We just returned from Montana, having attended US Cavalry School. (see under "Camp and Trail"). I travelled in a truck pulling a 6 horse stock trailer, fully loaded, to town for a parade. Noticing the brake box light was not on, I commented. It seems Montana does NOT require brakes on horse trailers, period. Also, there is no required yearly inspections of trucks or trailers, which is Pennsylvania law. Yep, just what I want to do, travel down the road (75 mph speed limit), 6 horses on the trailer, and no trailer brakes! YIKES!

Brenda

Here in Louisiana we are not required to have our trailers inspected either.  But I for one try to make sure I keep my trailer in tip top shape because I dont want to endanger my horses.  Of course, their are always things you dont think about or some things you dont even know about checking on until someone tells you.  Then it is like..."Oh crap, I didnt know that!!!!  Thank God nothing has happened before now because I sure have never checked that!!!". 

And sure enough as I write this, I am sure it will happen....but here goes.....the last accident I remember hearing about was a few years ago when a girl trail riding around Angola Prison had her floor fail and she dragged her horse with it hanging through the trailer.  Unfortunately, horse was euthanized with appendages ground off from the pavement.  Here hoping it was just an accident and not poor floor maitenence.  Very traumatic.  I am sure though there are accidents that have not been publicized!!!!