buying 2 horse trailer-questions

[80s rider]

I would like to buy a 2 horse trailer in the near future. Please tell me your experiences and preferences with ramp vs step up. Straight load vs slant load. Aluminum vs steel. etc. Thank you.

[fizzyfuzzybuzzy]

I prefer a ramp, as I've seen many a skinned shin from scraping it stepping out. It does take training with a ramp, teaching them to back out themselves when you tug on their tail, and being ok with the slight give of the ramp when they step on it.

I prefer a straight load to a slant for a two horse, but that's because I have really big horses (17.2hh and up draft crosses or warmbloods) and they tend to not fit in one stall. Plus, if you haul long distances, their left hind leg can get very tired and sore.

My favorite trailer is aluminum skin over steel frame. Steel is heavier, which can be nice as it tend to pull straighter and have less sway when the horses move/shift. But the aluminum skin is nice as it stays looking nice, no/little rust factor!

I also HIGHLY recommend a gooseneck over a bumper pull if you can get it. It takes a bit more to learn how to drive it, but totally worth it! Far less bounce for your horse!!

[asterix]

ditto the above all around. Also had to trailer more than one injured horse who would have had a hard time getting off a step, much easier with the ramp.

[horsetales]

I'm another ramp person along with aluminum over steel frame. I love my Adams 2 +1.

[Nancy]

I've had both and prefer the ramp along with straight load.

[ChocoMare]

I prefer a ramp, as I've seen many a skinned shin from scraping it stepping out. It does take training with a ramp, teaching them to back out themselves when you tug on their tail, and being ok with the slight give of the ramp when they step on it.

I prefer a straight load to a slant for a two horse, but that's because I have really big horses (17.2hh and up draft crosses or warmbloods) and they tend to not fit in one stall. Plus, if you haul long distances, their left hind leg can get very tired and sore.

My favorite trailer is aluminum skin over steel frame. Steel is heavier, which can be nice as it tend to pull straighter and have less sway when the horses move/shift. But the aluminum skin is nice as it stays looking nice, no/little rust factor!

I also HIGHLY recommend a gooseneck over a bumper pull if you can get it. It takes a bit more to learn how to drive it, but totally worth it! Far less bounce for your horse!!

Total ditto.

It's why I ordered an EquiBreeze from the fine folks at EquiSpirit. Ramp, straight load, 7' 8" high and 6' 8" wide. Plenty of room for my drafties.

Can't STAND slants..... if you have to get #1 horse off, you have to offload #2.

Can't STAND step-ups... I've seen horses go under. Not pretty.

[Lilykoi]

Absolutely agree with everything above.

[Simkie]

I'll be the lone voice of dissent--I prefer a step up.

My 2H GN straight load step up is awesome. I'm not sure if it's Al skin over steel, or all Al, though.

[2bee]

I prefer a step up. I also prefer a slant, I do not care to make a horse back out of a trailer.......ramp or not. Of course slants are sometimes not practical for larger horses. There is really no difference safety wise, we all know horses whove gone under step ups and off the side of ramps. Personally I have no use for the extra cost, maint, weight, hassel of a ramp.

We are always joking with some of our friends; they rider large H/J type horses, we rider smaller QH types. Their tall horses are the ones who need the ramps to get in the trailers :lol:

[chawley]

I prefer a straight load w/ a ramp. We used to have a six-horse step up, and it was very challening for some of the ponies to back off the trailer. Since, we've always had a ramp, and I've never had any issues training young horses to back down it.

[theoldgreymare]

I prefer a straight load with ramp, aluminum over steel. Unfortunately, I have a slant load, step up. If I have to take one of the big WB's to the clinic, I have to pull a divider out as they do not fit into the average slant load's stalls. The step up is difficult for some of our older horses or those with certain health issues. Ever try and get a horse with bi-lateral stringhalt in a step up? Not a fun time.....

[2DogsFarm]

I'm with ya Simkie!
I HATE my ramp :mad:
Weighs probably a metric ton and is just one more friggin' thing to maintain (gotta keep the hinges clean & oiled).

