Hi Kaya. Here’s my story. I am the original owner of my old trailer. 2006 Equispirit. I adore that trailer. Served me well for almost 2 decades. My show horse is a 16.3 1400# WB. He trailered perfectly in it until earlier this year when he had a traumatic ride on a very busy highway en route to the show. A usual 1 hour trip took nearly 2. If you don’t know the sheer hell that is the I-4 corridor then you’re blessed. Some jerk cut me off hard to the point I had to swerve onto the shoulder and brake suddenly. When I opened the back doors at the show said horse was missing a back shoe had bloody legs and sore enough to have to scratch the weekend. Trailer ride home was quiet and uneventful. Or so I thought. He again had cut his back legs. Torn off his shipping boots and removed the shoe the show farrier tacked back on.
So I installed a camera. And saw how he would kind of just give up the ghost on any sort of right turn. No matter the speed or ease. It was like trailer ptsd. Funny thing is that he loads and unloads with ease. Even after the incident. I had a neuro exam done. He was fine.
Things I tried.
Replaced the mats with ones with ridges for traction
Shavings at the rear to avoid the poop slips
Totally sound proofed any jingly jangly latches
Brand new tires
Head divider out
Body divider pulled aside
Body divider removed.
Butt bars removed.
In the end he traveled best in the old trailer if it was a box stall but he still used both walls to lean and was so tense and exhausted by the time he’s arrive
I also tried a series of short trips to train his mind to believe he could keep all 4 feet on the floor. I spent the entire summer doing this.
He improved but not enough.
I consulted with 2 vets and both recommended getting a stock trailer or a trailer he could face backwards in.
So I looked into the BR.
If you know any horse friends with a rear facing or a stock trailer you could try. Maybe even hire a service. It’s worth seeing if this could help.
Best thing I ever did was to install a trailer camera. I incorrectly assumed my horse was being naughty. That he was kicking the back of the trailer. I never dreamed he was scrambling and falling.
Forgive any typos I’m on my phone.