Welcome to Discount Scrapbooking

From the moment your horse steps inside a trailer to be transported, he's completely dependent on you, the horse proprietor, for his safety. As a sensible owner, this isn't anything to be taken lightly. It's vital that you make every effort to keep your horse safe and healthy while traveling.

When acquiring your trailer, make certain it's big enough for your horse. The average sized bumper pull trailer is typically 6 1/2 to 7 feet high. These trailers were designed for average size horses. If you own a larger horse, consider a bigger trailer that could give your horse adequate room.

Next, there are some things that can be done to make certain your existing trailer is safe. Check your floors underneath the trailer, especially when you have wood floors. Are they strong and secure? Next, make certain there's nothing on the interior of the trailer that could poke or scrape your horse. This is especially important to check in older, steel trailers.

After you have determined the trailer is safe, it's time to focus on the health and well-being of your horse. If you are planning on a long journey, you might want to provide electrolytes before the trip to help you prevent dehydration. This is above all necessary if you know your horse is really a nervous traveler. It's also wise to consider wrapping your horse's legs for a long journey. This prevents scrapes, nicks and different leg injuries. Finally, always remember to tie your horse with a quick release snap or knot. In case your horse gets tangled or trapped somehow, these mechanisms can be much easier to release.

But, the safety doesn't stop there. Make sure your horse and trailer are safe while on your way too. Double check to make sure your trailer is secured safely to your truck and regularly check your mirrors for a sign of problems. Consistently examining your horse at rest stops will be a good idea, but never take your horse outside of the trailer to let him eat the grass. Grass in these areas can often be treated with chemicals that could quickly poison your horse or cause serious colic. At that point, you might be miles away from any kind of veterinarian or other help. For lengthy trips, plan ahead of time for safe and sound stops to take your horse out like a vet, friend's home or community fairgrounds.

Should you doubt the basic safety of your trailer or your capacity to keep your horse secure while traveling, it's best not to go. Accidents affecting horse trailers tend to be severe and you may hurt others in addition to your horse. Produce a checklist before on trips to double check your safety measures and don't forget - safety first.