I own a 2002 Tundra, v6, manual transmission.  I'm looking to get a 2 horse bumper pull, straight load, no tack room.  1977 Stidham weighs about 1980 lb.  My hitch is rated at 5000 lbs, and so is the truck.  I would mostly be pulling one horse around, to local trails.  But, in emergency, would pull 2, both weigh about 1000 lbs each.  Is the Tundra 2002 safe to pull with?  Do I need to install a Weight Distribution package?  Or get any other special equipment on the truck to pull safely?  Thanks!

I pulled a BP (7200#'s max) for 3 years with a 2000 Tundra V8 and had weight distribution bars.  You definitely know the trailer is back there but it works.  I found hills were a strain on it.  When I eventually moved to the 2011 Tundra 5.7L, it made a huge difference.  I don't noticed the trailer at all.  I've been still using the bars and have since had a Roadmaster Automatic Suspension system installed but I'm getting ready for a new GN.   

I would recommend WD bars and some suspension help for your truck as mentioned above.

If your truck is rated for that much of a trailer., Hook up and give it a try. As long as you are not exceeding its rating.  If it is not stable, then by all means, upgrade your hitch or suspension or ultimately get a bigger truck.

I am always amazed when I show up at a local tailhead and see the rig below. I'm sure he is over his weight rating,  and his 4 cycle engine has to be working hard to pull the load. But he says for what he does it works great. He drives short distance on fairly flat ground with usually just one horse and a dog in the trailer.

Bigger trucks give us a larger margin of safety. They give us the ability to carry a few extra horses, to travel steeper grades or fight strong head winds and drive at higher speeds. Your truck may be just fine for the 45 mph county road, but you may want WDH if you get on a 65 mph windy road. Start out light andslow and see how everything works. Make adjustments when you need to.