Hit the Road with Husted – Be Ready Before You Roll
First responders helping to rescue a horse after a trailer accident.
Tire blowouts, brake failures, rollovers, or emergency unloading—these are real scenarios that demand quick thinking and solid preparation by the horse's owner.
© 2011 by Watershed Post New window.
Whether you’re hauling horses to a show, a trail ride, or an emergency evacuation, transporting equines safely is a responsibility that demands preparation, knowledge, and confidence. That’s why Equine Guelph is once again offering its highly respected Horse Trailer Safety course on TheHorsePortal.ca, led by internationally recognized expert Dr. Rebecca Husted.
Dr. Husted brings decades of experience in Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, making her an invaluable guide through the complexities of equine transport. Her engaging teaching style and real-world insights prepare horse owners to anticipate problems before they arise—and respond effectively when they do.
Emergencies Don’t Wait. Will You Be Ready?
You’ve packed your gear, planned your route, and loaded your horses. But what happens if the unexpected strikes? Tire blowouts, brake failures, rollovers, or emergency unloading—these are real scenarios that demand quick thinking and solid preparation.
Participants dive into emergency preparedness, exploring:
- Must-have emergency equipment
- Roadside assistance strategies
- Handling mechanical failures and crashes
- Emergency loading and unloading
- Step-by-step actions for various emergency scenarios
Of course, prevention is always the first line of defence. In the video below, Dr. Husted explains caring for your trailer floor to reduce risk of injury to your horse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWqH6s21RK8&t=3s
A Deep Dive into Trailer Safety & Maintenance
Equine Guelph’s online horse trailer safety course goes far beyond emergencies to cover:
- Understanding your towing system—trailer specifications, truck compatibility, and legal regulations
- Trailer care and maintenance—inside and out
- Inspection protocols to catch issues before they become hazards
- Minimizing risks while driving
- Transporting your horse—balancing loads, weather considerations, insurance, and more
Engaging Online Learning
Hosted by The Horse Portal, this course offers a flexible online format with interactive discussion forums, where participants can engage directly with Dr. Husted and fellow horse owners. Whether you’re new to trailering or a seasoned hauler, this course will help you travel with confidence.
Course Dates: Oct 27 – Nov 7, 2025
Save your spot: https://thehorseportal.ca/course/horse-trailer-safety-fall-25/
Equine Guelph is the horse owners’ and care givers’ Centre at the University of Guelph in Canada. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government – for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca.
Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions, Equine Guelph - Press release by Amy Sales