Types of ramp

Rear load / unload

Becoming ever less common, few brand new horse trailers feature a single rear ramp nowadays. Horses load by walking forwards up the ramp, and are unloaded by reversing off. One of the main issues with this method of loading is that horses learn quickly that they can get off the horse trailer by reversing and can use this as an evasion to load, backing off quickly before the ramp has been put up behind them.

The only exception to backing off horse trailers with a single rear ramp is where horses are travelled on the herringbone (diagonally), where they are turned around on the horse trailer before being walked down the ramp forwards.

Rear load / front unload

The most common ramp layout – horses load by walking up the rear ramp onto the horse trailer and are unloaded forward via the front ramp. This can help to avoid the problem mentioned relating to rear load / unload horse trailers, as horses don’t become accustomed to backing off the horse trailer. Meanwhile, putting the front ramp down before loading can help to encourage nervous loaders.

It's worth bearing in mind the position of the front ramp before purchase - unloading to the left is preferable as it means in the event of a breakdown or accident where the horses need to be taken off the trailer, they won't have to unload into the carriageway. Many manufacturers now offer optional left or right hand front ramps on new models.

Side ramp load & unload

A wider, lower-angled ramp opening from the side of the horse trailer is a particular feature of the Equi-Trek range, helping to load the horses to travel facing backward without the need for two separate ramps – horses walk on and off the horse trailer with little need for turning and re-positioning.

Step up, van door style

Rampless horse trailers have a lowered floor to the rear, enabling the horse to step straight into or out of the horse trailer, in theory avoiding potential injuries from slipping on wet or dirty ramps or stepping off the side. In terms of shutting the horses in, two American style rear doors replace the ramp.

This loading method is often advertised as being useful for loading problem horses, as by fully opening both doors the horse trailer can be reversed flush with a loose box door or gateway to allow the horse to step straight in. Meanwhile, opening one door at a time and shutting each as a horse is loaded means that, when travelling pairs, the first horse can safely be loaded or unloaded prior to the second horse and eliminating the possibility of the first horse backing out as the second is being loaded.