8 Accessories for Outfitting a Horse Trailer for Long Hauls

Hauling horses over long distances is one of the most stressful tasks a hobby farmer or horse owner can undertake. Ensuring your animals arrive at their destination safe, hydrated, and calm requires more than just a sturdy truck and trailer. Outfitting your rig with the right specialized accessories transforms a grueling journey into a manageable, safe road trip for your equine partners.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Preparing Your Horse for a Long-Distance Journey

Long-distance travel takes a physical toll on horses, equivalent to walking for hours on end. Preparing them starts weeks before the ramp lowers, focusing on physical conditioning and trailer familiarity. A horse that refuses to load or panics in tight spaces will burn critical energy before even leaving the driveway.

Hydration is the single most important factor in preventing transit-related colic and respiratory issues. Begin adding electrolytes to their feed a few days prior to departure to encourage robust water consumption. Ensure their vaccination and Coggins paperwork are up to date, as state line crossings and overnight stables will require proof of health.

Essential Safety Checks Before You Hit the Road

A roadside breakdown with a trailer full of live animals is a high-stress nightmare that is largely preventable. Before hitching up, inspect the trailer floorboards by pulling up mats to check for rot in wood or corrosion in aluminum. Inspect tire pressure on all wheels, including the spare, and verify that the lug nuts are torqued to specification.

Test all electrical connections to ensure brake lights, turn signals, and electric trailer brakes function seamlessly. Lubricate the hitch ball and receiver, and double-check that safety chains are crossed and breakaway cables are securely attached. Spending thirty minutes on these preventative checks saves hours of dangerous roadside troubleshooting later.

Hay Net – Shires Deluxe Greedy Feeder Net

Keeping a horse occupied and foraging during a long haul prevents boredom and buffers stomach acid, reducing the risk of ulcers. However, a standard wide-mesh hay net allows horses to gorge too quickly, leaving them empty-handed halfway through the trip and creating a mess of wasted hay on the trailer floor.

The Shires Deluxe Greedy Feeder Net features extra-small 1-inch mesh holes that restrict intake and mimic natural grazing. This tight grid extends feeding time significantly, keeping horses occupied for hours without overfilling their stomachs. The heavy-duty, multi-ply material resists chewing and tearing under constant use in tight trailer stalls.

Hanging this net requires secure, high mounting points to prevent a horse from catching a hoof as the net empties and sags.

• Mesh size: 1 inch for slow feeding
• Capacity: Holds up to 15 lbs of hay
• Material: Tough, weather-resistant nylon

This net is perfect for owners of easy keepers or horses prone to ulcers who need constant, metered access to forage. It is not ideal for senior horses with dental issues who struggle to pull hay through tiny openings.

Trailer Camera – Camera Source Wireless RV System

Driving a large trailer means relying on mirrors and guesswork to monitor the animals in the back. A dedicated trailer camera eliminates this blind spot, allowing the driver to monitor equine behavior and catch shifts, falls, or tangled ties immediately.

The Camera Source Wireless RV System delivers a high-definition digital signal that bypasses the metal interference common in aluminum and steel trailers. Its strong wireless range ensures a crisp, lag-free picture on the monitor mounted in the tow vehicle cab. The camera features infrared night vision, allowing for clear monitoring during overnight hauls without disturbing the horses with bright lights.

Installation requires tapping into the trailer’s 12V power supply, typically through the running lights, meaning the tow vehicle’s lights must remain on during travel.

• Monitor size: 7-inch color display
• Signal type: Secure digital wireless (no interference)
• Night vision: Automatic infrared LEDs

This system is ideal for solo haulers who cannot have a passenger look back, and for those transporting nervous or young horses. It may be over-engineered for short, local trips under thirty minutes where a simple rearview mirror check suffices.

Water Container – High Country Plastics Water Tank

Horses are notoriously picky about drinking water that smells or tastes different from their home source. Carrying home water on long hauls ensures they stay hydrated, avoiding the risk of colic associated with refusing unfamiliar water at rest stops.

