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Discussion on How fast to pull a trailer on back roads | |
Author | Message |
Member: Sswiley |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 11:36 am: I am hoping to start a discussion on how fast people pull their horses on back roads. I am having a friendly dispute with my friend. I have trailered all my life (25+ years since my license). I do, however, go as slow as anyone I know on the back roads. Partly because I am not usually in a hurry and also because I feel it is more comfortable for the horses. I do have to pull over quite a bit to let people by but I usually allow a few cars to accumulate before I do . My horses all trailer quietly and on the occasion when I am in a hurry, they handle it fine. Highway travel is a whole nuther thing, lets just say I havent got a speeding ticket yet but I have to knock on wood when I say that.My friend, has a mare that doesnt load well(she came that way) and when you get her out of the trailer she is usually in a lather. She also drives faster than I do. My argument to her is that she should slow down, she says that I go too slow. What are everyones experiences with turny roads and how calm thier horses are in the trailer. Now, just to clarify, she does not go really fast, just faster than I do. So I am not talking about the people who rip around turns or floor it when they get a green light. |
Member: Hwood |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 11:49 am: Here's a great way to settle the discussion.Put a helmet on your friend, and haul her in a horse trailer at the speed YOU usually drive and at the speed SHE usually drives . . . and let her decide what she likes best. (This is something we did on the fair grounds at our annual 4-H Horse Clinic . . . to give kids an idea of what if feels like for a horse to ride in a trailer . . . an eye-opening experience, for sure.) |
Member: Banthony |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 12:04 pm: I second Holly's advice. If you've never ridden in the back of a horse trailer, it is an eye opening experience. You would never believe how rough it is until you try and hang on going around corners and stopping. I kept telling myself "I hope it's better with four legs." |
Member: Sswiley |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 1:24 pm: Great idea.But, just to play devils advocate to myself . . . . Is there a point where you go so slow that you are just being rediculous and the horses would be just fine if you added another 5 - 10 MPH. For example, I have certainly been passed by a horse trailer or two. Also, when I see a speed limit for an upcoming (unknown) turn I usually take about 5 mph off. To me this seems comfortable for the horses. |
Member: Alden |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 2:18 pm: Shelley,I wouldn't change a thing if I were you, most people drive too fast and have little concern for their horses. I do like you and take corners at or slightly below the corner posting. I also slow if the road is rough, the highway east of here is 65mph, but I seldom drive over 55 because of the uneven surface. Good day, Alden |
Member: Dove2 |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 2:51 pm: I, too, want my horses to feel comfortable while trailering so as to minimize loading issues. I find that going the speed limit on highways is usually fast enough, sometimes 5 miles less due to road conditions (bumpy, raining, narrow, etc.) Of course, I keep a large space in front of me for stopping distance.The back roads, however, are all different. I find myself going 5-10 miles less than speed limit on roads that I know, and sometimes less than that on unfamiliar roads or when conditions warrant. I'm even at a point where I've stopped feeling guilty about it! My horses are more important to me than an impatient driver. |
Member: Cpacer |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 2:53 pm: Shelley, I'm on your side. You don't know what's going to pop out at you on those back roads. Whatever you can do to avoid a hard stop will make your horse happier to travel.I try to get to my destination without anything loose from the tack compartment slipping. I've heard to practice driving with a cup of water on your dash--if it spills your driving too reckless for the horses comfort. Just this Sunday I was coming back from a nice relaxing trail ride, driving in a 55 zone at about 50. Was tailgated by a guy in a truck and cut-off within inches of him hitting my front bumper, only to see the silhouette of a middle finger flicked at me! Gimme a break!!! |
Member: Sswiley |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 3:15 pm: It must be the people on this site. Because I know there are plenty of people (mostly rancher types) that trailer faster on these back roads. I cant imagine they would do it if it caused a problem loading or stressed the horse too much. I dont think I am going to get the "other " perspective at HA.Everyone here is willing to get "gestured" by other drivers to make sure they have a happy horse. |
Member: Tangoh |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 3:24 pm: Hey Shelley, we're one of those types you are referring to.Where I hail from some of the back roads or super grids are in better shape than a lot of our highways. As a matter of fact, 90% of the roads we travel on with our horses is gravel and the trailer pulls along very smooth, sometimes smoother than on the highways that have heaved during cold winters causing them to be pretty rough at 60 mph. Sometimes 60 mph on a super grid is smooth as silk, so it kind of depends on the roads. Now driving through the city is another matter. This is where we tend to receive more than our share of the one finger salute...and I don't give a darn...if some of the city folks had half a clue that we need more than one car length to slow down a stock trailer for a red light they might understand, so it's the people behind the wheel of the other vehicle that we tend to worry about more. The horses...they get a little dusty on the dirt roads, but they're used to it, just like we are. |
