The only thing I can really say about ramps is that I find it alot easier to load and unload . I prefer ramps altough if the ramps are wet they can get slippery so watchout for that. Hope this helps.

Ben

I only use ramps, after hauling all that way to show and have a leg mangled unloading will make you learn pretty fast.

If I can't step into a trailer without holding on to the sides or the floor it needs a ramp, period.  Most new trailers start right below my knees...I don't know what they are thinking!

Hello,

I've used both styles, on dozens of horses and have a few experience answers that might help (we haul horses for a living)...:)

Cons first:

Can be heavy to lift if not installed correctly.

Can be slippery when wet

Proper angle/length is important or it defeats the purpose (longer better usually)

Beware the style with the springs on the side as some horses can get legs caught in the space they create when they are lowered if they load crooked for some reason.

If bottom not spaced/protected/cleaned correctly can be VERY difficult to raise, and a huge wear area.

PROS:

Ease of loading/unloading, especially new and old riders, or even equipment like hay, four wheelers, etc.

Great for nervous backer outers, as there is no drop to look for.

Much less risk of injury due to a horse stepping out and slipping a back leg underneath the trailer (seen this one, not pretty).

Less risk of getting jumped into by a nervous horse.

I like ramps myself.  There are newer styled ramps that are very easy to lift (bottom lift assist springs, which we have), can come with hinge covers to prevent constant cleaning to prevent wear on the springs, and are very slip resistant (or use a cocoa mat or nail 1x1inch board to the ramp at 1 ft interval straight across to make skids).  They make it easy to load non horsey items, and take a lot of stress off even well behaved horses, as there is no blind faith step back.

As a side note, try to stop more often and rest your horses on longer trips.  Open windows at stops, offer water/hay/treat/handfuls of grain to reduce the stress they are feeling.  No more than 300 miles without stopping, and then at least a 30min rest (get gas and eat is a good monitor).  Try sportsmedicine boots on the front as well, they can help absorb some of the road stress. NOT SHIPPING BOOTS.  They really don't help much except bumps on the legs.  Is your trailer straight or slant, as there is a difference in how horses shift weight here as well!?

Hope this helps.

Megan

I would imagine because with a sliding ramp, you would have to lift half the whole weight of it, to slide it in for storage.  The hinged ramps can be counterbalanced by springs.