Towing a horse trailer isn’t as simple as hooking it up and hitting the road. Between weight limits, legal requirements, vehicle setup, and your horse’s safety, there’s a lot to consider before you start driving. Whether you’re upgrading from a small box to a double trailer, or shopping for your first-ever setup, this guide covers what every rider and horse owner should know before they tow.
Looking for a new or used trailer? Browse horse trailers for sale and explore listings from across the UK.
Quick Checklist Before You Tow
- Check your driving licence category
- Know your vehicle’s towing capacity (braked)
- Match trailer MAM to vehicle rating
- Test brake lights and indicators
- Inspect trailer flooring, mats and partitions
- Load calmly and safely
- Carry equine passport and first aid kit
Legal Requirements for Towing a Horse Trailer
Licence Categories
- If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you can usually tow up to 8,250kg MAM.
- If you passed on or after 1 January 1997, the law now allows you to tow up to 3,500kg MAM (as of Dec 2021).
What is MAM?
Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) is the combined maximum weight of your vehicle, trailer, and load (horse, tack, etc). Check your vehicle’s capacity in the handbook or on the VIN plate.
Choosing the Right Horse Trailer
Consider your horse’s needs
- Height and length (is your horse 15hh or 17.2hh?)
- Loading preference (rear ramp or side exit)
- Partition setup (full, half, or none)
Trailer options
- Single: lighter, ideal for one horse
- Double: suits two horses or a roomier ride
- Living trailers: include storage or overnight space
Matching Trailer and Vehicle
Key checks
- Vehicle’s braked towing capacity must match or exceed trailer’s MAM
- Use the 85% rule: trailer weight should be no more than 85% of your car’s kerb weight for best control
- Ensure your insurance policy includes towing
Setting Up Your Trailer Safely
Tow bar
Must be type-approved and securely fitted
Hitch check
- Lock and release mechanism functions
- Breakaway cable intact
- Jockey wheel operates smoothly
Lights and electrics
- Confirm brake lights, indicators, and tail lights work properly via 7- or 13-pin socket
Prepping Your Horse and Equipment
Ventilation & flooring
- Floor must be sound (check beneath mats)
- Ventilation critical in warmer months
Pack a trailer kit
- Spare tyre & jack
- First aid kits (human and equine)
- Torch, water, and bucket
- Equine passport
Loading and Driving Tips
Loading
Practice calmly at home. Avoid stress, rushing or tension around ramps.
Driving
- Avoid sharp turns and sudden braking
- Drive smoothly so your horse can balance
- Obey towing speed limits:
- 30mph (urban)
- 50mph (single carriageways)
- 60mph (motorways)
- No use of outside lane on 3-lane motorways
Where Can I Find Horse Trailers for Sale?
Once you know your legal towing limit and ideal trailer type, the next step is to buy with confidence. You can browse hundreds of listings for horse trailers for sale across the UK — from dealer-approved to private sellers, filtered by region, price, and size.
FAQs: Horse Trailer Basics
What licence do I need to tow a horse trailer in the UK?
It depends when you passed your test. Post-1997 drivers can now tow up to 3,500kg MAM without taking an extra test (since Dec 2021).
How do I know if my car can tow my trailer?
Check the vehicle’s braked towing capacity in the handbook or V5. Make sure the trailer’s weight (including horse) doesn’t exceed this.
What’s the safest way to load a horse?
Stay calm, use familiar cues, and never rush. Practice at home. Rear-facing ramps and open side exits can help with tricky loaders.
Do I need a special type of insurance for towing?
Yes. Many car insurance policies exclude trailer use unless added. Make sure both your vehicle and trailer are covered.
What should I carry in the trailer?
Essentials include: spare wheel and jack, both first aid kits, equine passport, water, bucket, torch, and any calmers or feed.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Make sure your trailer setup is legal, comfortable and safe for both horse and driver. From first-time towers to seasoned pros, a solid setup is key to happy travelling.
Want to upgrade or replace your horse trailer? Check out our full listings of horse trailers for sale today.