I've seen horses (my own) go under a stepup & I agree it is scary.
But I would still take a step any day over a ramp.

Notice that horses will tend to lower their heads when stepping into a trailer, where they will almost always raise them going up a ramp.

They then konk themselves, scramble down the ramp, repeat ad nauseum...

As for the rest, I'd take:
-Aluminum over steel - for weight & durability
-Straight over slant - for ease loading
-Dressing room over manger - for more & better storage

[doccer]

I REALLY like the straight load with the ramp. The ramp is spring-loaded, it's not heavy at all. And once horses are used to it (that's the disclaimer right there!! USED TO IT) they are calm and relaxed going in and out (My horse hated 'feeling around' for the step off and would continually try and rush out of the trailer if i wasn't paying attention... with the ramp, he's much more confident and we have no more rushing problems). Also, just personally, horse didn't like to 'self-load' with the stepup trailer... and with the ramp, he casually walks up all on his own.

That said ramps can be dangerous (falling off the edge, when horses are learning to load) BUT step ups can be too (legs goin underneath). Pick your evil i guess...

I have a '97 sundowner 777 (wb) size, and have NEVER had a horse refuse to go in. There's a ton of room and lots of light. Actually, horses are fairly content to hang out in my trailer with the side door open, munching on hay. I LOVE IT! IT WILL NOT BE SOLD UNLESS TO UPGRADE TO A 4 HORSE STRAIGHT STALL CENTER LOAD :D lol In 30 years haha

As for travelling straight/slant trailers... Any long trip will take its toll on a horse (muscle fatigue, mental, etc) your choice, cuz people will tell you, the best way for a horse to travel is loose in a stock trailer ;)

What is really important is - good ventilation, lots of space, safety, and the amount of light... I've never really seen a big airy slant load (altho i'm sure they're out there :) ) just for me personally! you'll figure out what you want... I like the hybrid, steel/alum... lighter than steel, and tougher than all alum...

2 thumbs up for straight load w/ramp :D

http://www.sundownertrailer.com/trailers/horse/bumper_pull/straight_load/sunLite_777

This is the trailer (i looked for 2 years before deciding on new)... and i have the one with the tack room :D

[Fancy That]

I prefer a ramp, as I've seen many a skinned shin from scraping it stepping out. It does take training with a ramp, teaching them to back out themselves when you tug on their tail, and being ok with the slight give of the ramp when they step on it.

I prefer a straight load to a slant for a two horse, but that's because I have really big horses (17.2hh and up draft crosses or warmbloods) and they tend to not fit in one stall. Plus, if you haul long distances, their left hind leg can get very tired and sore.

My favorite trailer is aluminum skin over steel frame. Steel is heavier, which can be nice as it tend to pull straighter and have less sway when the horses move/shift. But the aluminum skin is nice as it stays looking nice, no/little rust factor!

I also HIGHLY recommend a gooseneck over a bumper pull if you can get it. It takes a bit more to learn how to drive it, but totally worth it! Far less bounce for your horse!!

Ditto. I love my ramp - but it's a GOOD ONE. There's a huge difference. I can open and close it with ONE HAND. It lowers iteself, slowly and SAFELY. It's also a VERY LOW RAMP...not steep at all.

Always get a trailer BIGGER than what you think you need. 7'6" minimum inside height. And I'm feeling the downside of having a slant/stock combo. The slant stalls were fine for my normal sized horses, but the length is a problem for the draft.

My 'stalls' are extra wide at I think 50" too. But it's physically impossible for a very large horse to lower his head/neck comfortably in standard slants.

If you must get one, get an 8' wide trailer so the slants can be "longer slanted"

Better yet - straight load. Or a 2+1. I'd get a 2+1 if I could do it over again.

thankfully my trailer converts from a 2.5 horse slant, to a 1 slant + large box big enough for two horses in the box, as long as one of them is small. OR open it all up to a stock trailer.

And yes - Gooseneck all the way.

Love the 2+1 that was suggested here - by EquiSpirit

[AKB]

I love my 2 horse Sundowner straight load. It has a big ramp that is not slippery. The ramp is very light, so I can lift it with one hand. The Sundowner has lots of room so horses ride well in it. My neighbor's horse gives her a hard time about loading, and then kicks repeatedly when she puts him in her trailer. He walks right into my Sundowner and rides quietly.

