[SIZE=12pt]I agree completely. I also feel that for someone NOT used to pulling a trailer, a stock rack, safely set up, sheltered and anchored is the safest way to go. I also feel that hauling a horse (except a very small foal, can be extremely dangerous for the horse AND for the people in the car. Horses can panic in scary situations and hooves are hard and will injure.[/SIZE]I disagree, if you have livestock racks, not some strange contraption, they are made to safely haul livestock in the back of a pickup.
I have a set of livestock racks that I use a lot. We took sheet steel (like the metal on the horse trailers) and went around the front and sides on the outside of the racks to cut the wind. We inset a piece of plexiglass in the front so we could see what the horses are doing. We use a stall mat in the back of the pickup to keep them from sliding. With the sides and front on the racks, we have hauled more than 5000 miles without even losing the hay they had in there to munch on, there is almost no wind in it. We also carry a tarp in case of rain and have had no problem hauling any horse in the rack.
You will have to be sure there is a ditch or bank to load them or a ramp, tie them and they will be fine.
I feel safer hauling them in the pickup where I can keep an eye on them than hauling them in the trailer where I can't see them. I use mine all the time and people are always asking where I got them. The livestock racks that I have were made in the 50's for hauling cattle. I have a set for both the short bed truck and the long bed truck and would lots rather use them than the trailer for long trips.
Mary
I would also recommend that you read as much about horse care, housing, proper feeding and handling. It's a great idea to learn as much as possible about caring for your new friend

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