Posted 2007-09-24 3:40 PM (#68332) Subject: Cart before the horse or vice versa??
New User
Posts: 3
Hello,
I am planning a new trailer and could use some input please. I shall be wanting a gooseneck (aluminum) for taking my horse and cart to shows and drives etc. Because of space restrictions here for parking/turning I am thinking to start with a trailer 18' on the floor and a side and rear ramp. What I would like to know, please, is where the safest place to travel the horse?
Initially I have been thinking to have the back 10' be a box stall that would take my cart/carriage (400# approx) harness, hay etc. etc. and I could leave these things in the trailer a lot of the time. And then on show/drive day, load my horse (15hh and 1400#) up a side ramp in to an 8' long box stall in front. This way I could load/unload either horse or cart without having to move the other.
Would this be a safe place to travel her or would she be better traveling over the axles? I'm wanting to consider both her comfort on long trips and the stability of the rig???? On the one hand I think that being "slung" between the rear axles and the hitch would give a smoother ride to her and perhaps less potential for sway of the back end but would I be weighting the hitch too much and leaving the axles not weighted enough? I'd be storing things in the nose of the gooseneck too though could move that out if it would be better over the wheels.
I'm planning to use a 3/4 ton truck.
As you can see...I really don't know where to begin! Help? Anyone? Please!!!!!
Posted 2007-09-24 5:57 PM (#68339 - in reply to #68332) Subject: RE: Cart before the horse or vice versa??
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
You idea sounds good to me. With a GN, placement of the load isn't as important to the overall ride as with a BP. I think your horse will be just fine in the front as well as in the back.
Posted 2007-09-25 11:18 AM (#68363 - in reply to #68332) Subject: RE: Cart before the horse or vice versa??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
I agree, the horse will have a much nicer ride being between the hitch and the axles than it would over the axles. If your horse is big (and it sounds like she is) I would make your box stall 9 or 10 feet long instead of 8 just to be sure there's enough room. You can measure her from nose to tail and give her an extra foot for comfort, 8 might be long enough since she can stand at a slant in that configuration.
Posted 2007-09-25 4:18 PM (#68377 - in reply to #68332) Subject: RE: Cart before the horse or vice versa??
New User
Posts: 3
Thank you so much everyone. So the consensus is that the mare traveling in front would be more comfy for her and not effect the safety and stability of the rig. Cool!
I hear the comment about making her box stall longer and have already decided that it would be better if I did. But thanks for thinking of my fat little mare!
Posted 2007-09-26 4:08 PM (#68420 - in reply to #68332) Subject: RE: Cart before the horse or vice versa??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 303 Location: Grapeland, Texas
Don't forget to allow enough room for the cart. Are your shafts removeable? I had a 2 wheel easy in cart and loaded it in front and the shafts had to rest on the middle gate. My stalls were 8'. I had a horse almost 16 hands and he fit in it just fine.
Cart before the horse or vice versa??
Help? Anyone? Please!!!!!
