After doing a lot of reading and searching for used horse trailers I settled on buying a used 2000 S&H 16 x 6 rancher model stock trailer, in near new condition (no rust and hinges still have original paint) It appears to have very few miles as original tires are in perfect condition. (Owner said less than 800 put on it) It's in pristine condition (no rust) compared to a lot I looked at. It appears to be very well made too. Floor is in perfect condition with paint still on the timbers. No rot or split timbers either. I paid $4500 so I hope I did not get taken

I am having the running gear fully inspected, adjusted and bearings repacked. I am also installing a 4 inch rubber D bumper along the rear loading edge. It has thick 1 inch rubber floor mats but nothing on the side walls. The horse mats are not textured. This trailer hauls like a dream empty behind my F350 dually, so enough truck is not an issue. I only paid $4500 so I hope I did not get taken

This is supposed to be a 4 horse trailer from information I have found and based on the four tie points, but I will only be hauling two horses.

Now to the questions. I have hauled standard horse trailers in the past and know about the go easy on starts, turns, and stops. Is hauling horses in a stock trailer any different? This will be in mountainous area too. Any tips tricks are welcome. How long before unloading and giving the horses a break is OK? Do I need leg warps to haul? Anything else?

Do I need any special gear such as the quick release ties (what brands are good)  What about using bedding while hauling. What is the proper method of loading and securing. I have been told heads go left tie both to the same side. If I have a third horse load up front beside the first Load the easy one first, etc. They will find their footing.

What about accessories such as portable saddle and tack racks. How much water should I haul and are there tanks for goose neck stock trailers. For day trips do I need feed (hay).Any advice would be appreciated

Its taken me 28 years to get my wife her horse back ( I moved her away from the farm) She now has a registered paint and I have a 1/2 paint, 1/2 Arab - yep quiet a combination. We all need trailing, thus why I bought the trailer to get to the trainer each week.

Again thanks for being here - Keith

Stock trailers are about all we had until recently to haul our horses.I didn't have an enclosed trailer until I bought a 2H BP S&H,and,when I traded it,I got more for it than I paid and she didn't bat an eye,( a dealer however) so,I don't think you got took.

One thing you might want to think about is: in winter it can get chilly   in a stock trailer,you might want to keep a couple of blankets handy to put on your horses when hauling in wet winter conditions.

Folks - wanted to give you an update. Had the unit serviced and they found everything to be in excellent condition. The place I had it serviced actually builds trailers (not horse) so they know what they are talking about.

They also installed a 4 inch D rubber bumper along the back edge for me to protect the horses during loading. I had a pleasant surprise when I walked my horse up to the trailer. She walked ring in an said lets go. Haven't tried the wife's paint yet...another story.

Service center also can do the windows very easily. They do drop down hinged types over the slid in (tracks fill with road gunk and dont work). They can also do any other customizations I might need such a mounts for a water tank in the loft, and saddle rack (pull out type on racks in the loft) over the goose neck. But for right now I am set to start with and we will see how it goes from here.

Thanks for the help.

You are gonna want to replace the tires if they are more than 5 years old.  Even if they look fine.

Sounds like you are going to love your new trailer!