In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: How tall is a small horse trailer? We will explain what the different sizes of horse trailers are and discuss requirements regarding the size of your trailer.

How tall is a small horse trailer?

A small horse trailer can be from 7′ to 7’6″ tall, depending on the brand and the type of trailer, whether it is a standard straight load or a custom-build load, for example.

A standard straight-load trailer designed to tow two horses features an internal stall width of 6 feet, a trailer length of 10 feet, and a roof height of 7 feet 6 inches. A standard trailer carries horses 14 to 16 hands in height.

A large straight load horse trailer is 11 feet tall and is 6 feet wide with a 7-foot 8-inch high roof. An extra-large trailer has a 96-inch wide axle to account for larger horsepower and heavier weights. This trailer carries horses 16 to 17 hands in height.

There are also large double straight horse trailers with 102-inch axles to tow horses 18 to 19 hands tall. Some manufacturers even build custom horse trailers based on the size of the horse.

Please see below what are the standard dimensions of a small one-horse trailer:

Small horse trailer average dimensions

Weight (without added options)	2700 lbs
Overall Box Length	12′
Inside Height	7’4″
Stall Length	117″ diagonal, 90″ divider length
Stall Width	40

What are the different sizes of horse trailers?

In addition to grooming, lodging and food, the horses must be transported from time to time, either locally or over a long distance. Knowing the right size horse trailer for your needs will ensure that your animals travel in comfort and arrive safely at their destination.

Horse trailers come in incline or straight load designs, with or without options, and vary in height, width and weight.

Standard straight load: A standard straight-load trailer design is a side-by-side rear door entry trailer where the horseheads face the front of the trailer. The standard size comprises the smallest horse trailer, which typically has a stall width within approximately six feet. These trailers typically have a square roof, with a floor-to-ceiling stop height of seven feet and a total length of the trailer of 10 feet.

The standard trailer for horse sizes is from 14 to 16 hands. The roof should be extended to 7 feet, 6 inches for horses up to 16-3 hands, and an additional two inches for horses in 16-3 to 17 hands. Horses measuring 16-3 to 17 hands should have an extra one foot in trailer length, too.

Extra Large Straight-Load: Additional large straight-haul trailers have post lengths of 11 feet. They are six feet wide, but the ceilings extend to a height of 7 feet, 8 inches. With large cargo trailers, they are straight axles with widths of 96 inches, which represents a heavier load for the larger horses, ranging from 16-3 17-2 hands tall.

Double Extra Large Direct Loading: Additional double straight-haul trailers have the same length of 11 feet as the oversized one, and the width is maintained at 6 feet 8 inches. Height is 7 feet, 8 inches. The shafts extend to 102 inches wide. The extra-large double model typically houses horses ranging from 18 to 19 hands.

Custom-built straight load: Custom-built horse trailers accommodate horses that are 19 hands and taller. Draft horses with weights approach 2,000 pounds that fall into this category. The trailer must be at least 8 feet tall, with a 12-foot stopping length in addition. The tires and axles must be upgraded to support the additional weight with the addition of additional floor supports and the brace.

Tilt-Load: Tilt-load trailers differ in design from straight-load trailers in that the horses are loaded from left to right on an incline within the stalls. Due to the diagonal stalls, the overall length of the trailer is still shorter, measuring only 8 to 8 1/2 feet below the centre line.

However, the length of the diagonal will approach 10 to 11 feet. Tilt-load trailers, due to their smaller size, cannot accommodate horses more than 15-3 hands tall. The tilt-load trailer has additional trailer tags with less hauling weight for the tow vehicle and more manoeuvrability.

What trailer size do I need for my horse?

The most suitable trailer for horses is the one that gives the animal comfort and safety when transporting. We care that your horse or mare is in good health when travelling. For this reason, we will give you the best recommendations so that you can choose the best equine transport.

Trailer size: Make sure the trailer is roomy enough for your horse, it is also important to note that horses grow quickly. Not all horse breeds have the same wingspan.
Trailer material: The most resistant material is steel, it is anti-rust and resists animal waste. In addition, it is important that the material is easy to clean.
Hydration accessories: A good horse trailer has a water and food dispenser, this is very important especially for long-distance trips.
Windows: if the trailer is a cabin trailer, it is important that it has vents so that the horse is in a cool environment.
Mooring anchor: The trailer you buy must have a mooring anchor so that the horse is safe
Fastening to the car: make sure that the trailer you buy adapts to the ball of your car.
If the trailer has a MAM of more than 1,600 lbs, it is mandatory to be registered in traffic insurance and pass the technical inspection periodically.
Inertia brake: it must be stated that a good braking system.
Wheel size: large horse walk or not walk.

Law requirements regarding horse trailers

After choosing the ideal horse trailer size, you must consult the law requirements regarding the transportation of horses. This is essential in order to ensure the safety and comfortableness of your horse while on the move.

If you are towing one or more horses you must comply with the following regulations:

Limit the duration of the trip to a minimum and meet the needs of the animals during it;
Animals must be fit for transport;
Have a vehicle and its loading and unloading equipment designed and maintained to avoid animal suffering and ensure their safety;
The floor space and height must be sufficient taking into account the animals to be transported;
Have water and food and plan resting times to be adapted in quality and quantity according to the species and size of the animals;
Staff handling animals have been trained or have the skills to act in limiting violence and fear of transported animals.
The means of transport must avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals;
Protect animals against bad weather, extreme temperatures and adverse weather variations;
Prevent animals from escaping or falling;
Have partitions to separate the animals except for the mares in the mares;
Have a non-slip floor that reduces urine and faeces leakage;
Have appropriate loading and unloading equipment (side protection when the slope is greater than 10 °);
Have access to the animals and a source of light to inspect and/or care for them;
Provide sufficient ventilation appropriate to the size and space of the animals;
Practice regular cleaning and disinfection;
Have a sign indicating the “transport of live animals”, or even “be careful with horses”.

Conclusions

Choosing the right horse trailer is an important factor and you must do your research well. When measuring a horse trailer you must find the height of the trailer, the interior dimensions of the storage options, and the exterior dimensions. The dimensions of a horse trailer vary widely, so make sure you choose the right one!

For more advice on how to buy the right horse trailer check our other articles on the same topic, or feel free to get in contact.

FAQ on How tall is a small horse trailer?

How big is a 2 horse trailer?

A standard 2 horse trailer is 6’ width, 7’ tall and has a stall length of 10’. Of course, depending on the horse trailer brand and model, it can vary in size and the weight is capable of holding.

How many horses can fit in a trailer?

Up to six horses can fit in a trailer, depending on the size and model of the trailer. When transporting more than one horse, the minimum height inside the compartments must exceed the height at the withers of the tallest animal by at least 30 inches (almost 75 cm).

How tall is a draft horse trailer?

A draft horse trailer should be at least 8’ tall. A draft horse weighs on average 1,400 to 2,000 lb and has a height of 16 to 19 hands (64 to 76 inches) As these are heavy horses, you will need a spacious trailer to transport the horse in safety and comfort.

What travel equipment do I need to transport a horse?

As for travel equipment, the horse must wear the halter for the duration of the trip. Most experts suggest a leather halter (not nylon or rope). In an emergency, the leather is easy to cut. Depending on the weather during your trip, you may or may not need a blanket. Bumpers and leg guards can be very important.

References

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How tall is a small horse trailer?