You will want to start with determining the weight of whatever trailer you are going to pull, then start adding in horse, tack, feed, and anything else that might be in the trailer.   I know you don't have a trailer yet, but I would suggest talking to some trailer dealers and get weights of the types of trailers you are considering.  I agree with the previous posters that you will likely be right at or above the towing limits of the vehicle.  I also agree that smaller tow vehicles are more sensitive and succeptible to the shifting weight of live cargo like horses.  Factors like lighter weight of the tow vehicle, lighter brakes, and shorter wheelbases all factor in.  And of course, driver experience in pulling trailers.   My rule of thumb is just because it can be done, doesn't mean it should.     

As mentioned it is the longer wheelbase heavier 4WD 4 door but that said I have found that it has a base weight in this configuration of only 5350.  This surprises me that GM would give it a tow rating capacity of as much or more than it weighed. Do they do that with full size pickup trucks? At any rate part of why I posted on here was to get a typical weight for a short horse only trailer.  Her horse is only about 850 or 900 pounds.  I appreciate the responses.

Hi Vern and welcome to the forum. As was stated earlier, you are hauling live weight and you will feel it when the "load" shifts. To answer your question the pickups are rated to pull more than their curb weight, with one tons rated about twice their curb weights(usually a gooseneck configuration). Your trailer choices will be more limited(looking for lighter weights). Stay within your gvwr ratings and make sure to get a good brake controller and a WDH(weight distribution hitch). The WDH set up properly will make a world of difference, especially with a shorter wheelbase vehicle as yours to help the tail(trailer) not wag the dog(you). I've seen plenty of "big,bad" one ton duallies hauling more than they should. Drive defensively and good luck. 

a "typical" 2 horse trailer weighs from 2100# (small alum. featherlite no d/r) to 3600# (large steel 2h slant with d/r) with most falling somewhere in between.  so with 2 horses youre looking at best 4000# loaded probably closer to 4500#.  a wdh and brake controller are a must.......get a good brake controller none of the "timer" crap.  you will notice a lot of "i wouldnt", "wont be safe", "live weight", "too small", "too short wheelbase", and similar comments....while those are popular opinions (which you may come to share)  they are not facts.  the facts are if your within specs the truck will be fine,  the driver is a factor that gets overlooked.  some people tow for years and never really become comfortable/capable with it.....some take right to it.  as an admitted "newbie" it would be in your interest to seek out local help.  be prepared for the above mentioned "opinions", if you can find someone who doesnt immediately look at you funny when you say horse and blazer in the same sentence you may want to pay attention to what they have to say.

Thanks everyone I appreciate all the responses. I got specs for a 99 fullsize chevy pu for comparison and found I was wrong on my earlier post with regards to the weight of the Blazer.

Wheel base                                  107" Blazer                 141" Pickup 

Standard & max tow capacity          4,600 & 5,600 lbs         5,000 & 6500 lbs

vehicle weight                              4,050                          4,145

HP & TQ                                       190/250                      230/285

The wheelbase seems far and away the most significant. So if I am looking at up to 4,500 lbs I think I am ok for very limited local trailering with a good brake controller, wdh and a common sense plus safety first attitude behind the wheel.  Last question who makes/sells a good brake controller & wdh?  Many thanks

prodigy, 

http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=60&cat=54&page=1

equal-i-zer,

http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=268&cat=0&bestseller

It is fact that horses are live, moving weight.   The liquid weight analogy is a good one.  Hook up to a water tank trailer that weighs 4000-5000 pounds with the water sloshing around, swerve a few times and jam on the brakes and see how you feel about your tow vehicle. 

Chadsalt, just because you do something doesn't mean everybody should.  You are an experienced trailer tower and I believe you have mentioned more than once that your drive trucks for a living.  Big difference between your knowledge and experience and someone who has never towed a trailer, much less a horse trailer, before in their life.

Actually...your test with a 500 to 625 gallon water tank...(water being about 8 lbs/gal)...is much worse than hauling horses...because you do NOT have the massive surge with horses that you have with a liquid...which is why they put baffles in tankers, except MILK TANKERS...(this has to do with sanitization issues)...that being said...you will really have the point driven home about live weight...

Hauling swinging beef in a reefer was an ugly load, if you had to perform a sudden shift of lane or a decreasing radius curve...

Vern - best of luck with your new intentions...

Yes, wheelbase LENGTH and frame strength have a lot to do with how much weight can be hauled; other factors include the height of the towed vehicle (wind resistance); and how much of the towed vehicle is carried on the tow vehicle (tongue weight = payload). The receiver hitch also tells you what IT is capable of.

When you look at the Blazer, read what is stamped on the receiver. It will typically have 2 numbers with a slash between them 3500/7000  or 5000/10000

These indicate the total weight the hitch receiver is suited for. The first number is the max weight; the second number is the amount of weight using a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH).

A small 2 horse trailer with slatted sides, no dressing room, no ramp, could be as light as 2000 pounds. Be sure though, to get a trailer that is 7' high inside. Her horse might be small enough for a 6'6" - but you'll have more trouble selling it than a 7' one.

Personally - I don't recommend SUVs for towing. Their suspension is too soft and leads to wiggle-waggle. Additionally, the tires are not always of the proper strength/size.

Another indicator of tow vehicle capability is whether it has a flat or round 4 pin electrical hookup or the larger, 6/7 prong receptacle that is needed to handle electric brakes.

Tekonsha Prodigy is a very versatile and reliable brake controller.

while im flattered at your interest in my personal life,  i also find your attempts to "dis-credit" me amusing.  what i find "funny" is that youve been towing for 25 years and never gained the skills to be comfortable towing at the trucks working limits.  on top of that you assume since youre not comfortable with all your "experience"  then it must not be safe.

dont most people usually end up with bigger trucks/trailer/more horses? and to make you feel better, i owned/towed horses for 10 years back in the 70's-80's then about a 15 year break....started back with horses in 03.

looks like the OP has the info he came for, so before i get accused of being rude, im done here.