Expert Scott Hassler

Questions (For answers, scroll down or click on question)

We are looking to purchase our first horse. She needs to be sedated to ride in a small trailer. What is the best and safest way to do this?

We are shipping three horses to France (a 4 year old WB gelding, a large pony, and a WB we do not know yet). Our gelding has limited trailering experience, although we have been loading him weekly and driving 1/2 hour trips for the last month. He will load with some gentle persuasion, but is still fairly tense when the trailer travels noisily and over bumps. The pony is pushy with other horses and we will only meet the WB at the airport for the second flight. Do you have any advice with regard to safe long-lasting tranquilizers we could use to keep the horses comfortable and quiet over the two long flights? 

I have a 3 year old quarterhorse gelding, 16 1/2H. He refuses to trailer after falling down in one last year. How should I go about easing him back into trailering?

We are going to look at a horse that is 8 hours away. If we decide to purchase it, we were considering trailering it ourselves back home, but friends suggested having a professional do it, since we've never done it before. What do you suggest? If we do it, how often should we stop and should we keep them in the trailer or walk them out?

Are there any special techniques which should be used in putting a horse into a horsebox when he has refused and reared at every attempt made?

Where do we find horse camping areas or horse hotels from Portland, Oregon to Sterling, Colorado?

What legislation and documentation is required when importing and exporting horses?

My horse will load (with some assistance from the trainer) and will stand on the trailer and eat hay, but when we put up the butt bar, he freaks out (busts through the bar, kicks out, etc.). He is a 6 year old Hungarian/TBX, 16H, and has been under saddle for 2 years. I am trying to load him on a 2 horse trailer. Our idea was to ace him 2.5 cc, move the divider to one side, close the tailgate and take him for a ride time and again until he is OK and realizes nothing bad will happen to him in there. Any other ideas?

My horse has no problem getting into the trailer, however appears to suffer from temper tantrums or anxiety once in there, mostly when the trailer is not moving. He is 2 years old and probably trailered about 5 times in his life before these problems). He rears and has broken one window already. The trailer is quite "enclosed", 2 horse angle haul, and I don't use the partition. Any ideas on how to get him over this?

Loading our horse is a problem after we got him to the trainer's. First time the trainer tried to load him, he caught his halter and now the trainer can't seem to get him loaded. Any ideas?

I just purchased a used horse trailer and would like to get some advice on backing and manipulating a two horse trailer.

What kind of horse trailer do you suggest for someone with an F150 4x4 who is looking short term to pull 2 mares to shows and to trails, then long term to move mares and foals to inspections? (Keep price, mud, turning, and highway driving stability in mind!)

What is involved with importing a horse from Germany (i.e., length of stay in quarantine, etc)?

What would you advise for transporting a 10 month old colt...I do not want to risk injury during transportation by leaving him untied in an open area of the trailer, but I'm afraid that he will fight being tied in the trailer and cause injury to himself.

Do you know of any trailer manufacturer that makes 2 horse (side loading) goosenecks where the horses face toward the back?  And do you have any suggestions specific to this kind of design?

I would like to buy a truck (short bed/extended cab) and a two horse trailer.  Do you have suggestions on how I can research this: reviews, types of trailer designs, safety issues.  What's the necessary rating for pulling a horse trailer?  What are the smallest trucks that can safely do the job?

My 4 month old filly refused to back out of her trainer's slant trailer.  She seemed to know she could turn around and walk out forward and refused (and I mean refused) to back out.  We worked for 2 hours.  Any suggestions?

I live in Kansas and need to ship horses to Australia.  How do I go about it?

Can you tell me if any scientific research has been done about the best way to transport a horse, i.e., facing backwards, sideways, etc?

I am moving from Washington state to Oklahoma and heard about motels, hotels, and campsites, that allow horses. Can you give me any information?

What's the minimum trailer height for a 15.3 H horse?

My mare has always been nervous when trailered. Last time, however, she tried to kick her way out and managed to batter both the trailer and herself. I've been afraid to trailer her since. How can I keep her from kicking in the trailer?

My horse trailer ramp currently has a thin ribbed rubber mat which is very slippery when wet.  What can I replace it with that is safer?

We have 3 horses but never ship more than two. What kind of trailer do you recommend? Do you think a gooseneck is safer?

