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Park on a smooth, level surface with good footing.
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Double check that the trailer is hitched securely to the towing vehicle.
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Check the interior to make sure that it is clean and free of any rough edges, protruding objects, and insect nests.
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Remove old feed from mangers.
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Clean the floor mats and check beneath them to make sure the floor is dry and free from corrosion.
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Check that doors and loading rampsare fully open and properly secured so they will not shift, move, or interfere with loading.
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Provide ample interior lighting so the horse does not have to step into a dark enclosure.
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Make sure obsticles and distractions, including dogs and children, are out of the way.
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Utilize safety features such as escape doors or moveable panels so the handler is not in harm's way when loading a horse. (Never enter a trailer in front of a horse unless there is an escape route.)
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To prevent conflicts among horses, load stallions in front, mares and geldings behind.
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Load horses by sixe and age, with the larger horses to the fron, smmaller horses to the rear.
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Once a horse is safely loaded, secure the butt bar, close the door or partition, and then tie the horse's head.
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Always tie using a rope or strap with an easy-release safety snap )sometimes called a "panic" snap), or use a quick release knot.
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Allow just enough slack in the tie rope so the horse can its head and neck from side to side to maintain balance but cannot turn its head to the rear.
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Be sure to untie the horse's head before releasing the butt bar or opening the door.
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Always use the butt bar or chain as a safety precaution in case the trailer door should come open.