More than 2,000 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, “Which type of horse trailer do you prefer?”

• Slant-load: 51.85% (1052)
  
• Straight-load: 25.92% (526)
  
• Stock trailer: 15.48% (314)
  
• Reverse-slant-load: 3.55% (72)
  
• Head-to-head: 3.20% (65)

Readers shared the reasoning behind their preferred type of trailer in the comments below.

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• two 6×6 box stall configuration
  
• It more easily accommodates the BIG horses in a two-horse trailer
  
• Ship them stall and a half, never single.
  
• I only have experience with straight and stock and my horse hates straight and is ok on stock
  
• No matter what, my horses LOVE to ride backwards.
  
• Trailer type is dependant on horse size, use, preference and #
  
• I also prefer a step-up rather than a ramp.
  
• It’s the only type my horses have been hauled in.
  
• Slant load open stock with removable dividers.
  
• 4 horse stock has been my choice, every horse has been willing to step in the large airy 10″ box
  
• like to have my 20 ponys in a horse box all together as my dorter can have a better chance of win
  
• Straight loads allow more access to each horse. In Slants, you do not
  
• straight load/head2head with side ramps
  
• Only kind I’ve had experience with. Would love to try them all out though!
  
• Straight load, mine is an anti-scrambling trailer made in Australia. (J.R. Easy Traveller)
  
• A stock trailer for horses with some protection on their legs. And horses loose within it.
  
• alwaya teach your horse to back out of the trailer.
  
• I like stock trailers, too — all MUST be goosenecks!
  
• I have a very large horse and he does not fit in one side of a striaght load
  
• i have straight load partitions in my stock trailers
  
• stock allows the horse to choose comfortable travel
  
• Not what I prefer, but what the horse prefers. Put them in an open stock trlr & they ride backwards.
  
• straight load with front escape door.
  
• Lots of air, let my horse loose so she can stand anyway she wants
  
• Definitely slant load + custom ordered extra tall w/drop down tailgate, dbl insulated
  
• I use the trailer to make my own slant load for however many head I have.
  
• It’s easier to get in/out of and possibly not so intimidating to get into,horse sees behind better.
  
• I like the open quality of a stock trailer. My horse doesn’t spook and is always comfortable.
  
• Combined with a side load. This covers additional emergencies if the horse needs to be extracted.
  
• Horses can brace better in a slant-load trailer. My mule prefers to look out the window so i voted for her
  
• I really prefer a straight-load with ability to convert to BOXES so the horse can move around.
  
• Of course slant-load. It makes it so much easier for horses to balance!
  
• I like the open floor plan of the stock trailer, more versatility
  
• Have owned them all, slant load is the safest for the horses
  
• gooseneck; much easier to turn and back. plus extra storage space!
  
• the type that hauls a horse or two.
  
• I have a 18 foot that can be converted to carry two horses walk in and a stall area behind that.
  
• Horses can balance or brace better in a slant load just like you do riding in the back of a pick up.
  
• thata what I have and is great if they will go a straight then you can haul in any type of a trailer
  
• I like a stock combo if the horse has not been loaded much
  
• Stress research support a reverse slant load.
  
• plus add removable panel/s, weld brkts where needed & can what other 4 do
  
• Gooseneck or bumper pull
  
• the taler, the better, too. Lots of windows.
  
• Straight fits 17+ hh warmbloods better than slant + gooseneck = easier drive & smoother ride
  
• My horse’s butt got rubbed raw on a slant.
  
• PREFER stock trailer but could only afford what was used on sale
  
• goose-neck
  
• Straight load w/ramp with ample room for a haybag, slants are too short for my big TB
  
• I have super-sized horses, most slants simply are too small.
  
• I LOVE the Sundowner trailers over others as they DO NOT make the angle to flat more room 4 horse
  
• 4-star it’s the best!!!
  
• horses can see in and out. It alot mor airy and light and they have less stress
  
• Balances load better when a single hose is traveling
  
• Straight load with an on/off ramp in the front as well as the back.
  
