Re: tying in a trailer

["Linda S. Flemmer" <bluwolf@earthlink.net>]

Chris Paus wrote:
> 
> I've always preferred not to tie in a trailer in case of a wreck. I'd hate
> for my horse's neck to be snapped or for him to be unable to escape because
> he's tied in. 

Why would you want him to get free after a trailer wreck along a ROAD? 
I'd like to release him under controllable circumstances

I hate to be morbid about this, but we asked a large animal emergency
rescue-trained squad's opinion about what we could do to best protect or
later help our horses after a wreck when trailering.  We were told to:

1)  NEVER get in a wreck!!!
2)  Tie the horses so they are not thrown out, hit by trailer or other
cars, etc.
3)  Inspect all of the trailer regularly for safety (goes back to #1 -
no wrecks!)
4)  For first aid/after wreck care...  Bring a gun.

They said that they could count on one hand the number of horses who
could have been helped with first aid at an owner's disposal.  They were
also called occasionally for horses who were "stuck" in the trailer. 
They were usually untied in the box and got themselves wedged, or they
tried to turn around to back out.

When we trailer, we tie loosely, offer free choice hay, water every 2-3
hours, and try to keep trips to 8 hours or less per day when practical. 
We trailer alot to get to endurance rides in our area (NE), and we've
never yet had an accident - I hope that it stays that way.

Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Ranch
Bruceton Mills, WV