GUELPH – Hauling a horse trailer is a steep learning curve if your experience is limited to coordinating four wheels and not putting thousands of pounds behind your vehicle.
The consequences of having the wrong tow package, insufficient towing vehicle or missing a safety step while getting hitched can be dire for the precious cargo and anyone else sharing the road.
Equine Guelph’s new online course, Horse Trailer Safety (Part One) runs Nov. 20 to Dec. 1.
The course instructor is large animal emergency rescue specialist and volunteer firefighter Rebecca Husted.
Husted has responded to countless roadside incidents and instructed others on rescue procedure for horrific accident scenes involving horse trailers.
“Way too many private horse owners tell me ‘they didn’t know’ after an incident with their horses and trailer/transport.
“Hauling horses is a serious responsibility,” Husted said.
“Due diligence is required to make sure your set up is safe and emergency preparedness is essential. This course will ensure you do know how to effectively check your own rig.”
Participants will be able to make informed decisions about which towing package (truck and trailer) is right for their needs and will learn all about pre-trip inspections and general maintenance.
The course will also cover preventative maintenance and regular inspections that can extend the life of a trailer as well as improve safety.
To register for Horse Trailer Safety (Part One) visit thehorseportal.ca.
