Dang near everything I know about traveling with horses, I learned from my Uncle Oscar down on the home place near Brunot, Missouri.
Just like airplane pilots have a check list and never take off without checking everything on it, you should have one for your horse trailer and truck.
Safely trailering a horse requires careful planning and preparation.
Here is a list of things to check on the trailer before every trip.
(This list is not exhaustive but a good start.
You should develop your own routine for every trip.
) Here are my tips.
* Make sure the lug nuts on each tire are tight.
* Check all tires.
Especially on tandem axle rigs, one tire can be flat but not appear so because the other tire is holding it up.
* Before driving away, check the jacks to ensure they are up.
Driving with the jacks down can cause damage and even pop the hitch loose.
* If the trailer has not been used in a while, check thoroughly for wasp or hornet nests.
It only takes one encounter with a wasp to make a horse an agitated traveler or even refuse to load.
* Make sure you have all required documentation, including truck and trailer registrations, proof of insurance and any papers you need for your animal.
(States differ on what paperwork is necessary when transporting a horse.
) * Check the running lights, turn signals, brake lights and brakes on the trailer.
* Check the drop down doors to ensure either they are in the upright position or the protective grill is.
Allowing the horse to stick his head outside the trailer while traveling is dangerous.
* Check all doors to make sure they are securely latched.
* Do one final walk-around before you set out, like the pilots do.
Happy trailering.