Perform a safety check on your trailer before you load up your horse for your first trailer trip of the season.

If you’re like most warm-season riders, your horse trailer has been sitting empty for months. Just like your horse, your horse trailer needs some pre-season conditioning.

Inspect your horse trailer inside and out. Look for rust, weak spots, and burned-out light bulbs. Hook up your rig, and take a short drive to make sure lights and connections are working well. Tip: Have a buddy watch for working lights before you drive off.

For added safety, schedule a preseason safety check at your local trailer-repair shop. There, technicians will test and balance your tires, repair any wiring problems, thoroughly check flooring, and grease latches.