The High Country Plastics Water Tank is designed to fit snugly in the unused corner of a horse trailer tack room, maximizing floor space. Constructed from FDA-approved, UV-inhibited plastic, it keeps water fresh and free of plastic tastes even during hot summer journeys. The gravity-feed design utilizes a durable brass spigot that withstands heavy use and fits standard garden hoses.

A full 25-gallon tank adds over 200 pounds of weight to the trailer, so it must be securely strapped down using the built-in molded grooves to prevent shifting during transit.

• Capacity options: 25, 39, or 48 gallons
• Material: Food-grade polyethylene
• Mounting: Corner-fit design with strap channels

This tank is an essential upgrade for multi-day travelers and those heading to remote trailheads without potable water. It is unnecessary for those who only travel between facilities with trusted, clean water hookups.

First Aid Kit – Equi-Medic USA Trail Rider Kit

Scrapes, cuts, and sudden illnesses are common occurrences when horses are confined in moving trailers. Having a comprehensive, organized medical kit on hand allows for immediate treatment of minor injuries and stabilizes major wounds until veterinary care is reached.

The Equi-Medic USA Trail Rider Kit is specifically curated for equestrian travel, housed in a durable, water-resistant bag that protects supplies from stable dust and moisture. It contains professional-grade bandaging materials, antiseptics, and wound care essentials organized in clear, labeled compartments for quick access during high-stress emergencies. The kit’s compact size allows it to tuck easily under a truck seat or inside a tack compartment.

Users must regularly audit the kit to replace expired medications and replenish used bandages before setting out on a trip.

• Case material: Heavy-duty denier nylon
• Contents: Over 50 medical-grade items including cohesive wraps, antiseptic wipes, and wound dressings
• Portability: Integrated carrying handles and compact footprint

This kit is a must-have safety net for every horse owner traveling away from home. It is not a replacement for a veterinarian’s emergency bag but serves as the critical first line of defense.

Trailer Fan – Caframo Seekr Sirocco II Cabin Fan

Heat stress is a major threat to horses during summer travel, especially when stuck in traffic or waiting at border crossings where natural airflow stops. Dedicated trailer fans maintain active air circulation, keeping temperatures down and reducing respiratory irritation from dust and ammonia.

The Caframo Seekr Sirocco II Cabin Fan stands out due to its gimbaled 360-degree design, allowing airflow to be directed precisely where the horse needs it most. It features an ultra-low power draw that won’t drain the trailer’s battery system during long periods of use. The fan’s durable, impact-resistant blades are designed to fold flat against the wall when not in use, preventing accidental contact with a horse’s head.

This fan requires hardwiring into the trailer’s 12V electrical system, which may require basic wiring knowledge or professional installation.

• Speed settings: 3-speed whisper-quiet motor
• Power draw: Extremely low (0.06A to 0.35A)
• Safety feature: Auto-sensing blade stop on obstruction

This fan is perfect for owners hauling in hot, humid climates or those who frequently encounter heavy traffic delays. It is less critical for those who only haul during cool autumn or winter months.

Temperature Monitor – TempStick Wireless Sensor

The temperature inside a closed trailer can rise to dangerous levels long before the driver notices a change in the truck cab. A remote temperature monitor provides real-time data on the trailer’s climate, allowing for timely adjustments to ventilation before horses overheat.

The TempStick Wireless Sensor is an industrial-grade monitor that tracks both temperature and humidity with extreme accuracy. It connects via cellular or mobile hotspot networks, sending instant text alerts to your phone if conditions exceed your pre-set safety thresholds. The unit is completely wireless, battery-operated, and built to withstand the dust, vibrations, and moisture of a working horse trailer.

This device requires a reliable cellular signal or a mobile hotspot in the tow vehicle to transmit real-time alerts while driving through remote areas.

• Battery life: Up to 1-2 years on standard AA batteries
• Alert types: Text, email, or push notifications
• Range: Unlimited (cellular-based transmission)

This monitor is indispensable for long-haulers traveling solo across varying climate zones. It is not suitable for remote mountain trails with zero cellular coverage, where a direct Bluetooth-only sensor might be more reliable.

