Backwards in trailer today

[Tinypony]

So, a very nice horse was travelling about in Kent today in a trailer, neatly cross-tied, happily eating it's haynet and watching me drive along behind. Because it was loaded into the trailer backwards and looking out over the rear ramp (not actually head hanging over, but it could see over).
I can see the logic in doing this with some horses, and he certainly looked very happy. However, does anyone have any informed views on the safety of this setup? Obviously there would be the risk of the horse rearing up and getting it's legs over the top of the ramp. And if there was an accident and the weight of the horse went on the ramp, the ramp would probably shoot open, but that could happen in a similar fashion if a horse travelling normally was thrown backwards...

 

[Happy Hunter]

I have seen this before - and initally thought, well wont they brake their necks - Then remembered a trailer and 4x4 doesnt have the acceleration of a Ferrari!

I wouldn't like it for my girl - but if they are happy and safe - then why not!

 

[mainpower]

I used to give my friend's horse lifts to shows in my rear load/side unload two horse box. Strange horse though, he would only load by reversing up the ramp and the partition wouldn't swing over enough to turn him, so he always travelled backwards!

 

[monikirk]

Unless you have a properly designed trailer for rear facing travel DONOT try this it can make them unstable!
Trailers are designed with weight distribution for forward facing horses also the axles are carefully positioned and balanced.