Horse Trailer Maintenance: Be Ready for Spring

You’ve parked your horse trailer for the winter. No need to look at it until the first show in the spring, right? While your trailer might be enjoying its hibernation, you need to check it periodically just in case an equine health emergency sends you on a sudden trip to the veterinary clinic.

Once a month or so through the winter, inspect for leaks that could let in snow or rain; invasion by mice or other animals; condensation on windows or other surfaces (you can open up the trailer for a few hours on nice days to air it out); tires that may be soft or flat; lights that don’t work; and connection wires that might have gotten chewed or broken. Look at the ground around the trailer to be sure it is firm enough for loading or pulling out.

Check under the trailer and discourage wildlife that may have taken up residence. Placing a handful of mothballs in an empty plastic container with holes in the lid and putting the container under the trailer will deter some snakes and other wildlife. Placing the mothballs in a container will keep them from impacting the soil or being ingested by pets. Replace the mothballs from time to time. Finally, if your trailer is in need of a new floor or other major repairs, schedule this maintenance as soon as possible so you will have dependable, safe transportation for your horse when you need it.