Questions about trailering a horse

Hi I am not sure if I am posting this in the correct place or not, but I have some questions regarding trailering a horse. I bought a horse in MN and am trailering him home to Ontaio Canada next weekend. I have all the necessary paperwork done. I will be using a 2 horse trailer and I am not sure how to tie the horse in the trailer or if I even need to.I bought a trailer tie but I am not sure how long it should be or even which end attaches to the halter. I read on the internet that the tie should be long enough so that if he falls he wont break his neck. The trailer ties look awfully short. I have never trailered a horse this far before and if anyone has any tips I would sure appreciate them.

Well I use a rubber tie, its a tub or rubber that has clips on both ends so in the case of an accident, I can easily cut it. You can also use the slip knot done twice on a lead rope works good too if you don't want to buy a new trailer tie. Now the length should be enough for the horse to be able to put his head down level, no more than that! If it is more the horse could catch on it and then a big problem would happen. You asked if you should even tie the horse at all. Yes you should in the case that the horse is more than 6 months old or bigger than 12hh. So basically if its a baby and the only horse in the trailer don't tie it. But if its a yearling or older tie it to the trailer because if the horse would rear or something else bad, the horse could actually do more damage to itself it not being tied compared to being tied.

So tips on long hauls, stop and water the horse when ever you get gas, if it is a hot day.Also if it is hot open all vents and windows in the trailer to help cool the horse. If you are trailering a horse in the cold only use a sheet, blankets tend to get bulky and hot on a horse even in the cold. Even Provide some feed about half of a normal feeding this keeps the horse busy, and more calm.

I hope this helps, have a safe trip

Thank You so much for answering. The trailer tie I bought seems to run the depth of the manger and that's all. I am not even sure if the horse would have enough room to actually step back far enough to put his head down anyway. It is just a regular size 2 horse trailer with a tack/changng room in front. Oh just one more question, where I am only trailering one horse, which side should he ride on? The drivers side or the other side?

My most valuable trailering experience was on a 75 mile trip from the vet's place to home. I got out twice to check on the horse. The second time I noticed the lead rope had come out of the trailer. The lead rope was way too long. It got caught in the tire and basically shaved off the end of the rope! Luckily the knot I used to tie my horse with held preventing the horse from being pulled and injured or killed. Now I know to do whatever I can to keep a lead rope inside a trailer. I don't know about trailers with ties and I can imagine the benefits to that.
The best to you, your horse and your trip.

If I can, I don't tie them at all. Not sure about a straight load, but I have in a slant with the divider closed. This way they can put their head down. Very important while trailering far.

The trailer tie you bought will be just fine. That really all you want so the horse can reach the manger and not completely restrict head movement. If its a straight load it really doesnt matter as long as on the opposite side you have hay or something to help balance the weight..If it is a slant load trailer which ever side is closer it is to you. I couldn't remember what trailer style you had. My bad..haha

I've hauled horses over 1000 miles in one trip.. trust me trailer ties are a must. The one the one that you got will do just fine.

Good luck on your trip

To tie or not to tie is a never ending discussion. Everyone will have a reason for their choice. Personally, I have always tied - even on my 15 hour trip from PA to SC.

As for which side to place him, always on the driver's side. The driver's side rides the crest of the road and that is the proper place for the best control.

Thanks to everyone that replied, I think I have a handle on this now. I am bringing him home this coming weeked and I will post after the trip and let you know how we did