• Just got a 4-star 3 horse slant-load…it’s awsome !!!
  
• They load and travel much better in an extra wide and extra tall stock trailer
  
• STRAIGHT LOADS ARE ROOMIER THEN SLANT LOADS. MY DRAFT CROSS IS VERY COMFY IN MY SUNDOWNER T/B HEIGHT
  
• Affordable
  
• The horses are more comfortable specially on curves and turns
  
• I prefer equal loading of feet which isn’t possible in a slant load when its moving.
  
• Position is not so important as room to lower head, surf balance
  
• Having only used slant & straight load, have found the horses fair better in slant
  
• I’ve never had the opportunity to use a reverse slant, they’re prob preferred by the horse.
  
• My trailer was converted from a 4 head to head to a 3 stalls, horses seems to travel very well in it
  
• goose-neck!!!
  
• straight loads seem to give the horse more room
  
• Easy to load and unload, love mine and my horses seem to like it to!
  
• I prefer my LQ, the horses prefer the stock!
  
• I have a 2 horse with no divider, My horse rides backwards, slant and untied.
  
• 2horse straight with 1 box AKA 2+1
  
• with a ramp
  
• I perfer slant loads due to being able to turn the horses around to unload.
  
• I own a slant-load but wished I had gotten a straight-load instead.
  
• Must have ramp
  
• Slant loads not big enough for warmbloods
  
• When my horses ride loose, they alway turn around backwards and hang their head low.
  
• Slant – love it
  
• Horses do not feel so comfined.
  
• Seems like our horses like these the best
  
• It really depends on the size of the stalls in the trailer
  
• Stock, to hold my carriage up front and horse in the back 12′ – 16′ trailer length
  
• perfer a trailer that does not have the tack on the back,but a door that opens all the way
  
• warm blood trailer extra head room and width
  
• Slant load with ramps.
  
• Love my Sundowner..have never had a problem loading, from QH to TB in foal…slantloads are great!
  
• No mangers.
  
• We have cattle too, so the stock trailer is the most cost effective method.
  
• I have a 3 horse slant and it is a pain in the butt. Partitions block sight, make horses nervous.
  
• I’ve had slant & straight; slant-load hauls better.
  
• Believe horses are more comfy straight rather than rocking from shoulder to sholdr.
  
• Reverse slant load is new to me, going to check that out!
  
• anything to make my horse & I better loader
  
• My horse likes stock step up she can turn to exit. I prefer 2 hrs bumper pull to haul.
  
• this allows to the horse to use natural balance for start and stop
  
• I LOVE my slant load and my horses travel so much better!
  
• Die-hard straight load converted to slant & love it!
  
• MY TRAILER IS HOT IN THE SUMMER. WISH THE ROOF WAS INSULATED AND MORE AIR CIRCULATION.
  
• Sundowner
  
• slant load over all is best but for my seasoned bunch stock rules!
  
• I prefer slants but own a straight load
  
• A good old 4 horse stock trailer lets you have all the options
  
• I think they ride better in a slant load
  
• Horses don’t feel “closed in” and can see each other. Easier to trailer train horses too.
  
• step up
  
• we have both but prefer slant-load
  
• Ramp
  
• I only have experience with a slant load, it’s great for the horses, hauling, hay, moving furniture.
  
• I like both slant and straight but bought a slant
  
• I love Brenderups. Wish I could afford one;)
  
• slant load stock is best, just close stock panels up in cold weather.
  
• gooseneck w/living quarters- I’m spoiled
  
• Just acquired slant-load stock, works fine for my smaller Arabs, my big Arab mare faces straight
  
• straight with ramp (never used a slant yet)
  
• draft horse size only
  
• i prefer for my horse to be able to change postions from straight to slant as she choses
  
• Stock-combo will be next buy. Curr. slant load too small for big Appy.
  
• It just works better for me and the horses like it, too.
  