Member: Sswiley |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 3:56 pm: Now thats what I'm talking about Sherri.Do you think it is because your horses spend so much time in the trailer, or is it just their personality. I am begining to think that I am getting more conservative in my "old age". Before our private road was paved I used to haul up and down this 30% grade, dirt, switch-back road that never had anyone maintaining it. Most of the time it looked like a double diamond ski run with huge moguls(sp?). Of course I went slow, but the horses still had to hang on with their toenails . . . and yet, they did just fine. Even the babies on their first trip out. |
Member: Tangoh |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 4:12 pm: They don't seem to mind being on the trailer. I think they just get used to it.We try to make them as comfortable as possible. We have installed a roof vent to get better air flow, we have plexi glass inserts for poor weather or REAL dusty roads, and we have also installed door sweeps out of tough rubber to eliminate as much dust billowing under and over the back door of the trailer as possible. We don't haul more than 4 horses in our 4 horse trailer (I know a lot of people that will stick 6 horses in a 4 horse trailer) and we do try and make it as comfortable as possible for them. We don't feed in the trailer either -- they need to pay attention to where their feet are. They have 4 feet to stand on so they are much more balanced than a human standing back there upright on 2 feet. I do find they are more comfortable hauling in our slant load than a straight load. They must not mind it too much, we never have a problem getting them on when we go somewhere and when it's time to go home they practically run onto the trailer. We've never had a bad experience trailering (knocking on my wooden head now) |
Member: Mrose |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 4:36 pm: Trailering is one of my "soap box subjects" and careless haulers one of my biggest pet peeves. And, if you want to hear me cuss like a stevadore, let someone pass me on the road, then cut me off!! I've had people cut me off so close that I've had to put on the brakes to avoid hitting them. I used to want a plow for the front of the truck, but my knowing husband wouldn't allow one.I go pretty fast (the speed limit usually) on the highway if there's not much traffic and the weather is good. On back roads I go pretty slow, especially if I don't know the road. On roads I know, if it's not in a neighborhood area where dogs or kids might run out, I usually go the speed limit. I always slow down after dark and in bad weather, regardless of where I'm driving. If it's icy, I don't go unless it's an emergency. I don't really mind snow so much, just go real slow. I try hard to stay away from everyone, but in traffic it's impossible. Leave a space and someone crowds into it. (another good use for the plow!) One things I do that I think helps the horses, is I brake a little before corners to let them know one is coming. Probably just makes me feel better, but I like to think it gives them a "heads up." The ride in the trailer is a great idea! I know a few people I'd love to throw in the back of the trailer and give them a ride to remember! btw - ALWAYS check your trailer's condition, especially the floor boards and brakes. Believe it or not, our vet had a couple of drunk cowboys come into his place middle of the night last year. They were on their way home from a local roping competition. One of their horses had a foot that went through the floor boards and was worn almost all the way off. Needless to say, the horse had to be put down. Vet said he'd have rather put the two cowboys down. I won't tell you what else he said - you can just imagine. |
Member: Christos |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 4:37 pm: Back roads are not highways, minimum speed is a term that does not apply. At least not in Europe.As for the finger flicking group, I see them as strong living evidence that some humans did, after all, evolve from Australopithecus. Protect them when driving, yield to them and all other animals, report them not to the police but to anthropologists and Universities. They may be the missing link ! |
Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 5:11 pm: LOL... i was in a car accident in Germany... We stopped, and exchanged info... i asked if we were to wait for the police. They said no, unless someone died... Driver was paying more attention to the futbol game on the radio than the road. it seems the other driver was too. As a matter of fact they both went into the nearest pub and just listened there....It was so odd. No hubbabalo, about it. No antics, anger, nothing. Just a fact of life. And on we went... That same accident here, would have been months of grief for all involved. Insurances, lawsuits, medical grievances...I'm a granny driver. And i don't think a friendly discussion over it will make me change my ways. Nor do i suppose it will change your friends way of driving too fast. She will either learn the lesson the hard way or not... And would DrOp it to save the friendship. How you drive is your business, and if i have a stack of cars behind me, i will try to let them pass, but will not do anything to put me in danger. Or my horses. I drive totally different when i have them with me. Or even someone elses child for that matter. I have learned to stay off the roads during thanksgiving and christmas traffic because there is a totally different element on the road at that time. I remember so much traffic and all i wanted to do was get into the left turnpike lane to get to a bathroom. I clocked it. 2 turnpike stations and over 100 miles before someone would let me in. I do think finally i just pushed my way in.... Back roads are a different thing. Many who are on it live a lifestyle similar and respect the hauling of livestock. Even some of the younger kids... |
