Hi,

I recently added a shetland pony to the family and I have a two horse trailer. I am sadly a poor trailer puller so I don't go anywhere other than ride my morgan around the neighborhood. So I never pushed myself to get more confident with it.
Now I do not think the trailer will fit my morgan, miniature/pony, goat and recently added shetland pony.
I am mostly concerned with the fires right now and was wondering if there are any other options I have in an emergency? Thanks for any suggestions, etc.

I hate to say this, but you have good reason to be concerned
I recommend you talk to someone that could teach you how to drive it safely - so you could at least get some of them out -

If you only had 30 minutes to evac, that's not enough time for someone else to come and do it for you

good luck!

ps - please also train your critters to load - even if you never drive, they need to be comfortable getting in the trailer.

DavisRanch would be a good resource - you can pm her

One way to start is practice pulling your trailer empty. Make sure you take all curves and corners slowly and controlled. Make all your starts and stops even and controlled with no lurching or jerking. Make sure your trailer brakes work well with your vehicle and practice making any adjustments. You will feel the weight of the trailer much more when loaded.

In a pinch the two ponies might be OK in one half of the trailer but the goat may not fair as well. Depending on the size of the goat, you can transport it in the back of a SUV or pickup in the appropriate size dog crate. Goats travel very well and do not flip out or jump around. I would practice these arrangements and see if they will work for you in an emergency.

No matter what, it is better to drive too slow than have a problem created by losing control.

Thanks, wg2, davisranch did a great job helping me previously with getting my morgan loaded, I learned a lot of good things from her and like her methods. I need to stop procrastinating and need to practice -- Thanks for the good suggestions, dl, I will give this a try and make sure it works for us.

I learned to drive my trailer in an empty parking lot. That way you can practice turning, stopping, starting, backing, and parking without getting yourself in a bind. One thing to keep in mind wether its empty or loaded(or even when loading), go slow, and breath. No need to panic! Pulling a trailer is a nice little talent to add to your resume anyway good luck!

I have started my baby horses by feeding mom and baby in the trailer freq. If you have the new horses and am not sure of loading here are a few tips:

Slowly feed the horse into the trailer with the regular food they eat( not treats),,a little hay on the edge then another pile further in then the big pile inside and let them eat in peace and unload on their own.

some horses load easy and then their buddies follow the herd leader. Load the one horse that is confident..tie them temporary to the front and then watch the other load in to be with their buddy. Your confidence will effect the horses...practice often

good luck

I just saw this post--thanks for the nice words.

If you'd like me to help you learn to haul, give me a shout; I'm happy to help. It's pretty easy, really because the trailer just follows happily along.

Seriously, I'll teach you how to hook, drive, turn, and back if you want. The idea of hauling is scarier than the reality. The large animal (and small animal) rescue teams will come once you call Animal Control, and ask for help, but it's so much better to have the peace of mind knowing you can get everyone out yourself.

As for how many fit in your trailer, the mini and goat may fit in the tack area or even in the back of your truck. A large dog crate is perfect for most goats. The mini is a bit easier.

Call me, we'll take a look-see!
Tanya Buck
303 579 5401