Trailer Mat – Humane Manufacturing Shok-Lok Mat

Standing on a hard trailer floor for hours causes joint fatigue, muscle soreness, and hoof stress. High-quality rubber mats absorb road vibrations and provide crucial traction, preventing slips and falls during sudden stops or sharp turns.

The Humane Manufacturing Shok-Lok Mat utilizes a heavy-duty vulcanized rubber compound that absorbs up to 50% of impact energy and vibration. The textured top surface provides superior slip resistance even when wet with urine or water, while the grooved underside allows moisture to drain away. Unlike cheap utility mats, these will not curl, warp, or emit strong chemical odors that can irritate a horse’s sensitive respiratory system.

These mats are incredibly heavy and require precise cutting with a utility knife to fit the specific angles of your trailer floor.

• Thickness: Heavy-duty 3/4-inch rubber
• Texture: Diamond-plate slip-resistant top
• Material: Recycled vulcanized rubber (non-porous)

This matting is ideal for heavy-use trailers and older horses requiring maximum joint protection on long journeys. It is not necessary for lightweight, occasional haulers who already use thick, pristine wood floors with heavy bedding.

Trailer Tie – Kensington Protective Products Bungee

Securing a horse’s head inside the trailer prevents them from turning around or interfering with stall mates, but rigid ties can cause neck strain during sudden stops. A flexible trailer tie allows for natural head movement while maintaining control and safety.

The Kensington Protective Products Bungee is engineered with a heavy-duty elastic core wrapped in a durable, UV-resistant nylon sheath. It features a heavy-duty panic snap at the halter end for instant release in emergencies, and a durable bull snap at the trailer wall end. The bungee design dampens the sudden jerks caused by trailer movement, protecting the horse’s sensitive poll and neck muscles from strain.

The tie must be adjusted to the correct length; too long allows the horse to get its leg over the tie, while too short restricts access to hay and water.

• Hardware: Quick-release panic snap and heavy bull snap
• Length: 30 inches (stretches to accommodate movement)
• Durability: Molded rubber covers over hardware connections

This tie is excellent for young, restless, or sensitive horses that struggle with rigid ties during long hauls. It is not recommended for horses that actively chew on rubber or nylon gear.

Best Practices for Watering and Feeding on the Go

Maintaining a consistent feeding and watering schedule on the road prevents digestive shutdown and dehydration. Offer fresh water from home every three to four hours during rest stops, allowing the horses at least fifteen minutes to settle and drink. If a horse refuses water, try mixing in a small amount of apple juice or sweet feed to mask any unfamiliar tastes.

Avoid feeding grain or heavy concentrates immediately before or during a long journey, as this increases the risk of colic under stress. Stick to high-quality grass hay offered in slow-feed nets to keep the digestive tract moving slowly and consistently. After arriving at your destination, wait at least an hour before offering a full grain meal, allowing the horse’s system to cool down and normalize.

Post-Transport Recovery Tips for Your Horses

The journey does not end when the ramp drops; the post-transport recovery phase is critical for preventing shipping fever (pleuropneumonia). Lead your horses to a secure, draft-free paddock or stall and allow them to stretch their legs and lower their heads. Lowering the head is vital, as it allows the horse to clear accumulated dust and mucus from their respiratory tract.

Monitor their vital signs—temperature, pulse, respiration, and gut sounds—for at least three days following a long haul. Keep them on a simple diet of clean water and grass hay, gradually reintroducing grain over forty-eight hours. If you notice a spike in temperature, nasal discharge, or a cough, contact your veterinarian immediately, as early intervention is key to treating shipping fever.

Outfitting your horse trailer with these essential upgrades ensures your animals travel in comfort and arrive in peak condition. By investing in the right safety, hydration, and monitoring tools, you protect your horses from the physical stresses of the road. Safe travels begin with preparation, giving you peace of mind on every mile of your journey.