Trailer debate -- please help me!

Thanks everyone. :)

As for the truck question, that is another small issue. We have a Dodge 3500 but it has no gooseneck hitch installed. If we decided on the 3 horse, we'd have to shell out another $600 or so for the modification.

In Virginia, the temp's are fickle. I've been to shows that start off raining in the morning, turn into a nice breezy perfect day on the way to the show grounds, and once it's time to ride, it feels like it's 110 degrees. We've put up with a bumper-pull for several years by now, so while we are used to sitting in the sun (or rain) the most tantalizing feature of the gooseneck is the canopy. However, like Vida pointed out, that can be added to the bumper-pull later on if we desire it.

The only other thing to consider is the storage. We could keep the bumper pull at our house but the gooseneck is too big. It's conceivable that I could keep it where I work, but that would add another forty minutes to our drive because it's in the opposite direction of my horse.

It's looking good for the bumper-pull at this point.

It sounds as though the bumper pull is what you are looking for and the goosneck grabbed you with its bling. If you're looking at spending the money to upgrade to for the hitch you might as well go for the bumper pull and spend the hitch money on an awning.

I personally like the bumper pull more. But I am an uber practical shopper. I almost never get more than what I need. Especially if you have room for the BP and not for the GN @ home.

Either one would be really nice. I was thinking at first that you never know when you'll need more room ( helping out a stranded horseman when their trailer has problems etc.) BUT...you'll already have that if you only haul one horse.

Sounds like the BP will work for ya just fine.

Happy Hunting! 8)

After reading this, I have changed my mind. You should go with the bumper pull. Its obviously more convienient.

Maybe you should look around a little more before you make a final decision. Its not like these are the ONLY two trailers in the world!

Yes, we've decided to forget all about anything larger than a 2 horse. If we find one that's a gooseneck then so be it, but we wont be getting anything larger than that.

Ill let you know what we get once we've decided on it.

Thanks everyone.

Alright! Keep us updated.

I'm in VA too. I have a four horse slant load goose-neck with a huge dressing room, A/C, and an awning. I do have 6 horses at home, however I only show ONE! At first I thought the huge trailer was overkill but I have loaded up my friends on several occassions. I had a 2 horse bumper pull first, I LOVE the goose-neck. The maneuverability is awesome. You do have to get the hitch, BUT if you get one that is recessed, you don't loose your bed space. I also like the way my older horses ride in the slant load, it's easier for them to balance in it. We've also taken our Rhino with us to the bigger shows so that we can have a horse and a rhino to get from point a to b... (i.e. Lexington)

The heater is nice in the winter and the A/C is AWESOME in the summer. I will say it gets messier becuase everyone under the sun wants to change in it. The awning is a must have for summer time, I also plug a fan into it and hang it form the awning so we can cool off between classes. BUT, the shows I go to last all day, if you are only there for a few hours, no big. One great thing about a goose-neck is that you can put an air mattress in the front and use it for camping. ALSO, not as many people have the hitch so less people ask to borrow it... I hate that... can I borrow your trailer??? NO!

I don't like the ramps though... but not for any reasons that would hold up in a debate, just don't like ramps.

So... that's my 2 cents....