How to Design a Horse Trailer

Choose the hitch type. The hitch is the joining device; it can either be a gooseneck, which is curved and built in a U-shape, or it can be a bumper pull, which will be attached to the frame near the bumper area. Goosenecks are bigger and usually more expensive, but they won't shift or sway the way a bumper pull will. However, bumper pulls may be easier to drive with because they will follow the path of your vehicle better than goosenecks will.

Choose a load type. The load can either be slanted, straight or stocked. Slanted loads help the horse maintain balance while riding in the horse trailer, but they can also cause strain on the horse. Larger horses may become cramped inside a slant load trailer. A straight load trailer may be better for larger horses because it gives them more room. Straight load trailers also have exits at both the front and back.

Decide on the number of stalls and the width of your trailer. The stock trailer will typically be about 24 feet, which can transport three horses. Choose the height, which will be about seven or eight feet.

Choose whether or not you want a ramp and, if so, choose your ramp type. You can have one ramp at the back that will be used to both load and unload your horses. You can also have one ramp at the back and one ramp at the front. This way, the horses will be either loaded at the rear of the trailer and unloaded at the front or they will be loaded at the front and unloaded at the rear. You could, instead, have a side ramp, used to both load and unload your horses. If you choose not to have a ramp, then the horse trailer will come with a lowered floor to the rear that will allow the horses to step down.

Decide what color the outside of the horse trailer will be. It is typically either black or white, but can be other colors, such as red. The color you choose is simply a matter of personal preference.