• i have a slant, but would go back to a straight load. reason- ease of getting to either horse
  
• Have had strt load, slant is much better, horses seem more comfortable
  
• I own slant & straight load – both have advantages and disadvantages. Hauled stock & don’t like
  
• load them slant in stock trailer
  
• Easy to load. Easy to access horses in an emergency!
  
• I HATE slant loads. My horses don’t fit in them.
  
• tag along step-up….steel trailer
  
• most horses love them, feel freer/more spacious
  
• I’ve never used anything other than straight so have no basis for comparison. gooseneck!
  
• In an emergency with the horse inthe front of a slant, you can’t get to it, or unload it.
  
• I have a large 2 horse slant load. I think adequate room is more important the loading configuration
  
• mid tack so back doors are fully open
  
• step up for all my trailers stock and straight load
  
• Steel vs aluminum
  
• Any kind is ok as long as it is tall; head room helps a horse load!
  
• would like to try a reverse slant load, hear horses like them better
  
• EASIER FOR LOADING
  
• with a ramp. they walk right in!
  
• If $ didn’t matter-reverse load with horse cross tied in box stall
  
• Seems to be safer for the person loading and unloading the horses.
  
• I have a 4 hse gn with LQ and slide-out; very plush
  
• I have a slant, but would buy a straight-load next time.
  
• Slant loads are too small and cause one sided lameness.
  
• The horses get to choose which way the want to stand.
  
• Brenderup makes the best 2 horse straight load. You really only need a 6cyl to pull it!
  
• I like the ability to easily make my slant a fully open trailer
  
• I prefer a stock but I own a straight load stepup cause I want a dressing room.
  
• …and no ramp!
  
• From what I’ve heard and read a reverse slant load is the best way to haul horses. Not sure I agree.
  
• I think the slant load is the safest and most comfortable for the horses.
  
• Good for sick horses if they lay down; foals; hard to load horses, etc.
  
• Not sure which kind my HORSE prefers, though……
  
• some horses travel better one way some another
  
• Any horse over 16 hands or wearing a size 78 blanket or more is really NOT comfortable in a slant.
  
• Its easier & quicker to get horses off in an emergency off a streight loading float.
  
• STock trailer with a slant load option with a swing-away divider. I prefer a step up
  
• my draft will only load in a BIG stock trailer, my other horses don’t seem to care
  
• 4horse, ramp, 7’x7′, gooseneck works for me
  
• step up
  
• I have a slant load,step up stock trailer and have never had trouble loading a horse.
  
• My slant load is on an 8 foot wheel base. plenty of room
  
• Only have two horses so straight-load is fine. Friends with four use a slant-load as it is very con
  
• BRENDERUP
  
• easier for the horse to keep their balance while traveling
  
• I like the slant load, but have a straight load. My horses don’t mind it, but they have been in bot. I use a straight-load ramp typ trailer without mangers for optimum head room and balance.
  
• Stock trailers are the most versatile. Many poor loaders like the openess of a stock trailer.
  
• I own a straight load gooseneck but the partition is eaasily removed to make a box stall
  
• I love my slant but also had really liked the stock trailer I used to have
  
• My 2,000 pound draft mares need a straight, tall and wide trailer.
  
• It’s just the type I’m used to.
  
• Easier to turn a horse around in a slant than straight
  
• Easy to use and any horse will go in.
  
• Brenderup ; I love the easy ramp and wonderful head room .. it’s light yet solid !!
  
• Straigth-load, ramp, gooseneck.
  
• Straight load walk through. My standardbred is way too big (long) for a slant load!
  
• I have never had one horse that would not load into a stock trailer.
  
• prefer slant first, stock secondly
  
• No partition in the middle makes for easier loading.
  
• Gives horses more room to stretch and cough if needed. Slant loads tend to be tight for larger horse
  
• I also really like my stock trailer, but I don’t like haul friends horses with mine.
  
• I have a three-horse slant load and am very satisfied with it.
  
• with a ramp
  
• equispirit trailers are great
  
• We have had all kinds and we feel they haul better in a slant load.
  