Do you know of any web sites that show horse friendly motels/hotels or stables that will overnight horses?

I need to haul my two mares over 1500 miles. How often should I stop to let them rest? For how long a stop?

What do I need to consider when buying a vehicle to use for trailering my horses?

How big a truck or trailer do you recommend for a 1,500 mile trip, going through the mountains?

I'm looking for a first trailer and have seen the Brenderup ads. I got their literature and read everything I could find on the web. Sounds like they are a very comfortable ride for two horses and can be pulled (supposedly) by lighter trucks like my 4Runner. Have you found anything good or bad with these odd-looking trailers -- especially regarding the protective strength of the light weight trailer? 

Questions and Answers

Q: What kind of horse trailer do you suggest for someone with an F150 4x4 who is looking short term to pull 2 mares to shows and to trails, then long term to move mares and foals to inspections?  (Keep price, mud, turning, and highway driving stability in mind!)

A: It sounds like a 4-horse gooseneck trailer would suit best. A 4-horse because you make box stalls for mares and foals to accommodate your needs. I would suggest calling a trailer dealer to explain all makes and models to you. They are generally very good and informative.

Q: What is involved with importing a horse from Germany (i.e., length of stay in quarantine, etc)?

A:

A horse under the age of two	has a standard 2-3 days of quarantine.  A gelding of any age also has this same procedure.
A mare over the age of two	must go through 2-3 days quarantine, then be trailered to an official approved quarantine site.  There she must remain approximately 20-25 days.
A stallion over the age of two	must also go through 2-3 days quarantine, then be transported to an official quarantine station and cover-breed two mares and have washings.   The approximate length of stay is 30-40 days.
Cost varies at different sites.

Q: What would you advise for transporting a 10 month old colt.  (A few months ago I had worked with him on tying.  I work with him frequently, but recently have not tied him.  When I tried to reintroduce him to tying he fought it and broke a halter.  I am concerned that it will be difficult to trailer him next month.  He is 14.1 H and is full of energy these days.)  I do not want to risk injury during transportation by leaving him untied in an open area of the trailer, but I'm afraid that he will fight being tied in the trailer and cause injury to himself.

A: When we ship our youngsters, they go in a box stall.   Normally we take a short trip or two with a groom in the trailer to watch and prevent a problem.  This usually goes very well and then they can be shipped a long distance without stress.  If you do not want to tie them, which I would agree with, this is clearly the safest way.  We hope this is helpful and wish you well shipping your 10 month colt. 

Q: Do you know of any trailer manufacturer that makes 2 horse (side loading) goosenecks where the horses face toward the back?  And do you have any suggestions specific to this kind of design?

A: I have not seen a gooseneck or any two horse trailer with this design.  My recommendation is for you to contact a trailer manufacturer who specializes in custom trailers.  They should be able to suggest some ideas. 

Q: I would like to buy a truck (short bed/extended cab) and a two horse trailer.  Do you have suggestions on how I can research this: reviews, types of trailer designs, safety issues.  What's the necessary rating for pulling a horse trailer?  What are the smallest trucks that can safely do the job?

A: With a 2 horse trailer, any light weight, full size pickup would be fine (Ford, Chevy, or Dodge).  Obviously, the heavier the truck, the safer and longer lasting it will be.  The best of both worlds would be a 250 series.   Adding sway bars to the bumper hitch adds a lot of stability also. 

Q: My 4 month old filly refused to back out of her trainer's slant trailer.  She seemed to know she could turn around and walk out forward and refused (and I mean refused) to back out.  We worked for 2 hours.  Any suggestions?

A: Try to back her in the barn area, in a paddock, in the arena, etc.  Try going over ground posts, down a bank, down a small step, or whatever object she may see as scary.  Keep practicing a few times with different objects.   She should learn to back this way, comfortably.  Then try going to the trailer and see if she backs nicely. 

Q: I live in Kansas and need to ship horses to Australia.  How do I go about it?

A: Look in the back of horse magazines such as "The Chronicle" and "Horse Play", under horse shipping or transportation.  Look for import and export agents.  They will inform you of all details. 

Q: Can you tell me if any scientific research has been done about the best way to transport a horse, i.e., facing backwards, sideways, etc?

