Safety Innovations Explained: SafeTack®, SafeBump® & SafeKick®
Most horse trailer accidents happen during loading, kicking, or head strikes. Double D Trailers eliminates these risks with patented designs: SafeTack® for safer loading, SafeKick® walls that absorb impact, SafeBump® roofs to prevent concussions, and Z-Frame® walls stronger than aluminum. Safer by design, not by chance.
Quick Answer
Double D Trailers’ patented SafeTack®, SafeBump®, and SafeKick® systems tackle the three most common causes of horse trailer injuries: loading accidents, head trauma, and wall-related kicking injuries.
- SafeTack®: Removes the narrow, tunnel-like rear tack room and swings completely out of the way, creating a full-width, full-height entry.
- SafeBump®: A seamless composite roof that insulates against summer heat, eliminates riveted beams, and prevents concussions.
- SafeKick®: Flexible reinforced panels in the lower walls that absorb impact from kicks and protect both horse and trailer.
Together, these innovations make Double D Trailers one of the only horse trailer brands where design is backed by patents, science, and real-world safety improvements.
SafeTack®: Easier Loading & Reduced Stress
The problem: Most trailer accidents happen during loading and unloading. A fixed rear tack creates a narrow, dark tunnel effect. Horses hesitate, balk, rear, or even flip.
What’s different with SafeTack®:
- The SafeTack® compartment swings completely out of the doorway, leaving a wide, bright, full-height entry.
- Horses walk in a straight line instead of squeezing through a tunnel.
The result: Horses load faster, with less stress and resistance. Owners report dramatically calmer loading experiences.
Bonus innovation: In our patented SafeTack® Reverse models, horses travel facing backward, a position supported by multiple studies as reducing stress, fatigue, and balance loss during braking.
Want the full backstory? See how Double D Trailers was awarded a U.S. Patent for this breakthrough design: Read about the SafeTack® Reverse Patent →
SafeTack® 5-Star Customer Reviews
Linda S: "I loved working with Brad and his team. I love the safety tack. My haflinger that was hesitant to load in typical rear tack, walks right in."
Barbara P: "I was really drawn to the SafeTack® feature and from there forward was convinced that this trailer was either going to solve my horse hauling issues or I was going to give up on trailering my horses. My horses now willingly load and travel safely and well. The trailer feels very open and light, not a dark cave or closet that I'm asking my horses to enter. The windows are big and I love the fact that they can travel facing the rear. Really love the side loading ramp and unloading walking forward off the back. "
Penny R: "Since we only have the backwards facing, my horses never have to back up. That’s why I think they’re so unstressed about getting on and off. Because they never have to back up. That always seemed so stressful when they were backing out of the two-horse trailer. It’s the best. And it’s weird too… It’s not that I’ve got much of an ego about it, but anywhere we go… it was almost like we’re the side show. We hear, 'Oh my, look at their trailer!'”
SafeBump® Roof: Insulation & Head Protection
Many horse owners don’t realize how dangerous a traditional roof can be.
- Aluminum roofs have exposed beams every couple of feet. If a horse rears and hits one, the result can be skull fractures, poll injuries, or at the very least a painful blow. Aluminum also transfers heat rapidly, turning trailers into ovens in summer.
- Fiberglass roofs with bows improve things somewhat, but if a horse hits directly on a bow/support, there’s no give. It’s like hitting a ceiling joist at full force.
SafeBump® solves both problems.
- One-piece insulated composite design
- No seams, rivets, or exposed beams overhead
- Smooth, slightly flexible, impact-absorbing surface if a horse rears up
- Thermal barrier that keeps interiors cooler and quieter
The result: less risk of head injury, less stress from heat, and a safer, more comfortable ride.
Double D Trailers owner Brad Heath explains why he developed SafeBump®: “I built the SafeBump® after hearing from a customer whose horse reared during loading and struck the roof. He was lucky. I wanted to make sure luck wasn’t the only thing standing between a horse and a cracked skull."
See how SafeBump® is made and why it matters: Explore the SafeBump® Roof System →
SafeKick® Walls: Injury Prevention & Durability
The problem: Horses kick… during loading, unloading, or when confined. In plywood or aluminum trailers, that can mean splinters, dents, cuts, bruising, or even serious injury. It also means expensive trailer wall repairs.
What’s different with SafeKick®:
- Reinforced, flexible panels in the lower walls absorb and disperse impact instead of splintering or denting.
- Dual benefit: protects the horse from injury and protects the trailer from damage.
- Quieter: Flexing panels reduce the loud “bang” of a kick that can startle nervous horses.
Learn more in our detailed feature: Protect Your Horse with a SafeKick® Wall System →
Why Safety Innovations Matter
- Loading: 70% of trailer accidents happen during loading/unloading. SafeTack® minimizes the #1 stress trigger: a dark tunnel.
- Heat & head injuries: A horse’s poll is highly vulnerable, a single strike on a low beam can cause life-long injury. SafeBump® eliminates that hazard and keeps interiors cooler.
- Kicking: Wall injuries are among the most common trailer-related vet calls. SafeKick® prevents both wounds and trailer damage.
Compare Trailer Features → Discover how Double D Trailers' innovations measure up against other brands.
Owners who switch to these systems report:
- Faster, calmer loading.
- Lower stress in anxious horses.
- Longer trailer lifespan with fewer repairs.
Read more about the floors and walls in Double D Trailers and discover how our horse trailers are built.
FAQs About Safety Innovations
Q: What is SafeTack®?
It’s our patented swing-out tack compartment that opens the full trailer width for stress-free loading. Learn more about its patent here → SafeTack® Reverse Patent.
Q: How does SafeBump® help ventilation?
Its insulated composite roof reflects heat and works with roof vents to regulate interior temperature. More details → SafeBump® Roof System.
Q: Why use SafeKick® walls?
They flex to absorb impact, protecting horses from injuries caused by kicks and keeping your walls dent-free. See more → SafeKick® Wall System.
Design Your Safe Trailer
Every Double D Trailer includes these patented safety innovations.
