Re: "Quarter Horse" Trailer

[Susan Evans Garlinghouse <suendavid@worldnet.att.net>]

Hi Anne,

We bought a QH size trailer a few years ago so that we didn't have to
drag out the full-size rig just to go train.  We also sold it again
within a year.  Although most of our horses "fit", yes, the TB did not,
and there was alot more scrambling going on with the Arabs as well.  I
think they just couldnt spread their feet enough fore and aft (or
sideways as well) to get good balance.  If I took out the center divider
so one horse could ride diagonal, they were fine, but only one horse at
a time wasn't very helpful to us.  Also, once when someone cut in front
of me and I had to slam on the brakes to stop, I found boos-boos on
noses from where noses had slammed into the far front of the
trailer---not surprising when even standing still, their heads are
halfway over the manger portion.  Thirdly, after working for several
years at an equine surgical hospital, now I strongly prefer trailers
long enough so there is plenty of room behind their butts when
loaded---I'll ride briefly in someone's else's if forced to, but would
never buy one myself that was less than TB size, even for the arabs. 
Too many times at the clinic we had horribly injured horses, including
brand-new babies, that had tumbled out the back when leaning on the back
door, the back door sprung open and onto the highway they came (despite
butt chains, which had either broken or they'd fallen and slipped
under).  The comments from the owners was always to the effect, "I
didn't think it was a problem leaning on the back door".

Anyway, these are only my own experiences and opinions.  Good luck,
whatever you decide. :-)

Susan Garlinghouse

Anne Kusmich wrote:
> 
> Quick question ...
> 
> I have the opportunity to purchase a "quarter horse" size trailer.  I
> will be going to look at it tomorrow.  I have been warned by a few
> people that my peruvian paso will fit fine, but my thoroughbred may not.
> He is almost 80 inches long and l5.3 hands.
> 
> If anyone has any info on the size of this type trailer and if its
> feasible for my TB to fit into it, I would appreciate hearing from you.
> It is being sold at a steal, so that is why I am considering it.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Annie K
> 
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