All I hear is how everyone loves their Hawk trailers. Any problems with them? They seem nice. I love the 4stars, cimarron, etc. but keep coming back to Hawk for some reason. I also like the Balanced Ride trailers that Risa has designed by Hawk.
I really need to hear the good, the bad, the ugly.
Thanks
You have a PM 
Could I pretty please get that PM too. I could be the OP in this case–really thinking the same thing.
[QUOTE=TrotTrotPumpkn;4500900]
Could I pretty please get that PM too. I could be the OP in this case–really thinking the same thing.[/QUOTE]
Check your PMs
PRETTY PLEASE on that PM…I’m in the exact same place. Looking at Hawk’s and want to make sure I’m doing the right thing.
THANK YOU
I’ve sent the pm to those that requested it but figured I might respond here as well. I was basically asked about the Hawk and the Balanced Ride built by Hawk but designed specifically by Risa. I owned a 2005 2H Hawk which I sold to upgrade to a 2+1. Risa told me about her new line coming out so I waited a few months for it to happen. In short, I LOVE the Balanced Ride Max. With the Balanced Ride, Risa kicked it up a notch or two by really putting superior products into her line. Thicker padding, better latches, killer LED lights that literally light the trailer up like Fort Knox. The interior rubber lined walls are lined further up and with a different material that makes for very easy wipe down. The tackrack system is great. The graphics on the trailer I love. Subtle and classy. It’s a very structurally strong trailer as one would expect from Hawk. No rattles whatsoever. It tows like a dream and is very airy and cool.
As for the backwards aspect of the trailer… I never thought about it until Risa and I talked. I had to admit that every mare & foal I’ve hauled in a box stall did in fact end up turned around backwards. I have some friends with head to head trailers and a couple have mentioned that they have a horse that will only travel well if he’s traveling backwards.
I can tell you I’m sold on it. My horses travel exceedingly well. In fact, they’d remain on the trailer eating hay if I allowed them too. My 4yr old nervous loader (new horse to me) is a dream to load now. When I acquired him, I picked him up in a friends 4Star 2H BP. He wasn’t keen on loading and was more than ready to get off the trailer. That’s changed! As for ease of use, I swear it’s so easy a caveman can do it. In the side, out the back is my preference. If I’m hauling a horse in the front box stall, I just load that horse last.
Risa has video footage up on her website now which might be of interest. As I said, I’m sold on it. The trailer has no movement in it when I’m hauling as they are that quiet. Hope this helps those of you who are curious
I’m so pumped about this post since I’m still in “saving and research” mode. My good friend had a Hawk trailer and really spoke highly of it, so it’s cool to hear about the balanced ride as well.
Of course I’m no where near SC 
[QUOTE=TrotTrotPumpkn;4502593]
I’m so pumped about this post since I’m still in “saving and research” mode. My good friend had a Hawk trailer and really spoke highly of it, so it’s cool to hear about the balanced ride as well.
Of course I’m no where near SC :([/QUOTE]
There is a Hawk dealer in Rapid City, SD. Closer than SC, thats for sure:lol:. A friend of ours has the Hawk 2 horse with dressing room and it is a lovely trailer. Very well made, roomy and inviting. We have a C&C 5 horse head to head that we and the horses love! Also a very well made trailer.
[QUOTE=TrotTrotPumpkn;4502593]
I’m so pumped about this post since I’m still in “saving and research” mode. My good friend had a Hawk trailer and really spoke highly of it, so it’s cool to hear about the balanced ride as well.
Of course I’m no where near SC :([/QUOTE]
Not an issue since the trailers are made at the Hawk plant in Wisconsin. They start from there Delivery from Wisconsin to me was very reasonable and Dave is wonderful! He’s delivered my Balanced Ride and said he got a lot of compliments on it while bringing it to me.
Cool. I would really just like a two horse trailer that’s large enough to haul two 17 hand horses, but isn’t so oversized I need to go out and get a one ton.
And I want to be able to convert to a single box stall. EASILY. That’s the kicker. My friend’s Hawk could have the center piece taken out but I think it was rather cumbersome to do. I’m picturing something that swings…
So I’m not 100% sure what I want I guess.
I do love the side ramp. Had a friend get in an accident/go in ditch last winter and the side ramp saved the day.