• I love my Morgan bumper pull slant load. The horse area is a great area to camp in.
  
• slant loads are not good for big horses!
  
• Aluminum
  
• horses naturaly like to ride that way
  
• Mine has a side exit so that the 1st horse in can be taken off without affecting the 2nd horse in.
  
• I like slant loads, but my mare likes stock trailers. She wins.
  
• horses always end up in this position so it must be OK
  
• In my 2-horse straight load with no divider, any horse stands diagonally for comfort.
  
• We have a str. 2h that we mod to stock & load 3 slant.
  
• 2 horse bumper pull
  
• Kingston, was new in ’95, great trailer
  
• and a ramp with barn doors
  
• I can haul loose and let my horse decide
  
• with partitions removed
  
• No manger, I like the chest bar with a feed bag down at shoulder height.
  
• with a ramp
  
• Actually, would prefer large semi w/air ride (LOL)
  
• None of the above. I have an
  
• Seems safer/easier for the handler than a slant for loading and unloading.
  
• More room in straight load; more balanced ride vs slant
  
• I have a slant load but all of the dividers can be removed to convert it to stock
  
• Would love a slant if they didn’t squish my horses.
  
• It is an ugly thing when a horse falls under the divider in a slant load.No thanks.
  
• Intergrity w/ living quarters.AWESOME! but the removable saddle rack is worthless! Get a permanent.
  
• Horses seem to be able to injure themselves on step ups and on ramps. I’ve done better with ramps.
  
• I use a stock trailer w/box stalls – horses can choose and change their positions
  
• Seams more stable for the horses.
  
• I haul alone mostly, so I want to be able to get to both horses if need be w/out off loading.
  
• how is a stock trainer not a straight load? my horse loads head first straight-ahead
  
• Big horses don’t fit well in slant loads, otherwise that would be my preference
  
• My horses are smaller (14-14.2hh).
  
• with a ramp
  
• goose neck
  
• I have read so often that horses are most comfortable hauled loose, facing backward.
  
• goose neck is critical
  
• Definitely a goose neck ! Slant if the panels pull back for a stock as well
  
• Slant load stock trailer for lots of ventilation
  
• Walk thru straightloads are roomier for the big guys and allows them to keep their sinuses cleared.
  
• Most comfortable for the horses heads -not jammed into a window
  
• larger horses have a lot more room in a straight load than a slant load
  
• Definitely head-to-head. One person can load, and great for hanging out at the shows.
  
• Actually any that my horse can travel in comfortably. My straight load is good and pd for!
  
• Slant-load gooseneck~LOVE IT!
  
• 2-horse straight load is ALL I will ever own!
  
• For horses over 16h, the extra lenght is needed
  
• I really like box stalls best in a head to head.
  
• I like my Brenderup, since I don’t have a truck.
  
• Everybody is in their spot and no moving around.
  
• my choice is: extra high and wide, straight-load, ramp, big escape doors on both sides for me
  
• Alum gooseneck
  
• More roomy and easier loading. Doesn’t give horse claustrophobia
  
• Must have a ramp and an escape door.
  
• no slants again w/o side ramp
  
• slant load step up is my preferred choice
  
• Slant load is harder to load difficult loaders into!
  
• slant-load convertable stock trailer to be precise
  
• My horses load the best in a step up slant load.
  
• Horses should be allowed to choose which position they want to travel in.
  
• I travel with donkeys who like to ride
  
• Gooseneck
  
• Our horses much prefered the old step-up straight load to our new slant with a ramp!
  
• I prefer stock, but have a straight load.
  
• I prefer my Brenderup , my horses prefer a slant load
  
• Must Have a Ramp
  
• Head to head 4 h or straight load 2 h
  
• I’ve never had a horse refuse to go into a stock trailer.
  
• I just like the slant loads and think they are really nice.
  
• The Miley trailer is amazing!
  
• torn b/t straight & slant. had horses that rode better in each
  
• i also prefer my straight load with out a ramp

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