailer. 

Common Concerns About Reverse Load Horse Trailers

Can All Horses Ride Backwards in a Trailer?

While most horses adapt well to riding backward in a reverse load horse trailer, some may initially require a period of adjustment. Proper training and desensitization techniques can help horses become accustomed to the new orientation. Since not all horses prefer the rear facing direction, Double D Trailers give your horses an option of forwards or backwards travel.

Reverse or Forward Facing Travel? 

You decide! The SafeTack Reverse Slant Load design offers flexible travel orientation, allowing horse owners to transport horses facing either the rear or the front. It even allows you to transport one horse forward-facing and another horse rear-facing - without having to move around the partitions or change anything in your trailer.

The only thing that changes is how you load your horses in the trailer.

• If you want to transport them rear-facing, load them in from the side door and into their stalls.
• If you want to transport them forward facing, load them in from the rear entryway and then unload them from the side door.

However you decide to transport your horses, it’s easy and simple to load and unload. Many Double D Trailers customers love the flexibility that is built into the SafeTack Reverse Slant Load horse trailer design.

Some horse owners transport their horses facing the rear for longer trips, and forward facing for shorter trips. Others load their horses in the backwards facing direction when they know that they won’t be able to unload them from a side door because of limited space at events or competitions.

This option to use reverse facing or forward facing orientation is also great for transporting a friend's horse. If your horse is used to traveling in the rear facing position, but your friend’s horse isn’t - no problem at all! You can transport one horse forward facing and one horse facing backwards.

“[The horses] seem to ride quieter when they ride reverse. They’re not moving around as much. - Janet W. from Elbert, Colorado 

Janet purchased a 3 Horse Gooseneck SafeTack Reverse Slant Load Trailer.  She told us that 90% of the time she loads her horses from the side and hauls them in a reverse facing direction. She told us that her horses “seem perfectly content either way." She went on to explain that she once picked up a friend’s horse who had never ridden in the rear facing direction. “He didn’t care, was perfectly fine, came out of the trailer and was like ‘Ok! Everything’s fine!’  It didn’t bother him at all.”

How Much Does a Reverse Load Horse Trailer Cost?

The cost of a Reverse Load Horse Trailer varies depending on several factors, including the following.

• Materials: The type and quality of materials used in construction can significantly affect the price.
• Horse capacity: Larger trailers designed to accommodate more horses will generally be more expensive.
• Features: Additional features, such as living quarters, custom interiors, and advanced safety technology, can increase the cost.

Examples of Reverse Load Horse Trailer Prices:

• A SafeTack 2 Horse Bumper Pull Trailer with a reverse slant load configuration and forward and rear facing design starts at $34,290.
• A SafeTack 4-horse Slant Load Gooseneck with similar features starts at $52,355.
• Reverse load horse trailers with living quarters cost even more, ranging from $73,200 for a 2-horse model to $215,699 for a 4-horse gooseneck trailer with other brands.

(Please note that pricing may have changed since this article was published. Visit the model page for the trailer you are interested in to view most up to date pricing).

Order a Reverse Load Horse Trailer Designed Specifically For You And Your Horse

If you’re searching for a new horse trailer, you likely have a list of features you want to have in your new trailer. Maybe you need extra storage space for your equipment and tack for your competitions or events. Maybe you want a special area for a mini-fridge in your living quarters horse trailer. Or maybe you need an onboard video camera system to monitor your young horses.

Whatever your special requests are, you can have them all custom-built by Double D Trailers. Safety is always our top priority - when working on a horse trailer design, our biggest concern is that each horse can be accessed individually in the case of an emergency. And since Double D Trailers custom design each trailer for each horse owner, each SafeTack horse trailer is unique.

Request a Quote Now