Member: Sswiley |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 5:58 pm: Sara, I do the same brake warning before turns. The way my trailer is I can see their heads with the rearview mirror. I figure if I can see them throw their heads up them I am way too fast.What I do on the highway is drive fairly fast, I like to keep up with the flow. I do, however, adjust my trailer brake power up several notches. That way if people slam their brakes on I am less likely to jackknife. The problem is remembering to lower the setting when you get enter the off ramp. Otherwise the horses get jarred pretty hard when you stop. And by the way, Just to clarify . . . . my friend doesn't drive unsafe, I think she just drives too fast for her sensitive mare. I think the hardest thing for horses that I see people doing, is stepping on the gas too hard from a stop. Especially some of these big trucks with automatic transmission. Its too easy to punch it with the horses. They can handle a quick brake much easier, they just sit a little. The forward accelerating on the other hand is harder for them to brace against unless they are already sitting on the butt bar (I have a straight load, horses too big for slant) Hey Christos, Australopithecus must have migrated across to N America before the ice melted, we seem to have more over here. But seriously, I had a run in with one many years ago. He literally was leaning out his window, looking back at me, yelling and waving one arm. All at highway speed in rushhour traffic. Then he proceeded to slam on his brakes, I almost him, the person behind me almost hit me and God only knows how everyone else managed. He slammed his brakes several times before he cooled off, Jeeezze. Thats when you need a cattle guard that Sarah was talking about. |
Member: Erika |
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 6:16 pm: I have a friend who is always late to horse things--everything probably. She always wraps her horses legs well and put bell boots on (yeah, guess I should too, but don't) because she told me they always "scramble" in the trailer and get themselves cut. They are also tough to load.Followed her one day with my trailer and now I know why the tough load and scramble! She drives like a bat outa hell to make up for being late (usually due to tough loaders and leg wrapping!) |
Member: Imogen |
Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 3:59 am: Try Irish roads. 60 mph did Sherri mention? Are you mad? We would consider being able to do 40 with a trailer to be a motorway... My own house is down an unmade gravel road and it takes about 5-10 minutes to do the first quarter of a mile. I find if you drive slow it's fine. I just allow more time... And gravel roads are better than tarmac with potholes, I agree, no sharp edges to the holes...Imogen |
Member: Tangoh |
Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 9:04 am: Umm...no...I don't THINK I'm mad...or dangerous, or careless.If you've ever been on a super grid here in Canada, you wouldn't find 60 mph fast at all pulling a trailer. Seriously, most of them are in better than a lot of the highways, they are wide, good shoulders, graded extremely well, no loose gravel, and usually run straight as an arrow. |
Member: Stevens |
Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 2:48 pm: My two favorite tactics for dealing with the road morons who like to flash hand signs:1: Blow them a kiss; it will take them totally by surprise. I do not recommend this for guy to guy encounters. 2: If they're especially obnoxious, and it's safe to do so, pull out your cell phone and pretend to make a call. This is really effective if you lean forward and say their license plate number out loud. My experience is that they speed away to annoy someone else. I was riding (in a car) with an acquaintance one day who was pretty much a hot head. He was cut off and flipped off by another driver yet had no reaction. When I commented on how impressed I was at his restraint, he mentioned that he used to be that way. I asked what had changed him and he said it was someone in the car he cut off pulling out a gun and pointing it at him. |
Member: Mrose |
Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 4:02 pm: Your friend must of been driving in Los Angeles area!Like the kiss idea; maybe I could get one of the horses to blow one for me as he goes by. |
Member: Christos |
Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 4:21 pm: Blowing a kiss in an inviting rather that provoking way, works particularly well for men encountering macho morons. Boy, does it make them run! |
Member: Tinaw40 |
Posted on Friday, Sep 1, 2006 - 7:56 am: I once had a problem with my old Arab loading. My good friend, also a known trainer, followed me one day while I was hauling the trailer and gave me a few pointers that worked like a charm. I have no issues with any of my 7 horses loading, unloading, etc.When slowing, the sound of the engine slowing down does alarm your horse to prepare for a change. Slow down to the speed you need to make a turn and as you turn, that is when you speed up. I was still slowing while turning and he said that was a "bad thing". I don't care what the speed limit is. My speed is always determined by road and weather conditions. The safety of my horses is always my priority. And, I don't think the horse really cares whether you are going 25 or 50 as long as he/she is comfortable and you aren't slamming him/her into the trailer, etc. On particularly hot days, I always choose a route with good roads so I can go the speed limit and get my horses home and in comfort. As for the hot heads on the road that can't handle us calm horse loving humans, they will meet their maker long before we will. |
Member: Sswiley |
Posted on Friday, Sep 1, 2006 - 3:38 pm: Tina,See, this is where I am very conservative with my driving. I NEVER accelerate until the trailer has completed the turn. If you do you are giving them a modified whip of sorts. Sounds like your friend is using performance driving methods which get you through a turn safely but is intended for speed not trailering horses. |
Member: Leilani |
Posted on Friday, Sep 1, 2006 - 4:56 pm: I agree with Shelley. Years ago when I bought my first trailer, I received a book by Cherry Hill on getting your horse ready to haul. She wrote that you should never change speed and direction at the same time. Leilani |
Member: Tinaw40 |
Posted on Friday, Sep 1, 2006 - 8:11 pm: I love this site. I learn something every time I visit here. Thanks for the correction on trailering horses guys, I really appreciate it. I guess since I am such a slow/cautious driver anyway, the fact that I am accelerating, ever so slowly, during a turn hasn't caused my horses a problem as they all jump right in the trailer when time to haul. But, I always try do whatever I can to make sure they are comfortable so you can bet my turns will be much better now. My horses thank you guys as well. |