Last Updated on December 8, 2022
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U Haul horse trailer rental is available for times when a trailer is needed. Hauling your horse may not be something you plan to do often so purchasing a trailer does not sit high on your priority list, but what if you do need to have your horse hauled? What options would you have available to you if you did need a trailer?
U Haul Horse Trailer Rentals have a variety of options available to you depending on where you need to go and the time you will be there. If you have a vehicle large enough to safely pull a trailer renting can be a very good choice. Alternatives to renting a horse trailer could be asking a friend or someone you trust to haul your horse can work as well, and there are also professional horse haulers and transporters available.
Horse Trailer Rentals – U Haul and Alternatives
Renting a horse trailer sounds like it should be fairly simple, but in some cases, it can be difficult. Where you live or would like to pick up the trailer, will be a huge part of finding places that have horse trailers available for rent.
U-Haul
U Haul Horse Trailer Rental is one of the most common places that comes to mind when we need to rent a trailer. U-Haul has locations throughout the USA, but they don’t all have the same rental inventory. U Haul for renting a horse trailer is not always available to you. If you live in an area that is highly populated with people who own horses you will be able to find a horse trailer from U-Haul, but if not, they will not have one available. U-Haul, in most cases, will only keep inventory for things that are rented regularly.
Read more about Where to rent a horse trailer for horses
Locally Owned
Many places that rent tools or other types of implements will commonly also offer trailer rentals. Locally owned places are more often the best place to find a horse trailer to rent. Some feed stores keep one or two trailers on hand for rental purposes. Welding shops or other shops that specialize in trailer repairs and hitch installation oftentimes will also offer horse trailers for rent. Places that have a very small group of horse owners will find that the small locally owned shops are a better option for finding a horse trailer for rent.
Ask Someone Who Owns a Trailer
Asking someone to borrow their horse trailer is a very big favor to ask someone. In most cases, the trailer owner will not loan the trailer out to anyone, but will often reply with the invitation to haul the horse for you. This is ideal if you are attending the same event or need to haul to the same destination. On the off chance that they reply with a yes, then you are all set.
Long Haul or Commercial Transportation
Contacting a professional horse hauler or horse transport company is also a very low hassle and a common hauling option. Most commercial haulers will have local and long-haul services available. Even if there isn’t a local horse transportation company in the town you live in, there is likely one close by that can help you haul your horse.
Can You Rent a Livestock Trailer?
It is possible to rent a livestock trailer, and this can be a cost-effective alternative to buying your trailer. However, it is important to check various aspects when renting a livestock trailer.
Firstly, ensure that the trailer you are hiring is fit for purpose. If you want to transport horses, then it should be a purpose-made horse trailer. Look for a reputable company that supplies well-maintained trailers that undergo regular servicing.
You also need to check that you are insured to tow a trailer – the rental company should be able to assist you with this. It is also essential to check your driver’s license to make sure you are permitted to tow a trailer.
If for some reason you are unable to tow a trailer yourself, it is also possible to hire a livestock trailer or transporter with a driver. This is a more costly option, but a good solution if you need to move livestock in a hurry.
Can You Haul a Horse in a Cattle Trailer?
In some situations, it is possible to haul horses in a cattle trailer. Cattle trailers are built to take animals of a similar size and weight to horses, and they can be an acceptable alternative to horse trailers. Some cattle trailers may not be suitable for taller horses, as the ceiling height tends to be lower.
However, there are some differences when using a stock trailer that you need to be aware of. Many horse trailers have partitions to keep the horses separate, while cattle tend to be left loose in the trailer. Cattle trailers also have open windows along the sides, whereas horses are accustomed to traveling in a more enclosed space.
How Do You Haul a Horse in a Stock Trailer?
These days it is more common to tie horses up for transporting them, but some people still transport horses lose in a stock trailer. If left loose, the horse can choose the most comfortable position to stand in to travel, but they may also lose their footing and stumble over.
The other thing to consider when hauling a horse in a stock trailer is whether to use partitions or not. Some horses find it easier to travel with partitions, as they can lean against them to keep their balance. Others find it more comfortable without a partition, so this decision will come down to your horse’s preference and the type of trailer.
When tying a horse up in a stock trailer, ensure that the tie point is high enough – it should be located above the level of the horse’s head. Use a quick-release trailer tie that can be rapidly undone in the event of an emergency.
Finally, consider the ventilation when transporting a horse in a stock trailer. Many stock trailers have open slatted sides which may subject your horse to an unpleasant cold draft when traveling. It may be necessary to block some of these off when transporting a horse in a stock trailer.
How Do You Haul a Horse Long Distance?
Hauling a horse for a long distance is a tricky business, and can cause problems for your horse if not done correctly. Traveling for a long distance is very stressful for a horse, and can result in various health problems such as muscle fatigue, dehydration, and shipping fever.
To haul a horse a long distance, factor in several rest breaks along the way – you should attempt to stop every three hours for thirty minutes or so. This rest stop will give your horse a chance to relax and have a drink. Do not unload your horse unless it is safe to do so; roadside cafes and rest stops are not safe places to unload a horse.
During this break check your horse carefully for any signs of ill health, such as swollen legs, patchy sweating, dry mucous membranes, or a raised respiratory rate. Clean out any droppings from the trailer and offer your horse a drink.
Not all horses will drink while traveling, but you can increase water intake by feeding soaked hay. Hay should be available to your horse at all times during the journey.
Can You Haul Cows in a 2-horse Trailer?
Horse trailers are not the best option for hauling cows, but they can be used to transport cattle for short distances or in an emergency. Horse trailers do not have sufficient ventilation to keep cattle comfortable, so ensure that any windows are left open. Never attempt to pack cattle into a horse trailer – it is preferable to transport them one or two at a time.
Conclusion
Some horse owners don’t think a horse trailer will be used enough to make purchasing one worthwhile. Many horse owners are going perfectly content with finding other hauling options. These alternatives have become very quick at finding the hauling accommodations that will best fit their needs.
When renting, borrowing, or having a friend haul, or a professional hauler it is important to examine the trailer inside and out. You want to make sure that it is safe and that there isn’t anything that could cause an injury. You also want to make sure that you are not later held responsible for any damages that were there before your horse was hauled in the trailer. If you have hired a commercial hauler, contracts are generally needed before the horse goes anywhere. Always remember to choose the hauling option that is best for you and the purpose of your hauling needs.
Michael Dehaan
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.
