Glad to see I’m not the first person to bump this thread up! I’m also shopping for a new trailer, and I stumbled across a Balanced Ride in the search results on horsetrailerworld.com
The video from Risa’s website was very helpful - I literally leaned in towards the screen while watching. BUT - it is a big decision. Literally turning “what we’ve always done” backwards 
Is there anyone in Iowa who has one? I’d love to see one in person.
Abesmom,
I can arrange for you to see one right now that is at the plant, it is about ready to ship…
Risa
HappyTrailsTrailers.com
BalancedRideTrailers.com
Thanks for your time this morning, Risa!
My horses ride loose in a box trailer, and they are always facing the back when they are unloaded. So my guess is that they prefer to ride that way.
Love my Hawk!!! Great quality and affordable.
I have so enjoyed everyone weighing in on this thread and passing on their experiences. It has been very valuable reading. I too am shopping for a trailer; a 2 + 1 configuration and have done weeks of research, talking with people and made multiple visits to dealerships. I initially thought that I would purchase a Four Star, but after three trips to look at them, top to bottom, I found myself disappointed with the fit and finish of the new ones. As a matter of fact, after manipulating hinges, ramps, doors, gates and dividers, I came away with a bloody hand from being scratched from unfinished surfaces. There was even a weld with a sharp point sticking out. I can’t get over it. People have for the most part been so complimentary of Four Star, but really the interior left a lot to be desired. I’m sure they are durable and sturdy, but fit and finish was much less than I what had expected. After that experience, I investigated Elite. Found that they were beautiful, but after speaking with a friend in the hunter jumper world, who does a lot of hauling to shows, discovered that pins were bending and that she had had to make multiple repairs. Now considering a Hawk. The manufacturer is in my home state. They are thoughtfully designed trailers with great attention to detail paid to the well- being and safety of the horse. Not as much sex appeal as the the aluminum, but from a practical standpoint, looking like the best option. Anyone have the same experience looking at the new Four Stars??? Thank you!!
The is a Balanced Ride 2+1 for sale on horsetrailerworld.com right now. First time I’ve seen one on there. And reasonably priced. Wish I could snag it myself!
[QUOTE=annmcm;7517035]
I have so enjoyed everyone weighing in on this thread and passing on their experiences. It has been very valuable reading. I too am shopping for a trailer; a 2 + 1 configuration and have done weeks of research, talking with people and made multiple visits to dealerships. I initially thought that I would purchase a Four Star, but after three trips to look at them, top to bottom, I found myself disappointed with the fit and finish of the new ones. As a matter of fact, after manipulating hinges, ramps, doors, gates and dividers, I came away with a bloody hand from being scratched from unfinished surfaces. There was even a weld with a sharp point sticking out. I can’t get over it. People have for the most part been so complimentary of Four Star, but really the interior left a lot to be desired. I’m sure they are durable and sturdy, but fit and finish was much less than I what had expected. After that experience, I investigated Elite. Found that they were beautiful, but after speaking with a friend in the hunter jumper world, who does a lot of hauling to shows, discovered that pins were bending and that she had had to make multiple repairs. Now considering a Hawk. The manufacturer is in my home state. They are thoughtfully designed trailers with great attention to detail paid to the well- being and safety of the horse. Not as much sex appeal as the the aluminum, but from a practical standpoint, looking like the best option. Anyone have the same experience looking at the new Four Stars??? Thank you!![/QUOTE]
I haven’t looked at the new Four Stars, but looked at Cimarron, Hawk, Sundowner, and Eclipse all at the same dealer. The Hawk wasn’t a bad trailer, just didn’t like it as much as I liked the all aluminum eclipse. Little things like the steel interior and off white color throughout bothered me. The Eclipse wasn’t even comparable to the Cimarron as far as general construction and fit/finishes goes. The Sundowner was kind of like the Hawk, just “meh” in our opinion, nothing overly impressive. I just brought home our new Cimarron a couple weeks ago, so we haven’t hauled in it yet, but we’ve used it to move and I have only found one very minor issue thus far.
I ordered my new Balanced Ride 2/3 this weekend - couldn’t be more excited!
