8 things that will make your horse love your trailer

Choosing the right trailer is important — for both you and your horses. A poorly-designed trailer can cause problems for you and your horses. When purchasing a trailer, one of the most important things is to choose a trailer your horse will like, will feel safe in and will feel comfortable riding in. Here are eight things trailer experts recommend to look for if you want your horse to love your trailer:

1. Large, sturdy drop down windows with safety bars. Horses love fresh air, light and being able to see out. Plus, drop down windows make it easier to give your horse food and water when stopped.

2. Good ventilation. You want to keep lots of air circulating around your horses, especially when hot, to keep them comfortable and relaxed.

3. Nice, roomy interior and stalls. I like trailers to be at least seven feet wide, eight feet is even better. Stalls should be wide enough so you don't "squeeze" the horse.

4. Bright, open interior. Horses are a bit claustrophobic, so the brighter and more open your trailer is, the more your horse will like it.

5. Easy step-up. Some trailers are just too high, and that makes it tough for a horse to step up and down. Well-designed trailers offer a lower, easier step-up height.

6. A strong, shock absorbing suspension. Well-designed and placed rubber torsion axles will give your horse a much smoother, relaxing ride.

7. Top quality floor mats. Well-cushioned floor mats are very important for the comfort and safety of your horse. They absorb shock, give your horse a non-slip surface, and make the ride a lot more enjoyable.

8. Strong, safe dividers. A "nippy" horse can make a trailer trip unpleasant for the horses next to it. Make sure you get a trailer with strong dividers with a large, safe head divider.

When you're looking for a trailer, look for one with all of these features. Your horse will love you for it!