Size of slant load in horse trailer

[4horses]

Hi,

I posted before about wanting a 14 ft stock or stock combo trailer with 7ft ceiling. I found a few prospects in my area, but am a little concerned about the size. Am I going to be able to fit 3 horses on a slant in a 14 ft stock trailer that is only 6 feet wide (interior)? Or is that too narrow. The next size up is 6ft 4inches wide. I saw one for 6ft 9 inches wide but the trailer is only 13 feet long.

My biggest horse is 15.2, if that helps. The second biggest is 14.3 but built like a tank. 3rd is the 14 hand pony and he will fit just fine I’m sure.

I was looking at a trails west Adventure- that trailer has 38 inches between the dividers, is that going to be enough room?

[2DogsFarm]

IMHO you are pushing the limit with that small a stock trailer for 3 horses.

I have a 16’ open stock trailer that is 7’ wide & 7’ high & I would only load all 3 of mine - 16H TWH, 52" Hackney & 34" mini - in an absolute emergency.
I am not a fan of slantload dividers as I think they limit your available space.

I got the trailer intending it to be used for the horse alone or the mini & his cart.
I have used it to transport a friend’s HaffieX & the mini & then her Shetland & the mini.
Both time with the mini’s cart riding in the front section, center gate closed.
But in a Push Come to shove situation all 3 of mine could ride with the center gate pinned back.

IIWM, I’d want a longer trailer even if I sacrificed some height and/or width.

[Bluey]

Forever we have used a 16’ stock trailer with a middle gate for horses and cattle.
We have easily put 4 horses in there, two and two, middle gate closed or four at a slant.

Now we have a 14’ lighter stock trailer, slant without partitions and a bit of a saddle compartment on the nose slant.
We easily haul 2 horses, would haul 3 in a pinch.
Would not want to haul 3 regularly in it, I don’t think.

OP, could you borrow a trailer of the configuration and size you are considering and see how that may work for you?
Everyone’s horses and needs are so different, it is hard to make blanket statements.

[Texarkana]

As I mentioned in your other thread, I have a 6’ wide 2H stock/combo. Mine are 16.1h, 15.1h, and 12h. While I have never tried, I have no doubt I could fit all 3 in there in a total emergency, but my smallest is smaller than yours.

But a few thoughts:
I said this in your other thread, but a 6’ wide slant can be limited in it’s capacity as a slant load. A tip I learned (after I bought my trailer) is a good way to get an idea if your horses will fit in the slant stalls is to measure the length of the divider, then measure your horses from nose to tail. If the divider is longer than your horse, they should fit. If the divider is shorter than your horse, there are no guarantees. Brands differ in their length of divider, even if they are all the same floor dimensions, because you can configure the angle of the slant in different ways.

When I bought my trailer, I planned on using it as an open box for my 16.1h horse because I knew the stalls were small for her… but I foolishly assumed my 15.1h horse would fit in the front slant stall. Nope. Although for what it’s worth, my 15.1h horse is long and lanky; the 16.1h horse has a more upright conformation and almost fits in the front slant stall while I can’t even close the divider on the 15.1h horse, go figure.

If you decide to go with an open stock trailer instead of the stock/combo, I suggest up-sizing to a 16’ length (regardless of width). I think your horses would probably all fit in the 14’… but… if you want one with a gate to divide it into 2 stalls, there’s no good location for it to accommodate horses in the 14’ length. Some manufacturers put it in the center, leaving you with two awkward 7’ length stalls. More commonly, they place the gate off center so you have a 6’ long stall in the front and an 8’ long stall in the back. The front is too small for anything but ponies, but using only the back stall puts all the weight behind the axles. Of course, you could get a 14’ without a gate and eliminate this problem entirely…

Lastly, I don’t think anyone regrets buying a bigger trailer (within reason). If you have a wider option, you will appreciate it. Especially since you’re only talking about a difference of +/- 9" max which will be barely noticeable driving.