State of Trailering 2025 Report: Insights From Horse Owners Nationwide

Executive Summary

In September 2025, Double D Trailers invited horse owners nationwide to share their experiences with trailer safety, comfort, and performance. This report reflects their voices and provides unique, first-party insights on how trailers impact horse welfare on the road. This is the first nationwide survey-based report dedicated to horse trailer safety and welfare, conducted exclusively by Double D Trailers.

Download the full report here: 2025 State of Trailering Report (PDF)

Key Findings at a Glance

• 80% of owners reported that loading is easier compared to previous trailers.

• Horses remained calmer and more comfortable on trips, even journeys lasting over 20 hours.

• 85% of owners experienced only minor maintenance issues since delivery.

• Top features loved: SafeTack® swing-out tack compartment, Rumber floors, insulated roof, and ramps.

• Owners expressed high confidence in safety innovations like SafeKick®, SafeBump®, and Z-Frame®.

Methodology: The report is based on survey responses from Double D Trailer owners across the U.S., collected in September 2025. Owners provided data on loading, comfort, maintenance, and trailer features.

Data Highlights

Ease of Loading

• 80%: “Much easier”

• 20%: “Same or harder”

Owner Feedback: "My friend just commented the other day, when a large horse wouldn’t load in her trailer, that he probably would walk right on mine. Her ramp is too steep. Brad really thinks about horse safety and comfort."

Hauling Frequency

• 50%: Weekly

• 35%: Monthly

• 15%: Few times/year

"We make 4 to 5 trips (each 50 to 70 miles round trip) every week. The Double D Trailer is a delight, a comfort knowing our horses are relaxed and safe." - Survey respondent

Longest Trips

• <2 hours: 25%

• 2–4 hours: 20%

• 4–8 hours: 40%

• 8+ hours: 15%
  (Longest reported single trip: 21 hours)

Owner Feedback: "[We take] monthly trips of up to 650 miles round trip. Horses remain relaxed and safe the entire way."

Repairs & Maintenance

• 85%: Minor adjustments (trim, wiring, divider padding)

• 15%: Significant issues (fans in hot climates, rust from snow/ice exposure)

“They are very good at what they do, and the service you get is A+.” – Survey respondent

FAQs

Do horses ride calmer in Double D Trailers?
Yes. Many owners reported that their horses arrived calmer, quieter, and less stressed compared to previous trailers.

How often do horse owners haul their trailers?
About half of owners haul weekly, while others use their trailers monthly or only a few times a year.

What’s the longest trip owners reported in 2025?
The longest single trip reported was 21 hours. Most owners haul between 2–8 hours on average.

Did owners notice differences in temperature and airflow?
Yes. Many said their trailers stayed cooler and had better airflow compared to previous trailers, thanks to roof insulation, windows, and fans.

How do Double D trailers compare for noise and vibration?
Owners consistently rated their trailers as quieter and smoother, which helped horses stay relaxed on the road.

What trailer features do owners value the most?
The SafeTack® swing-out compartment, Rumber flooring, ramps, and insulated roofs were the most frequently praised features.

Would owners recommend Double D Trailers to others?
Yes. Nearly all respondents said they would recommend Double D Trailers to fellow horse owners, often citing safety, comfort, and loading ease as the biggest benefits.

About Double D Trailers

Founded in 1997 by Brad Heath, Double D Trailers has introduced industry-first safety innovations including SafeTack®, SafeKick®, SafeBump®, and Z-Frame®. Through direct-to-owner sales and education, the company continues to put horse welfare at the center of trailer design.

About Double D Trailers – Learn more about the history of Double D Trailers and our safety innovations.

Take the next step in trailer safety. Brad Heath’s book, The Honest-to-Goodness Truth About Horse Trailers, goes deeper into the science, design, and welfare principles behind every Double D Trailers model. Get your free copy today — no cost, just safer hauling.