A: I am not aware of any scientific research on horse shipping. I recommend asking several shipping companies what they prefer and comparing their opinions. 

Q: I am moving from Washington state to Oklahoma and heard about motels, hotels, and campsites, that allow horses. Can you give me any information?

A: You can get a listing of campsites from the American Driving Society, P. O. Box 160, Metamora, Mi 48455, Ph: 810-664-8666 or Fax: 810-664-2405.  Ask for the issue of "The Whip" with campsites listed. 

Q: What's the minimum trailer height for a 15.3 H horse?

A: My suggestion would be 6'8"-7', but I would recommend calling a trailer dealership and ask their advice.  

Q: My mare has always been nervous when trailered. Last time, however, she tried to kick her way out and managed to batter both the trailer and herself. I've been afraid to trailer her since. How can I keep her from kicking in the trailer?

A: Many things could factor in to your mare not behaving well. Check with the past owners (if any). Perhaps she had a bad experience or likes to travel a certain way, i.e. facing forward or facing backwards. Check your trailer over, is your trailer large enough and in good condition, nothing scaring her, etc. My last suggestion is to take her for a short trailer ride and go in the trailer with her to observe what is going on. Then seek local help from a friend or professional. 

Q: My horse trailer ramp currently has a thin ribbed rubber mat which is very slippery when wet.  What can I replace it with that is safer?

A: A very thick artificial carpet works well or throw down shavings on your existing mat. 

Q: We have 3 horses but never ship more than two. What kind of trailer do you recommend? Do you think a gooseneck is safer?

A: In general, a gooseneck trailer is much more stable on the road. However, for hauling just two horses, a bumper pull trailer is fine. To add the best stability, sway bars are a good way to go. Also, the vehicle you are pulling the trailer with makes a big difference. 

Q: Do you know of any web sites that show horse friendly motels/hotels or stables that will overnight horses?

A: Yes, you can look at www.horsetravel.com.  They also publish a great Horse Travel Guide. 

Q: I need to haul my two mares over 1500 miles. How often should I stop to let them rest? For how long a stop?

A: There are many different opinions, some people believe in traveling 8 hours then resting overnight, continuing 8-10 hours again and resting overnight. At Hilltop, we have always traveled straight through. We normally stop every 4-5 hours to check the horses, water them, fill hay bags, given them apples or carrots (especially if they do not drink). For a long trip, like you are referring to, add at least one long stop during your trip, about 1 - 1 1/2 hours so the horses can really relax. Then continue stopping every 4 hours for about 15-30 minutes. 

Q: What do I need to consider when buying a vehicle to use for trailering my horses?

A: Most important is a comfortable size for your horse. Tall enough, wide enough, and long enough.  I also look for a trailer that doesn't make a lot of noise such as rattling, loose pieces vibrating, etc. Noise can really upset horses. Then establish the best pulling vehicle for the trailer and your uses. 

Q: How big a truck or trailer do you recommend for a 1,500 mile trip, going through the mountains?

A: Mostly depends on size of your horses. The trailer should be high enough and long enough for the horses to be comfortable. After establishing the size trailer and weight of your horses, you can find the vehicle best suited to pull it. 

Q: I'm looking for a first trailer and have seen the Brenderup ads. I got their literature and read everything I could find on the web. Sounds like they are a very comfortable ride for two horses and can be pulled (supposedly) by lighter trucks like my 4Runner. Have you found anything good or bad with these odd-looking trailers -- especially regarding the protective strength of the light weight trailer? 

A: These trailers are used very much in Europe and I have used them there a lot hauling two horses and pulled by a Nissan Pathfinder. They seem to be quite durable. One drawback is that they are not too good in the wind! 

Q: I just purchased a used horse trailer and would like to get some advice on backing and manipulating a two horse trailer.

A: Best advice would be to find a friend locally to help you learn to turn and back a trailer. Does not have to be someone experienced with horse trailers - any trailer experience would help. 

Q: Loading our horse is a problem after we got him to the trainer's. First time the trainer tried to load him, he caught his halter and now the trainer can't seem to get him loaded. Any ideas?

A: Spend time to rebuild your horse's confidence. After getting him loaded, instead of driving off, load and unload him several times. Do this a couple of days in a row until it is easy and your horse is willing. Take your time and patience to get this accomplished. Sometimes just putting him on the trailer, feeding him a meal, and then taking him off might be good. 