I think I know what you say about 4-star, about the weld sticking out. Actually that was why we steered from it. I don’t know Hawk, but Cimarron seems decent, not as finished as 4star or Elite, but solidly built and a big step up from Sundowner and Eclipse. I will not get a Sundowner or Eclipse, or new Featherlite (the old one seems fine). Eventually we decided to go with Elite - got our delivery just two weeks ago. I don’t know about the pin being bent, but we visited their factory a couple of years ago. They showed us the “tumbler” they use to take out all the sharp edges from parts before being installed in the trailer. That was one detail we really appreciate: no sharp edges anywhere.
Have y’all looked at an Eby? Super quality. I think the very best out there. I didn’t buy one because I got a super deal on another brand but I called lots of commercial shippers & asked them what trailers they use & most all said Eby.
That being said, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who said they didn’t like their Balanced Ride or Hawk trailers.
Or if you can find a used C&C their quality was also super. Everything was finished beautifully. All Aluminum.
Jamco is also supposed to make a lovely trailer, also all aluminum.
I bought a new Adam 2+1 from Delwood Trailer Sales last year. The most value for my money IMHO. I like it much better than the pricier 4 Stars I looked at. Better quality and features. Delwood was and continues to be awesome. That said, I consulted Risa on hay bags several years ago for the Exiss trailer I had at that time. I didn’t like the Sundowner bags I saw. Risa was awesome and shipped me hay bags that she has made for the Hawks. They’re well made, big, sturdy and easy to clean. Plus they were very reasonably priced. A friend of mine custom ordered a Hawk from Risa. Risa must be a saint as my friend really put her patience to a test. Friend got exactly what she wanted and she is thrilled. I have only ever heard good things about both Risa and Happy Trails and Ronnie and Delwood Trailers.
[QUOTE=justonemore;4506331]
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.[/QUOTE]
I have a Hawk and use it as a box for my guy as he hates being in a trailer, much less a “chute” with the partitions. I bought mine from Risa, she listened to my concerns, made suggestions and I love what I ended up with. True, the butt bars do not connect when partition is out, but you can buy a full length butt bar for that purpose. I haven’t used it much as he turns around after loading and faces the back anyway with his butt against the dressing room wall. If he were to lean on the door, they have cam latches with the added short ramp on the rear doors. I love this trailer!
Based on multiple recommendations for safety, durability, fit and finish, I ended up going with the Eby. Seemed like the best decision for my needs. There are many manufacturers that produce a perfectly serviceable trailer that will do most jobs adequately. I was looking for one that would last many years, and stand up to abuse from big animals. Additionally, the trailer I selected is 1200 lbs. lighter than the steel/aluminum combo I was also considering. I flip flopped for weeks. If after I get the trailer and believe I’ve made the wrong call, I’ll trade it in on a Hawk/Balanced Ride/Equispirit, which all come out of the same plant. Sounds like most everyone is pleased with these brands. Good luck to you all in your trailer searches!!
[QUOTE=annmcm;7527430]
Based on multiple recommendations for safety, durability, fit and finish, I ended up going with the Eby. Seemed like the best decision for my needs. There are many manufacturers that produce a perfectly serviceable trailer that will do most jobs adequately. I was looking for one that would last many years, and stand up to abuse from big animals. Additionally, the trailer I selected is 1200 lbs. lighter than the steel/aluminum combo I was also considering. I flip flopped for weeks. If after I get the trailer and believe I’ve made the wrong call, I’ll trade it in on a Hawk/Balanced Ride/Equispirit, which all come out of the same plant. Sounds like most everyone is pleased with these brands. Good luck to you all in your trailer searches!![/QUOTE]
EBYs are nice trailers, the PA plant is local for me, about 40 minutes, so that was the first place I went to look. We loved their styling, but in the end picked a couple small things apart and ended up going with the Cimarron. Two drivers were cost and the roof on the EBY is aluminum, but is fiberglass on the Cimarron so it will be a little cooler in the summer. Second choice was definitely EBY and I will be sure to shop there again when it is time to upgrade, I think you made a good choice!
Thanks Yamaha!
Have a friend, who has a Cimarron and loves it. Hers is a two horse, gooseneck with dressing room. She had it souped-up with heavy duty everything to haul her very robust 17H Westfalen. It has been a great trailer for her. Yes, I debated back and forth on the ceiling material. Ended up insulating the aluminum ceiling and opting for fans for really warm days. I figured this will be my last trailer, so I went all-out…
Thanks so much for sharing your opinions on the EBY. Nice to hear from someone close to the source. Hope I like it!
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