If there’s no shoulder, or you just can’t tell if the shoulder’s terrain will support your rig — and you can keep moving — look for another stopping place, such as a shopping center lot, an open field, or a gas station.

We're giving you a step-by-step procedure that will help keep you and your horse safe in case you need to stop your rig to take care of an emergency. Plus, we’ll recommend horse  trailer-safety extras, provide tips for selecting a roadside emergency service, give you a horse trailer-light safety-check procedure, and tell you what to include in your trailering emergency kit.

Trailer-Light Safety Check

Don’t assume your horse trailer lights are in working order — even if you hear them click. And just because your headlights work, don’t assume your horse trailer’s taillights are working. Here’s a horse trailer-light checklist; perform this check before you load your horse. (Safety tip: While you’re at it, wash off all light coverings; dirt and dust cut visibility.) Before you begin, hitch up your rig and set the engine key in the auxiliary position. (Caveat: If you prefer to warm up your engine, make sure your gear shift is in park and the emergency brake is on to keep your rig in place.) Check the turn signals. Inspect both your tow vehicle and trailer turn signals to make sure they are blinking. Check both the left and right turn signals. Check headlights. Turn on your tow vehicle’s headlights, then hop out and make sure they work. (Safety tip: Turn on your headlights and your trailer’s lights even during daylight hours, for visibility). Check the brake lights. If you have a helper, ask her to depress the brake pedal a few times while you check the brake lights on your tow vehicle and trailer. If you’re alone, place a heavy brick or rock on the brake pedal to keep it depressed while you check the lights. Check turn signals/brake lights simultaneously. Turn on your left turn signal and depress the brake at the same time to make sure all lights will work together. Do the same with the right turn signal. Check running lights. Check the running lights on your trailer’s roof, fenders, and corners.

Get Out of Traffic
If you’re on a major highway, freeway, expressway, or multi-lane road, knowing how to safely stop your rig can be a matter of life or death. Here are some guidelines.  

Stay off the median. Never pull into the center divider area of the road, regardless of how wide and stable it may look. 

Get off the freeway. If you think you can drive a short distance, try to get completely off the freeway, for safety.  

Consider the off ramp. Some off ramps feature a large grass area that can be used as an emergency parking spot. Watch for sprinkler heads, and pull off the road as far as is safely possible. 

Pull to the right shoulder. If you feel there’s something wrong with your truck or trailer, slow down, turn on your right turn signal and emergency flashers, and ease into the far right lane. From there, you should be able to safely pull off the highway and onto the right shoulder. Look for a wide spot, and keep your emergency flashers on.

Look for off-street parking. If there’s no shoulder, or you just can’t tell if the shoulder’s terrain will support your rig — and you can keep moving — look for another stopping place, such as a shopping center lot, an open field, or a gas station. 

Leave your horse inside. Never unload your horse from your trailer on a busy highway — it’s just too risky. If he’s down, leave him. Although that sounds harsh, whatever injuries he’s suffered probably won’t worsen — and he’ll suffer worse if he gets hit by a passing motorist. 

Calm your horse. Talk to your horse through the trailer windows. Keep your voice calm and reassuring. And never open trailer doors; excess noise can cause him to panic.

If you’re forced to stop on the road, here’s what to do to maximize your and your horse’s safety, as well as that of passing motorists.

Pull to the right. Pull as far to the right as is safe. If there’s a bank, stay on the flat top. If your trailer is sloped at an angle to the side, your horse will have a hard time maintaining his balance, which puts him at risk for an injury. 

Turn off the engine. Once stopped, turn off the engine. Relax, and take a few deep breaths; if you’re calm, you’ll deal better with the emergency. Before you get out of your vehicle, check your rearview mirrors for oncoming traffic.

Step out carefully. As you step out, stay as close as possible to the side of your rig. Check your vehicle on both sides to determine the problem.

Who You Gonna Call?

