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Trailer Safety for Horses & Livestock in Atlantic Canada

Your Complete Summer Hauling Checklist

Whether you’re heading to a weekend horse show, moving cattle between pastures, transporting sheep to market, or hauling goats to the county fair, trailer safety should always come first.

Summer is one of the busiest hauling seasons across Atlantic Canada—but it’s also one of the toughest on both animals and equipment. High humidity, hot pavement, stop-and-go traffic, and long ferry or highway trips can quickly create stressful conditions inside a trailer.

A few minutes spent inspecting your trailer before every trip can prevent breakdowns, injuries, and unnecessary stress for your animals.

Here’s everything you should check before hitting the road.

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Why Summer Hauling Requires Extra Attention

Unlike people, horses and livestock have limited ways to cool themselves during transport.Inside a parked or slow-moving trailer, temperatures can rise rapidly—even on what feels like a comfortable Maritime summer day. Add humidity, poor airflow, and direct sunlight, and animals can become overheated much faster than expected.
Atlantic Canadian haulers also face:

• High humidity
• Sudden rain showers
• Rough secondary roads
• Long distances between rural communities
• Ferry crossings
• Construction delays during peak summer

Planning ahead keeps both your trailer and your animals safer.

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Trailer Inspection Checklist
Before every trip, walk completely around your trailer.

Tires Check:

• Tire pressure (including the spare)
• Uneven wear
• Sidewall cracks
• Tread depth

Remember that trailer tires often age out before they wear out. Tires over five to six years old should be inspected carefully regardless of tread.

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Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings should be serviced regularly according to your trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
Signs of trouble include:

• Excessive heat
• Grinding noises
• Grease leaking around hubs
• Vibration while towing

A failed bearing can leave you stranded—and put your animals at risk.

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Lights & Electrical
Always test:

• Brake lights
• Turn signals
• Running lights
• Trailer brakes
• Breakaway battery

Don’t assume they worked last trip.

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Hitch & Coupler
Double-check:

• Hitch ball size
• Coupler latch locked
• Safety pin installed
• Safety chains crossed underneath
• Breakaway cable attached properly

Never wrap the breakaway cable around your safety chains.

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Trailer Floor
One of the most overlooked safety items.
Inspect for:

• Rotting wood
• Rust
• Loose boards
• Soft spots
• Broken welds

Lift rubber mats regularly to inspect underneath.

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Doors & Ramps
Make sure:

• Hinges move freely
• Latches lock securely
• Springs function properly
• Escape doors open easily

A sticky ramp becomes much harder—and more dangerous—when loading an anxious horse.

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Keep Animals Cool During Summer Transport

Heat stress is one of the biggest concerns during summer hauling.

Before You Leave

• Haul during early morning or evening whenever possible.
• Offer plenty of fresh water.
• Avoid feeding large grain meals immediately before travel.
• Ensure good trailer ventilation.

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During the Trip

For longer hauls:

• Stop every few hours to check animals.
• Offer water whenever safe to do so.
• Watch for heavy sweating or rapid breathing.
• Keep air moving by avoiding unnecessary stops.

Never leave animals standing inside a closed trailer while parked in direct sunlight.

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Signs of Heat Stress

Watch for:

• Excessive sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Elevated heart rate
• Lethargy
• Drooping head
• Reluctance to unload
• Stumbling
• Refusing water

If an animal appears overheated, stop in a safe location immediately and contact your veterinarian if symptoms do not improve.

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Secure Animals Properly

Improper tying causes many preventable injuries.

Use:

• Quality trailer ties
• Breakaway halters or breakaway tie systems for horses
• Proper livestock gates and dividers
• Non-slip trailer flooring

Avoid tying animals too short or leaving excessive slack that could allow legs or heads to become entangled.

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Don’t Forget Your Emergency Kit

Every trailer should carry a basic emergency kit.
Include:

• First aid supplies
• Extra lead ropes
• Spare halter
• Trailer ties
• Knife for emergency cutting
• Flashlight
• Reflective vest
• Tire pressure gauge
• Basic hand tools
• Gloves
• Zip ties
• Electrical tape

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Hauling Water Is Just as Important

Many horses refuse unfamiliar water at competitions.
Bring water from home whenever possible, especially for:

• Horse shows
• Clinics
• Overnight events
• Long-distance travel

Portable buckets make watering easier at rest stops and destinations.

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Trailer Cleaning Matters Too

After each trip:

• Remove manure and bedding.
• Sweep out dust and debris.
• Wash urine from floors.
• Check for loose hardware.
• Allow the trailer to dry before storing.

Clean trailers reduce odors, improve footing, and help prevent disease transmission between animals.

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Essential Trailer Gear Available at Feeds’n Needs

Before your next trip, make sure your trailer is stocked with the essentials.
Products you’ll find at Feeds’n Needs include:

Trailer & Hauling Essentials

• Trailer ties
• Lead ropes
• Snap hooks
• Quick links
• Tie rings
• Breakaway hardware
• Trailer accessories
• Utility knives
• Ratchet straps
• Bungee cords
• Work gloves

Watering Supplies

• Portable water buckets
• Rubber feed tubs
• Stall buckets
• Bucket hooks
• Water containers

Barn & Travel Supplies

• First aid products
• Fly control products
• Electrolytes for horses
• Grooming supplies
• Stable forks and cleaning tools

Our team can also help you choose the right equipment for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and other livestock travelling throughout Atlantic Canada.

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Final Checklist Before You Pull Out

✔ Tires checked

✔ Lights working

✔ Hitch secured

✔ Breakaway cable attached

✔ Trailer brakes tested

✔ Floor inspected

✔ Animals tied safely

✔ Water packed

✔ Emergency kit onboard

✔ Weather forecast checked

✔ Route planned

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Safe Trips Start Before the Trailer Moves

Whether you’re hauling one horse to a local gymkhana, transporting cattle between pastures, or taking livestock to an exhibition, preparation makes all the difference.

Atlantic Canada’s summer weather can change quickly, but a well-maintained trailer, properly secured animals, and the right equipment help every trip go more smoothly.

Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs before your next haul. Our knowledgeable team can help you stock up on trailer accessories, hydration supplies, barn essentials, and livestock care products so you and your animals are ready for every mile ahead.