When loading and transporting a horse, it is vital to ensure safety and protect them from any dangers on the road. There are many horse floats for sale with different components that can help keep the horse safe and comfortable. Here are some of the essential features that the horse float must have.

What Makes a Good Horse Float?

Before loading a horse into the trailer and setting out on the road, the horse float must meet safety requirements.

Good Ventilation

Proper ventilation is vital for horse floats, especially during the summer. Sufficient airflow in the horse float can help maintain a comfortable environment for the horses while travelling on the road. It also lessens the risk of overheating or respiratory issues in the horse due to poor air quality.

To ensure proper ventilation, look for a horse float with adequate windows, vents, and roof openings. These ventilation features enable fresh air to enter the horse float while expelling stale air, dust, and fumes. The placement of these ventilation features must be strategically positioned to ensure consistent airflow throughout the horse float.

Sufficient Size and Space Requirements

To ensure the horse's comfort and safety when using a horse float, it is also essential to consider size and space requirements. Larger horses may require more space to accommodate their size comfortably.

When loading a horse into the horse float, they must have enough room to spread their legs and maintain stability during travel on the road. This wide stance of the horse's legs enables them to adjust their weight and balance themselves while the horse floats. 

Moreover, a safe horse float must have a wide-open loading area that gives both the handler and the horse sufficient room to load and unload safely. It is not recommended to buy a horse float with a narrow opening that makes it challenging for the horse to go through.

Sturdy Build and Construction of a Horse Float

To ensure safety, it is also vital to prioritise the construction and durability of the horse trailer and its components. Opting for a sturdy build helps ensure the horse float's structural integrity and enables it to withstand any bumps that can be encountered while on the road. 

A horse trailer made of high-quality materials like steel or aluminium offers excellent strength and resilience. Moreover, it is essential to consider the horse float's overall design and construction aspects. Look for reinforcements in horse float parts like the frame, floor, and sidewalls. A sufficiently designed horse float has properly inflated tyres, sturdy safety chains, and cross members that offer sufficient support and stability.

Powerful Braking System

One of the horse float safety features is a responsive and efficient braking system. A well-designed braking system offers better control, helps prevent accidents, and provides a secure journey for the horses.

When buying a horse float, consider prioritising the correct size truck and braking system that is compatible with the horse float. Whether it is hydraulic or electric brakes, having a brake system plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of the handlers and the horses. It is also helpful to include spare tyres in maintenance routines to be prepared for any unexpected situations when transporting horses.

Strong Interior Dividers 

It is vital to have strong interior dividers within the horse float to prevent the horses from shifting their weight or getting tangled during transit. This feature helps minimise the chances of the horses rubbing or cutting themselves while being transported. 

Horse Float Safety Tips 

Using horse floats safely is vital to ensure the well-being of the horses and the handlers. Here are some of the helpful safety tips to consider when utilising horse floats to transport horses from one place to another.

Perform Regular Maintenance for the Horse Float

One of the helpful tips to ensure horse float safety is to regularly inspect the float parts for any indications of wear and tear, such as rust, loose bolts in a bar, or damaged flooring. Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that the lights, brakes, tyres, and other components are in good working condition before they are used.

Properly Secure the Horses

Tie the horses using appropriate length lead ropes or ties, which enables them to move their heads comfortably but prevents them from getting tangled. Moreover, when securing the horses, it is vital to use quick-release knots or safety clips for fast and easy release. 

Avoid Sudden Lane Changes or Swerving When Using a Horse Float on the Road

Avoid sudden lane changes or swerving to lessen the risk of developing horse float sway. Gentle manoeuvring and braking are crucial with horse floats. Any sudden movements of the vehicle can cause injuries to the horse. Furthermore, sudden movements may also make the horse move, which can lead to the float sway.

Consider Braking in Advance When Cornering

It is helpful to bring the vehicle down to the recommended speed for cornering before reaching the corner of the road and not during cornering to prevent upsetting the horse's balance. Many horses can be thrown off balance unnecessarily due to poor cornering, and it can lead to a fall down or destroy a horse's confidence.

Monitor Temperature and Ventilation of the Horse Float

Proper ventilation can help prevent overheating, especially during the hot weather. Consider opening windows or vents to promote airflow for the horses.

Additionally, it is not recommended to leave horses unattended in a closed horse float for extended periods. This can affect the horse's comfort and condition while on the road.

Be Mindful of Weight Distribution When Using the Horse Float

It is crucial to consider weight distribution within the horse float to maintain stability and prevent sway. Prevent overloading the horse float beyond its recommended weight capacity, as this can lead to damage to the float's brakes, suspension, and tyres. Adequate weight distribution can help extend the lifespan of the horse float and lessen maintenance costs.

Ensure Safe Transit For Your Horse Today With the Help of EuroFloat

Considering essential safety features can help in selecting a horse float that prioritises comfort, safety, convenience, and durability for equine companions. Moreover, safety considerations can contribute to a secure and smooth transportation experience when using horse floats.

For the best horse floats that stand out from the rest, visit Euro Float through their official website at eurofloat.com.au. 

References:

https://www.doubledtrailers.com/essential-safety-features/ 

https://www.normglenn.com/assets/files/horsefloatsafety.pdf 

https://www.trailersoftheeastcoast.com/5-safety-features-to-look-for-in-a-horse-trailer/