Posted 2010-04-21 8:06 AM (#119102 - in reply to #119090) Subject: RE: First time buyer - anxiety setting in
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
My $.02 Step, slant, no mangers
No matter what everyone else has, will have any affect on your circumstances. Each of our requirements and tastes differ. Once you have your trailer and get used to it, it will probably be exactly what you want
Posted 2010-04-21 9:09 AM (#119110 - in reply to #119090) Subject: RE: First time buyer - anxiety setting in
Member
Posts: 23
Location: GA
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the kind words! For the record I ordered a slant, step, no manger. We may add a ramp later on, I went back and forth a lot on that. LOL
I'm sure y'all are right, I will get used to it or sell and get another. It isn't as though I am stuck with it forever.
I am very excited and can't wait for it to arrive!
Posted 2010-04-21 5:34 PM (#119138 - in reply to #119090) Subject: RE: First time buyer - anxiety setting in
Regular
Posts: 85
Location: Galahad, AB, Canada
I've had purchase anxiety too, especially with important items! Remember, you won't be married to the trailer, so if it doesn't work you can always trade and/or sell. but i suspect you'll like what you get, there is always ways to adjust things to work.
I like slant, but you need to make sure the slant is big enough for your horse. I don't want mangers, even in the wider trailers. And I much prefer step-up. Many people think their horses will prefer a ramp, but in my observations ramps take practice before your horse gets comfy with them. But your horse will get used to what ever you have, and I suspect all will be well.
Once you have it and can use it, things will be less worrysome. Enjoy!
Posted 2010-04-21 8:50 PM (#119146 - in reply to #119090) Subject: RE: First time buyer - anxiety setting in
Veteran
Posts: 116
Location: desert hills, az
I know it is too late, but I feel anyone shopping for a trailer should talk with people that do the same discipline with their horses. You won't find a lot of EBY,Benderup, Turnbows (which are good trailers) or large straight loads and ramps at roping or rodeos. Likewise, you won't see a bunch of Platinum, Bloomer, or Elites (again, great trailers) with slant loads or stock trailers at dressage events. Trail riders and campers have very different perferences in LQ trailers than ropers or barrel racers. Like was stated earlier, everyone has their opinion, but check with other familiar with your area of enjoyment. Good luck down the road.
Posted 2010-04-21 9:45 PM (#119147 - in reply to #119090) Subject: RE: First time buyer - anxiety setting in
Veteran
Posts: 119
Location: 99320
We purchased a step up, slant load, no ramp.We added a lower stud wall divider to the first divider right away.We added a ramp just last weekend.We added the ramp totally because, although the horse and pony were calm about loading and unloading, it was clear that they were much more relaxed "knowing" there was something not too far from their hind feet when backing out. Depending on where you park your trailer, the step out may not always be a short one. It turns out that for us it was also cheaper to add the ramp after purchase.The stud divider was so I could get my sister riding with me (she has a stud horse that's excellent at being hauled, but no reason to take chances) and so we could keep some stuff up in that first stall section when we get around to taking longer hauls.
Posted 2010-04-22 3:00 PM (#119201 - in reply to #119090) Subject: RE: First time buyer - anxiety setting in
Member
Posts: 23
Location: GA
Wierd, I typed a long post this morning but it is blank.
I agree that discipline can dictate trailer style but I think personal needs trump that. My daughter rides hunter/jumper and has gone to about 9 shows a year for the last 2 years with her horse. We have always caught a ride with friends or her instructor. Some of the shows are big shows, some are small local combined western and english shows.
To be honest, I really don't care about being in style with the crowd. In the ring, sure. In the trailer, not so much. I tried to make decisions based on our experiences for the last two years and the comfort of the horse. She is only 14.1 and will be fine in the slant. She's been on both ramp and step trailers but has traveled more on a step. She's also been in every configuration (stock, straight, etc). So, rather than buying the ramp now I decided to use that money for add-ons that I thought were better done during construction. Since we can easily add a ramp later it made sense to me go that route. Similarly, a little tack/dressing room was pretty important to us, hence the slant.
The whole thing boiled down to budget vs needs for me. After months of looking I came to the conclusion I could buy a 10-15 year old high-end trailer or an entry-level new trailer. With this being my first trailer purchase as a non-mechanically inclined chick, I decided to go with new. I will have the peace of mind of a warranty, etc. Later on I may feel more comfortable with buying used.
So, I will soon be pulling up to the shows in our little budget Calico. I really do feel good about my decision but I always go through a couple of days of anxiety after making a big purchase of any kind. I will need to replace some flooring in my house within a year or two. I suspect I will agonize and freak out over that too. :-)