[lizathenag]

steel
step up
slant
many paths up the mountain

I love my trails west sierra 2002 with dressing room. I pull it with a f-250

[Icecapade]

hate a ramp... hate hate hate hate hate- my horse jumps into the trailer... step up or not I bought a ramp because my friend was selling it and I got it for 600 bucks and it works. I hate it. I am not sure I can convert it either but yeah... I hate the ramp. I also let him ride loose so its akward to catch said horse before the ramp comes down, never an issue with a step down.

I prefer goosenecks because they are easier to drive and back, but if you really dont' want anything but bare bones a goose neck two horse is a bit much. I don't have living quarters or even a dressing room (my trailer is from 1980 *-* I love it for what it is really) but, I don't travel much and I don't show- used to do endurance so roughing it is just how things worked. shrug.

I love stock trailers, but have worked with slants, slants are great for easy going horses... they aren't as good for anything w/ an attitude or for people who don't have good nerves. Currently my little thing is a straight loader- center divider removed. Having easy access regardless of the situation (if the trailer is on its side can you get to all the horses or just one?) is always nice. I have a suicide door that my little 13 hander could crawl through so I'm very careful about opening it up but I'm super glad its there in case anything happens and it allows me to check his sides or even get in there if I need too (dangerous obviously but sometimes you have to do what you gotta do)

yeah step up is my choice- gooseneck is good too. If you can afford a full tack GREAT and or dressing room kudo's to you... thats a big perk for me that I'll be excited about upgrading too when I can afford it!

[GallopHer]

My older gelding is very head shy and he absolutely will not load with a ramp. As a previous poster mentioned, a ramp will cause the horse's head to go up. Because the horse will lower his head as he steps up, I feel that this style trailer is much safer. I've never seen an injury with a step up (knock on wood), but I have seen many scraped legs as a horse has slipped off the side of a ramp while unloading at an angle from a slant load trailer.

Did I say I also prefer a straight load? I want easy access to both of my horses.

[Foxtrot's]

The RCMP did studies since they travel all over with their horses. They used heart rate monitors, vitals, and I think blood and/or urine tests. The horses preferred: hauling backwards best, next on the angle, and lastly straight haul.

When I have trailered loose, my horses have ended up on an angle, or facing backwards.
So, I go with an angle haul since it seems they like it best, and I like the ease of step-up for me. Never had a problem loading, or unloading.

[Icecapade]

The RCMP did studies since they travel all over with their horses. They used heart rate monitors, vitals, and I think blood and/or urine tests. The horses preferred: hauling backwards best, next on the angle, and lastly straight haul.

When I have trailered loose, my horses have ended up on an angle, or facing backwards.
So, I go with an angle haul since it seems they like it best, and I like the ease of step-up for me. Never had a problem loading, or unloading.

I heard about that study after watching 3 or 4 of our horse's chose in our little two horse to turn around. Partly because they could reach the hay strapped to the whell well fender dealio... funny as hell to see horse's head just peaking around the side to grab hay!

now unless its a curvey road or there is a second horse... I haul lose... my boy just pokes his head out the top and is happy as a pig in pig shit. I laugh cause I can see people slow up on the fast lane and take pictures and stuff... as if I don't see them! :lol::lol:

[horsepoor]

I'm shopping for a 2-horse trailer right now and pretty much have brand/model picked out. I prefer straight-load, having used both in the past. Plus, I need a warmblood-size, and the straights just have better dimensions from what I've been looking at. I prefer a ramp -- but there is a big difference among trailers in the size of the ramp and how it works. It has to be long enough that it isn't too steep (saw one at a barn the other day that I pointed out to my SO as what we did NOT want -- the ramp was short, the trailer high up, so the ramp was way too steep and unsteady). And I check out how easy it is for ME to put the ramp up and down as I'm not that strong and I will be doing it on my own a lot of the time.
With a 2-horse, the difference in weight between steel and aluminum isn't that great, so that has been less of a factor in my decision. But the one that I like (because it just seems to be the best for me in terms of design and construction quality) is an alum skin over steel frame. Now I just have to find it (missed out on a used one this winter due to the snow here and just hoping another one shows up soon!).