Hi Pony,
Thanks again for all of the great information. Sounds like a great trailer. I just can’t see spending $35k to $40k for an enclosed, nice 2+1 when I can get one for around $22k that’s nice. Also Risa has been soooo patient while I’ve been kicking tires for the past 2 year. I’m just afraid to spend the money! Glad to hear that the trailer is so substantial. I also like LOTS of lights that are super bright. Sounds nice. I wish you were closer so I could get a hands on look. PM me if you’re in central FL as I might be able to get down there & look at it.
Thanks again,
Just pick up the phone and call Risa. She is very, very knowledgable and easy to talk to, and not a pushy sales type. She will sell her product on its own merit and her wonderful service–no matter where you are in the country. Here delivery guy is great, he did some excellent after-market work on my trailer (about 4 years after I bought it).
Seriously, Risa is an unexpected treasure–take advantage of it, just call her (she also answers email promptly).
[QUOTE=Whitfield Farm Hanoverians;4504522]
Hi Pony,
Thanks again for all of the great information. Sounds like a great trailer. I just can’t see spending $35k to $40k for an enclosed, nice 2+1 when I can get one for around $22k that’s nice. Also Risa has been soooo patient while I’ve been kicking tires for the past 2 year. I’m just afraid to spend the money! Glad to hear that the trailer is so substantial. I also like LOTS of lights that are super bright. Sounds nice. I wish you were closer so I could get a hands on look. PM me if you’re in central FL as I might be able to get down there & look at it.
Thanks again,[/QUOTE]
I’m in East Central Florida. I’ll be in Altoona (Rocking Horse Stables) on Dec 11th which might be even closer to you than my home is.
Trot- I had a Hawk 2H BP straight load that was extra wide 6’8" with the partition that comes out. It was simple to remove and I did that by myself. Just pulled the pins and carried out 2 sections. You can do what you want in this type of trailer.
[QUOTE=ponygirl;4504882]
Trot- I had a Hawk 2H BP straight load that was extra wide 6’8" with the partition that comes out. It was simple to remove and I did that by myself. Just pulled the pins and carried out 2 sections. You can do what you want in this type of trailer.[/QUOTE]
I Don’t Know WHAT I Want!!! Augh!
[QUOTE=TrotTrotPumpkn;4505000]
I Don’t Know WHAT I Want!!! Augh!
;)[/QUOTE]
Oh boy. lol That’s a problem
LOVE MY HAWKE
I loved my 1st Hawke and my DH as a suprise arranged for my 5yr old in mint condition 2 horse to be traded up for a bigger fancier NewYork WB oversized 2H w/ Dressingroom.
His Clydesdale and a big TB have no problems w/ room
I love it and use it hard sometime 2-3 times a week traveling long hours.
I have never had a horse who once in didn’t like the ride. Airflow is great, doors windows function well, balance w/ truck is superb. Cleans up looks like new. Partition no big deal same w/ stallion guard @ head. I would buy a 3rd if ever the time comes to move up to a gooseneck.
Service from dealer (DiBella’s) fabulous and I have dealt directly w/ factory on 1st for a defective window glass. Couldn’t be nicer.
I had a Trail-et New Yorker (basically the same thing as a Hawk, I think?) The trailer was easy to use and my horses liked it. However, I would definitely not have used it as a box stall. With mine, if you took the center divider out, you were left with no way to connect the butt bars. Also the front doors were not strong enough to have a 1,200 pound butt pushing against them. Maybe the design has changed since then (mine was a 2004) but I wouldn’t have used it as a box; in fact that’s why I ended up selling it. Maybe you could have modifications made to make the doors stronger…just something to consider.
I talked to Risa yesterday…she is extremely knowledgeable and helpful!!
A minor modification my blacksmith made a clip to hold butt bars together.
Front doors not strong enough, confusion clarify???
I haul broodmares w/ foals w/O any problems ever.
Balanced Ride in Wisconsin?
Hello there. I am new to The Chronicles and just getting up to date.
I am in the market for a horse trailer and find these Balanced Ride horse trailers very intriguing.
I live in Wisconsin and per previous post I understand that they ship from here (?from Hawk plant)
Is there somewhere/someone near me so I can see one in person?
Thanks ahead of time for any assistance.