Q: My horse has no problem getting into the trailer, however appears to suffer from temper tantrums or anxiety once in there, mostly when the trailer is not moving. He is 2 years old and probably trailered about 5 times in his life before these problems). He rears and has broken one window already. The trailer is quite "enclosed", 2 horse angle haul, and I don't use the partition. Any ideas on how to get him over this?

A: After some exercise such as turn-out, lunging, etc., put him on the trailer and feed him lunch or dinner, then unload him. Do this a few times so that the trailer is not new or scary to him.

Q: My horse will load (with some assistance from the trainer) and will stand on the trailer and eat hay, but when we put up the butt bar, he freaks out (busts through the bar, kicks out, etc.). He is a 6 year old Hungarian/TBX, 16H, and has been under saddle for 2 years. I am trying to load him on a 2 horse trailer. Our idea was to ace him 2.5 cc, move the divider to one side, close the tailgate and take him for a ride time and again until he is OK and realizes nothing bad will happen to him in there. Any other ideas?

A: I really do not have any other quick fix ideas other than ones that I have already talked about in this section. Hopefully your idea will work and he will ship quietly. 

Q: What legislation and documentation is required when importing and exporting horses?

A: Best advice on this would be to contact some import-export companies directly, such as, Dutta Corporation, Alex Nichols, Bill Barnes, or Jet Pets, Inc. They can help you out directly. Many of their numbers are listed in the classified section of magazines.

Q: Where do we find horse camping areas or horse hotels from Portland, Oregon to Sterling, Colorado?

A: I recommend using the 2000 Equine Directory and Stabling Guide published by Record Stockman, Inc., Wheat Ridge, CO, website: www.recordstockman.com.

Q: Are there any special techniques which should be used in putting a horse into a horsebox when he has refused and reared at every attempt made?

A: I would suggest one of two things. Rent or purchase a video from John Lyons on loading an unloading. Or, search for a local trainer/horseman who could assist you to figure this out.

Q: We are going to look at a horse that is 8 hours away. If we decide to purchase it, we were considering trailering it ourselves back home, but friends suggested having a professional do it, since we've never done it before. What do you suggest? If we do it, how often should we stop and should we keep them in the trailer or walk them out?

A: If the horse is used to being trailered, I think you would be fine to trailer yourself. I suggest that you stop every 3-4 hours and check the hay bag and water. We do not take our horses off the trailer as it is often too dangerous. If the horse is not used to trailering, then I would recommend hiring a professional.

Q: I have a 3 year old quarterhorse gelding, 16 1/2H. He refuses to trailer after falling down in one last year. How should I go about easing him back into trailering?

A: See your local tack shop for the video by John Lyons which covers trailer loading. This will be very helpful. Once you can get him on the trailer, try loading him and feeding him there, then unloading without traveling anywhere. Do this several times to build his confidence.

Q: We are shipping three horses to France (a 4 year old WB gelding, a large pony, and a WB we do not know yet). Our gelding has limited trailering experience, although we have been loading him weekly and driving 1/2 hour trips for the last month. He will load with some gentle persuasion, but is still fairly tense when the trailer travels noisily and over bumps. The pony is pushy with other horses and we will only meet the WB at the airport for the second flight. Do you have any advice with regard to safe long-lasting tranquilizers we could use to keep the horses comfortable and quiet over the two long flights? We previously use a single injection of Ace IM on a TB gelding that was 9 and a very experienced traveler. It was suggested that we use oral tranquilizers, repeated as necessary of the injectable Ace. We would really appreciate knowing as much as possible on the subject, prior to discussing it with out vet.

A: Each horse will have different needs for overseas shipping. Your vet, who knows your horses personally should be in the best position to discuss options for you. A good idea would be to have your vet speak directly with the shipping company you will be using.

Q: We are looking to purchase our first horse. She needs to be sedated to ride in a small trailer. What is the best and safest way to do this?

A: The safest way to sedate your horse would be to have your vet come out prior to attempting to load your mare and have the vet administer a tranquilizer. Dosage, location of the shot (IV or IM), and type of sedation used vary with each situation and horse. If your mare will need to be sedated for future trips, your vet will give you specific instructions.