[jn4jenny]

The RCMP did studies since they travel all over with their horses. They used heart rate monitors, vitals, and I think blood and/or urine tests. The horses preferred: hauling backwards best, next on the angle, and lastly straight haul.

I would bet good money that this research applied to trailers without built-in shock absorption systems. It would make perfect sense that horses would prefer hauling backwards if they needed to brace themselves.

I come from another trailer universe entirely since I own a Brenderup (built-in suspension system, 7'4" height, 5' ramp with hydraulic springs that's easy to put up and down and is long enough for the horse to put all four feet on the ramp at once), but I recognize that the B'up is not for everyone. If I were advising someone about a general trailer purchase, I'd advise most folks to buy a tall 2-horse stock trailer with ramp, removable straight load divider, and plexiglas for the windows (for winter hauling). My next-favorite trailer besides the Brenderup is the 8-foot-tall gooseneck aluminum trailer by 4-Star.

[Kota]

I own a 2007 Adam 2 horse BP 14ft "special". It's a straight load, step up stock trailer with a divider and tack room. I LOVE my trailer. I'm gonna say it again...I LOVE MY TRAILER! And better yet, my BelgianX loves this trailer. She does wear shipping boots, because i've also seen a horse skin its legs coming off a trailer- but it was from the ramp! My horse loves to "exit left" when coming off the trailer, with the step-up I dont have to worry about her walking off the side of the ramp.

It's also an all steel trailer, but only weighs 2850lbs. Which is far less than the aluminum skinned one my friend was looking at.

[shawneeAcres]

I prant load step up. Slant loads give the horse a sense of more room while loading and a slant is the natural way for a horse to stand if given the chance. They are more versatile trailers as well, very easy for me to remove dividers in my slant load aluminum if needed for a foal or if I want a horse to have a lot of room and two stalls. I HATE HATE HATE ramps, no matter how weel the srpings are they are HEAVY. many horses don't like the hollow sound of steping onto a ramp. My trailer is an old aluminum (1984) Sooner. THe durn thing will last forever I think! Unfortunately that aluminum used in todays trailers does not seem to be as think and durable as it was at that time.

[unclewiggly]

There is actually research available that shows, horse are more tired and muscle fatigued after riding in a slant load than straight load.
I do not like step up, to easy for a horse to slip and get a leg under and unloading when the step down backwards just asking for an injury.

I am on my second Hawke, can't say enough good things about the trailer:yes:

Anyone who was looking for a new trailer or had a bad loader ride in my trailer got themselves a Hawke.

[mothermucker12]

straight load/ramp...i've only had BP, so can't really comment on that

[Icecapade]

I prant load step up. Slant loads give the horse a sense of more room while loading and a slant is the natural way for a horse to stand if given the chance. They are more versatile trailers as well, very easy for me to remove dividers in my slant load aluminum if needed for a foal or if I want a horse to have a lot of room and two stalls. I HATE HATE HATE ramps, no matter how weel the srpings are they are HEAVY. many horses don't like the hollow sound of steping onto a ramp. My trailer is an old aluminum (1984) Sooner. THe durn thing will last forever I think! Unfortunately that aluminum used in todays trailers does not seem to be as think and durable as it was at that time.


Ummmm i might have to have to disagree... a stock is more flexible than a slant. I always find the slant to be the least forgiving with different horses and sizes and comforts.

Still agree.... HATE ramps! (don't worry mine is still going strong too so i have no justification for selling the damn thing... I want to convert it to a step up but don't have the funds yet! oh well!)

[MunchkinsMom]

I'm on my second 2 horse straight load BP with a ramp. Just bought a Shadow Stablemate all aluminum trailer, and the ramp is light enough to lift with one hand, not steep,with a lovely carpet type material (sort of like the hook side of velcro) that is totally non-slip, even when wet.

I've used both ramp and step ups, prefer the ramp.