Customer Reviews

The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Servicing a Horse Trailer (Howell reference books)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the world of horses everyone has an opinion. After deciding to buy a trailer I wanted to do a little research. This book is full of incredible detail about all the possible mishaps your horse could get into and the various design flaws that most trailers have to contribute to those mishaps. It gives detailed explanations of each part of the trailer and is full of opinions about the best design of trailers. The authors do not cite any specific manufacturers but after reading this book I had completely changed my mind about what I wanted. The problem is so much of the information was so scary that I designed my perfect trailer around it, only to learn it would cost me almost $10,000.00 (for a 2-horse). The book is incredibly detailed, well written in layman's terms and has good illustrations and photographs. I learned a lot more about a horse trailer than I ever thought I needed to. It gives you a lot to think about. Mostly I thought about never trailering my horse in someone elses's trailer again.

As a novice in the horse world I had no idea where to start looking for a safe and reasonably priced horse trailer. This book was a wealth of information covering all the main topics (slant load or straight load, gooseneck or tag-a-long; steel or aluminum construction)and offered lot's of details I would not have considered (hay bags, nets or mangers; ramp or step up's; windows open or closed). I completely changed my mind about what to look for in a trailer and believe I have now have the information necessary to buy the safest trailer available and the most appropriate tow vehicle for my choice of trailer. The authors are very knowledgeable and have written from experience. The only problem I had with the book is that it is almost too much information but it will continue to be a resource for any questions that arise in the future. I highly recommend this book.

Imagine trying to buy a car with no consumer reviews (or even trade reviews), and in a world where only a handful of people you know even own cars. You can ask their opinion, but their vehicle is several years old and a totally different type from the one you need. And for every time you hear someone say, "Acme Brand Trailers are the greatest," you'll also hear, "I wouldn't have an Acme Brand Trailer ever again."

This is what it's like to shop for a horse trailer. Actually, it's even worse: most horse trailers are practically custom made, so there's a huge variety of options to select. Dealers often only have one brand and are typically far apart - perhaps a hundred miles in every direction. And they may only have a few samples available at any one time.

Though no brands are mentioned, the book does a good job of taking one through the many possible features in a trailer, discussing what is available and what is especially convenient, horse-friendly, or inconvenient. Even little details, like door latches, or avoiding high sills on dressing room doors, so that the dressing room can be swept out easily, are covered - precisely the sort of thing that is easy to miss when looking at bright shiny new trailers.

I did not agree with all of her recommendations and preferences, but they are generally well presented and reasoned. I would like to see a little more discussion about expected hauling conditions, and how your needs for a trailer and tow vehicle change based on whether you do mostly short local hauling or long-distance hauling, and in warm or cold weather.

However, this is an excellent book on an obscure topic, and well worth the money for anyone looking to know more about selecting or maintaining a horse trailer.

Very thorough and easy to read. We are new to horses and had shopped a little for a trailer before reading this book, but found the whole process very overwhelming. We didn't really have any idea what we should be looking for and talking to all the different salesmen at the equine show proved to be just too much. This book covers everything from A-Z and points out the pros and cons of different types of construction materials, styles, options, etc. Much emphasis is placed on the safety and comfort of the horse. I feel that I am much better equipped to acquire the "right" trailer now that I know the "right questions".

I bought this book because I'm shopping for a horse trailer. What a find! The author covers every possible topic which gave me a whole new list of questions to bring to each dealer I visited. She stresses safety of the horse first, the owner second; she describes trailering from the horse's point of view; she covers many topics I would not have even considered as a first time trailer buyer.

This book is a must for any horse owner because your horse, at some time or another, will be trailered somewhere. After reading this one, you will know if you want your horse riding in a friend's trailer that may not be as safe as she thinks it is.

Without this book's information I would have been woefully unprepared for my trailer buying duties.

This is truly the complete horse trailering book. Whether you are looking for a new or used trailer or already have a trailer, whether you like what you have or want to improve it, this is a very valuable reference you'll return to frequently. It considers the horse's viewpoint as well as yours - safety, good investment, ease of towing, loading, maintenance .... Its well researched, full of pictures, diagrams, hints, lists....

This books points out so many issues regarding trailers and horses that should be "common sense", but are overlooked by the majority of trailer manufactures and unknown to the majority of horse owners. It debunks many of the current trailer fads and supports its positions with strong research and fact.

After reading this book and recalling what I've seen in the past; I will not put my horses in half the trailers out there (including ones I've used in the past).

Every horse that is transported deserves the benefit of the knowledge and advice in this book. You owe it to your equine partner!

I have started looking for my own trailer and this book has really answered a lot of questions that have been going through my mind as I have been shopping. It also has valuable information on the safty aspects for the horse. I have learned a lot and have been with horses for around five years. Highly recommend to anyone who currenly owns or is going to buy a trailer.

Even if you have trailered horses for years, you will still find this book to be a "must have." It will remind experienced horsemen of checklists to follow for safe towing, and give the new comer an insightful, useful tutelage on the ins and outs of buying and hauling. Ms. Schreve has thorough research and experience to back up her advice. Absolutely excellent advice on being fullly prepared for on-road emergencies!

As an experienced horse owner, I found this book very helpful to look at horse trailers in a whole new light. This book is great at pointing out all the little flaws that different trailers may have and defiantly helped me make a check list to bring with me to purchase my next trailer. I would recommend this book to anyone, novice or experienced, who is on the market for their first or 5th trailer!