Mounted search and rescue

["IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

There are many published studies on how stressful it is for a horse to be hauled.  Some say it is because they are top heavy, others because they can’t see and anticipate what is going on.  If it is claustrophobia then why do people haul in fully enclosed trailers with the doors closed?

I have found some things work better than others.  First, use an automatic transmission and cruise control.  Make sure the trailer brake controller is set properly.

In a stock trailer close the inside divider if you are not packed in and safety it with a rope or shackle. Some horses tend to put their body up against the trailer structure for

stability and having the door closed and tied off makes this easier and keeps anything stowed in the other half separated, whether it is another horse or gear.

Make sure the trailer rides level when loaded.  Adjust the hitch as needed.  Use an equalizer for bumper pulls and a snubber for all hitches. Check the spring loads and shocks, making sure that horse movement during the ride doesn’t rock the trailer more than the road does. 

 

Look at the roads you will be traveling over.  Consider their condition and shape.  Roads with high crowns mean the trailer will be tilted one way or the other, usually left side high, and may bottom out at intersections or rail crossings.  Consider driving down the center of such roads to level out the trailer, especially if there is any reduction in traction that may let it slide down the “hill”.  Driving with your headlights on full and markers lit will also help when loaded.  If legal in your area you may also want to have rotating or flashing identification lights on the roof of the tow vehicle so traffic control personnel can see you and route you through without stopping in exhaust fumes.

 

Finally, consider lining the trailer with plywood (3/4” or more) on the sides and doors.  Many trailers are just sheet metal or fiberglass panels today to save weight.

Lining the trailer prevents the horse from kicking a hole or otherwise penetrating the sidewalls or doors which can be fatal if a hoof gets caught.  Also consider using stall

mats on the deck.  You may have to install a lip to keep them from sliding out the back of a stock unit but most ramps will hold them when closed.  The heavy stall mat

can be removed for wash down of the mat and deck and if the deck fails will protect the hoof and leg for a while until you stop.    

 

And remember to inspect your trailer for proper, safe operation and coupling.  Not all states require trailers to be inspected by a licensed mechanic or DMV station.

New Jersey doesn’t ever inspect, Maryland only when sold through a dealer, Pennsylvania annually if the unit has a gross weight of 3000 pounds or more.  Check your local rules.  Getting stopped for expired registration or inspection can really make your day, especially if some cop wants to write the citation and impound the trailer while you are between the evacuation zone and final safe haven on your own.

Irv Lichtenstein

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From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of ALLEN SNYDER
Sent: Sunday, July 03, 2011 1:18 AM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: [MSAR] Loading practice for evacuation, vet emergencies etc.