Guest Speaker Review
Trailer Safety with Penny Gillette
by Julie DiNatale

(Continued from page 11)

Be careful of the "do gooder" stopping to help if you are stopped on the side of the road, especially if you are a female traveling alone at night.

Be aware of vandals disturbing your rig or horses at rest stops. It is not unheard of to have someone drop your hitch, untie horses, put a beer bottle under tires, or worst, free your horses. Try to have your rig within sight during stops.

Drive as close to the speed limit as possible. Driving under the speed limit creates more danger for you and other drivers. Be sure you know your rig and that you have the confidence and comfort level to drive it in any situation, including bad weather and in construction zones.  Penny recommends driving in the middle lane on highways with three or more lanes. This lane will allow you to avoid the on/off ramp traffic but allow others to pass you.

Be aware of the conditions of the roadside if you do need to pull-off. Look for mud or unstable ground. Do not let yourself get in a situation where you are stuck in the shoulder. Never unload horses by yourself. They will not stay calmly tied in a roadside emergency.

Check horses after traveling for just a short distance. This is especially important when hauling new horses, young horses, or if you have a trailer or

truck that is new for you.

It is a personal decision whether or not to tie your horses while trailering. However, tying is highly recommended by Penny because in an accident, untied horses may be able to exit the trailer. A flex or bunge type tie is best to use.

Never pull a trailer that is too heavy or big for your vehicle. A trailer that is too heavy can easily lead to a jack-knife situation. Don't convince yourself to overload your vehicle even for a short trip. It is that time when there will be a problem.

When stopped on the roadside at night, use reflective triangles

to steer other drivers away from the back of your rig. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol tend to head for lights. Triangles can help protect you and your horses from being hit from behind.

Hopefully the information that Penny has provided will help both the new and experienced horseperson to trailer more safely and confidently. Happy Trailering!!!

TDC wishes to thank Penny for sharing her knowledge and time.

Editor's Note: A full-page, printable version of the "Emergency Notification" form can be printed from the TDC website at www.tucsondressageclub.org.