Horse floats are pivotal in efficiently loading and unloading horses, ensuring their safety and peace during transport. 

Although proper care and maintenance are essential for prolonging the lifespan of these floats, issues may still arise if neglected. 

Hence, handlers must consider various ways to address horse float problems should they emerge. By understanding different horse float issues and knowing how to solve them, their equine companions can maintain comfort and relaxation when travelling. 

Navigating Common Horse Float Issues

Preparation and Safety 

Poor preparation of the horse and horse float can make a safe and comfortable journey into a horse owner’s challenging endeavour. 

Handlers can adequately prepare their horse trailer by ensuring the float’s capacity to handle the weight of the horses. Incorrectly sized vehicles can result in accidents due to insufficient braking power.

The orientation of the equine within the horse float is also an essential consideration. Different float configurations offer distinct benefits, thereby influencing the horse’s comfort and stability during transport. 

For example, an angle load horse float usually provides a more stress-free ride and better stability than in-line or side-by-side vehicles. 

The horse float should be tailored to each horse's specific demands to ensure safe and enjoyable travel. 

Tire Repairs

As a horse float owner, tyre maintenance is a top priority. 

Always check tyre pressure, tread wear, and the overall condition of the horse float before embarking on the journey. 

Carrying a spare tyre, trailer jack, and lug wrench can also be significantly helpful should a roadside emergency occur. 

Understanding the manufacturer’s specifications in size and type is also essential when replacing a tyre for optimal safety. 

Furthermore, consider investing in a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for added security. TPMS can alert horse float drivers to changes in tyre pressure, allowing them to detect potential problems easily. 

Floor Repairs 

The longevity of horse float trailer floors is limited, and people may need to replace them occasionally due to the inevitable damage they will sustain over time. 

If you notice any signs of rot or corrosion, you have to replace the affected planks. 

Choose materials such as aluminium, treated wood, or composite planks. Avoid plywood as it may not be strong enough for horse float floors. 

Electrical Issues 

When faced with electrical horse trailer issues, check the bulbs and fuses. Replace any blown bulbs and fuses as needed. 

Ensure that all connections are secure and free of corrosion. If the problem persists, consider examining the wiring using a multimeter to find any flaws or breaks. 

If you are dealing with more complex electrical issues, get professional help.

Hay Placement 

During transit, horse owners may fill hay nets to keep their horses occupied and content. 

However, as the hay diminishes, the net gradually falls and can entangle the horse’s legs. This can result in potential difficulties while travelling, such as emotional distress and can become a serious threat to the horse’s muscles. 

To reduce this risk, handlers must ensure that hay nets are suspended at a height that prevents excessive sagging. 

The Role of Caring for Horses to Ensure Safe Transportation in Horse Floats

Effective horse care is critical to ensure the safe carriage of equines in horse floats. Abandoning their health needs can lead to stress, discomfort, and potential health consequences during transportation. 

Here are some ways you can support your equine’s overall health and well-being while travelling: 

Smooth Loading and Unloading

One of the most common problems when transporting horses in a horse trailer is float loading and unloading of equines. 

You can care for your equine companion by maintaining a clean environment. 

Check if there are any obstacles or potential distractions. Minimising distractions enables them to be more focused and reduces the risks of accidents.  

Good-quality equipment also helps ensure safety when loading and unloading. Worn-out equipment may cause injury to your horse, so having high-quality gear is crucial to minimising unloading and loading problems. 

Teaching your horse to become more familiar with the float is another helpful tip for smooth trailer loading and unloading. Allow the horse to sniff and inspect the horse float so that they become more familiar with it. 

Addressing Dental Issues

Dental concerns can affect your horse’s ability to chew food, thereby leading to poor digestion and a reduced appetite. Addressing this problem can positively impact its behaviour and promote their cooperation during horse float travel. 

Horse teeth floating is the process of removing sharp points and uneven surfaces on their teeth. Neglecting teeth floating can result in discomfort while travelling, causing reluctance to load and unload from the vehicle. 

Caring for horse teeth significantly reduces dental discomfort and anxiety, thereby helping them be calmer and more relaxed while travelling. 

Ventilation

Proper ventilation within the horse float is also important. It encourages air circulation and prevents overheating and respiratory problems. 

Adequate ventilation ensures your horse's comfort and health during transit, particularly in confined areas.

Consider installing movable vents or windows to improve airflow. Additionally, using fans or roof vents helps promote air circulation, assuring your horse's comfort and well-being while in transit.

Conclusion 

Solving horse float problems requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses various aspects of horse care and trailer maintenance. By recognising different horse float issues and learning how to address them promptly, horse owners can mitigate potential challenges and enhance the safety and comfort of their equine companions during transportation. These techniques are invaluable in resolving horse float issues and fostering a stress-free travel experience. 

If you are looking for quality horse floats, check out EuroFloat – a reputable provider of advanced European-style floats tailored to meet Australia’s rugged environment. Visit our website for more information. 

References:

https://www.doubledtrailers.com/10-common-horse-trailer-mistakes-you-are-probably-making/ 

https://thehorse.com/165668/motion-sickness-trailer-loading-troubles-and-your-horse/ 

https://thehorseandstable.com/horse-gear/common-horse-trailer-repairs/ 

https://esc.rutgers.edu/fact_sheet/horse-trailer-maintenance-and-trailering-safety-2/