When considering membership in an emergency roadside service plan*, query your local agent about the following considerations: Size restrictions. Is there a restriction on tow-vehicle size/weight to qualify for coverage? Towing services. If towing is required, how far will the plan cover, how will the bill be paid? Will the trailer be towed also? Is there a restriction on trailer size/weight? May the trailer be loaded with horses? Fuel/water. Will the service supply fuel (gasoline/diesel) and water? Lock outs. Will the service open your tow vehicle and/or trailer in case you get locked out? Flat tires. Will the service change a dually flat? Tires with split rims? Are there any tire-size restrictions? Will the service cover trailer flats? Availability. Is the service available 24/7, including holidays? Is the service available everywhere, such as out of state, across the nation, on United States Forest Service roads? Cost. What’s the cost difference between service levels? (You might need to choose, for instance, among "basic," "expanded," and "deluxe" service plans.) Is there a toll-free emergency roadside service number? *One motor plan designed specifically for the traveling horse owner is the US Rider Equestrian Motor Plan (800/844-1409; www.usrider.org). This service will cover emergency road repairs not only on your tow vehicle but also on your horse trailer. The plan also includes an emergency stable locator, emergency veterinarian referrals, and emergency trip interruption veterinary service.

Light Flares
Once you’ve pulled over, estimate how far off the pavement edge you’re parked. Most states require you to set flares if you’re within five feet of the pavement’s edge. However, for visibility, it’s best to set flares anytime you’re forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road. This is especially true at night or during a storm.

Carry about eight to ten flares in your emergency kit; ideally, you’ll place four flares behind your trailer and two flares in front of your tow vehicle. Flares are best for emergency situations, as they emit a constant light in dark conditions. They’re also inexpensive, easy to store and handle, won’t blow away, and won’t burn out in the rain.

In a pinch, a good alternative is reflector triangles. Carry about six to eight in your emergency kit to supplement your flare stash, just in case.

To light a flare, peel back the protective covering from the top end. With a quick, match-striking motion, strike the flare end on the pavement. The friction will light the chemical inside the flare.

Here’s how to set flares for maximum visibility and safety.Place four flares behind your trailer.

Overall, space flares about 270 to 300 feet from the back of your trailer. This will warn motorists of a stopped rig ahead and will give them time to move over into another lane.

Light a flare, place it in your right hand (that is, the hand closest to the road, for visibility), and walk along the shoulder about 20 feet straight back from your trailer’s left fender (the one closest to the road). Place the flare on the ground, and return to your trailer staying as far off the road as possible.

Light another flare, hold it in your right hand, walk about 50 feet back from the first flare, and place it on the pavement’s edge. (Watch for approaching traffic.)

Place a third flare about 100 feet beyond the second flare, on the pavement’s edge.

Place a fourth flare about 100 feet beyond the third flare, on the pavement’s edge.

Place two flares in front of your tow vehicle.

Light a flare, place it in your left hand (closest to the road, for visibility), and walk along the shoulder about 20 feet in front of your tow vehicle, even with the front fender. Place the flare on the ground.

Place a second flare about 50 feet beyond the first flare. 

Get Back on the Road
Once you’ve taken care of the problem, or have called for assistance, your next challenge will be to get back into traffic flow. Don’t expect anyone to stop for you; you’ll need to achieve highway speed. Here’s how:

Turn on lights. Turn on your left turn signal and emergency flashers.

Ease forward. Turn on your engine, and ease forward. 

Build speed. Start building speed on the shoulder of the road.

Check your mirrors. Keep looking into rearview mirrors on both sides. As you do, check the shoulder ahead to make sure you can safely travel forward as you wait for a break in the traffic.  

Merge. When you see a break in the traffic — or you see someone slow down and move over for you (watch for the flashing-headlights signal) — move into the flow of traffic, then turn off your left turn signal. Once you’ve reached the speed limit, turn off your emergency flashers.

Recognize courtesy. If someone lets you in, flash your headlights to thank her. Or better yet, smile and wave, since you’re a horse owner who’s just passed that emergency road stop test!