Objective:

• To determine truck specifications necessary to pull an average 2 horse trailer with 2 average weight show horses.
• Gross trailer weight will be 6,000 lbs with a maximum tongue weight of 600 lbs.
• Load distributing bars are essential (part of a Reese hitch) ; they effectively remove the breaking pitch action that occurs without them (at the hook up between trailer and tow vehicle), giving the horses a more stable ride thus helping to reduce common trailering problems such as scrambling etc.

Performance Criteria:

• To pull the trailer adequately at the manufacturer's best rated RPM at 90 kmh and 75% rated power or less on level highway.
• To meet above requirements, a full size truck is required with an engine of approximately 350 cu. in. displacement.
• A three speed automatic transmission with overdrive is recommended.
• A standard transmission is adequate but not as smooth shifting.
• Key is axle (Gear) Ratio. Engine size is NOT important.

Sample Spec. List:

Truck: GMC/Ford/Dodge Jimmy Type, preferably Diesel.
Engine: 6.2 litre (diesel)
Transmission: 3 speed automatic with overdrive
Axel Ratio: 3.73:1
Optimum Performance RPM: 2,500
Maximum RPM: 3,000
Tire Size: 235/15
Performance (Transmission in Drive):


80 kmh - 2250 rpm
90 kmh - 2500 rpm
100 kmh - 2750 rpm

• Overdrive is used for economy when NOT towing and is not to ever be used when towing, even with an empty trailer.
• A factory installed towing package is a must. This includes proper electrical hook-up for brakes and lights, heavy duty cooling system (double rad core) and transmission oil cooler.
• Four wheel drive with limited slip rear axle is a must for winter or heavy going towing.

Similar performance may be obtained from a gasoline powered unit, for which a slightly higher axle ratio (4.00:1) is recommended, especially if the vehicle is operated in a hilly or mountainous area.

2) The Trailer:

There are many sources for technical information on trailers. Suffice to say here that it must the the appropriate size for the size of horse being transported, ramp style being given due consideration.

3) MTO Safety Inspections:

Yearly inspection and ticketing of both tow vehicle and trailer is compulsory. Contact your nearest MTO Office for more information.
Fines are levied if stopped without approved inspection stickers applied.

4) The Driver:

The driver can make the difference between a horse that arrives calm and happy or the proverbial "basket case" who gives all kinds of trouble loading.

Anyone who wants to drive horses should be given a "ride" in a trailer first, standing throughout without holding on to anything, to gain an understanding of the noise and the balance problems that occur

5) The Handler(s):

Prior to any loading:

• The horse's full attention, willingness and confidence must be acquired.
• A calm, patient, firm and persistent attitude is primordial.
• Never attempt loading when rushed for time, impatient or in a temper.
• Train the horse to load long before you need to transport him
• Make each loading session a short and reassuring experience.
• Persistence for basic obedience will give successful results.
• Do not close the back until the horse willingly accepts to stand in the trailer without the back closed. He must never feel trapped.

NEVER resort to physical force:

If physical strength is resorted to, the horse will quickly learn that he is the stronger. The necessary time must be taken for the horse to understand that he has no alternative but to willingly go forward on the line of travel, deviating neither left nor right, laterally equalizing his weight so that he remains stable and straight in the forward movement.

6) The Helpers:

Their role is to ensure that the horse's weight does not move backwards once the forward movement has been started, and that the haunches remain laterally stable.


Final Notes:

1. The horse must always be under the impression that the Rider's will is slightly stronger than his own.
2. ALL compliance by the horse to requests from the rider to be rewarded with instant praise (voice/stroking).
3. All requests for compliance from the horse to be achieved by PERSISTANCE, not punishment.
4. The horse must feel that the rider's decisions can be trusted.
5. The horse must be calm to learn any lesson.
6. The rider must be calm to teach the horse any lesson.
7. Nothing upsets a horse more than not being able to understand his rider.
8. True riding is leadership, with the horse accepting the rider as leader.
9. When a rider professes that his horse is dumb, mean, does not listen, it is more often the rider who does not listen, fails to recognise a response when one is given and creates bad habits and resistances in a once eager animal.

REMEMBER:
The horse IS far more intelligent that generally given credit for,
is well meaning, and LISTENS only too well.

Develop your sense of observation and progress will follow!