Night time trailer travelling

[EQUISCENE]

Hi just wanted some tips/opinions for travelling my horse in a trailer in the dark for the first time. I have a small light inside the trailer, would be interested to know if others travel theirs in total darkness or with the inside light on?

Thanks

 

[rockysmum]

None of mine really care one way or the other. However I usually leave the light on, I think the headlights shining in will have less effect if its not in total darkness.

It also means you can stop to check them without having to turn the light on and disturb them.

 

[dafthoss]

The light inside our trailer doesnt work at the moment so when we came home from uni he loaded in the day light but spent most of the journey in the dark. It makes no diffrence to him.

 

[ArcticFox]

afaik it is recommended to leave a light on for the reasons above and also to other road users who will see that you have livestock on board so may give more room

 

[Bubbles]

I've done both, not sure having the light on made any difference to the horse but it did mean I could see him from the car, imperative whether it's a 10min or 2hr journey.

 

[The Amber Gambler]

I travel with it on, other road users can then see that my horse is travelling and take a bit more care (well there is hoping!).

 

[Jingleballs]

My lights are always on at night on but due to where I hang the hay nets you can't really see them or the horse when travelling!

 

[popsdosh]

I know with other livestock and I am sure this would apply to horses it is a legal requirement to have a light on in the animal area at night.
Most of the modern lorries use a more subtle red light that horses actually see better with.

 

[albeg]

I leave the light on, partly so people can see horsey in there, and also for his benefit, he's happier with it on, he can be a bit stressy at times, and the light helps keep him happier.

 

[Cazza525]

its illegal to travel horses at night in a trailer with no lights on.

 

[CrazyMare]

My light doesn't work - I have a little battery powered one in there, that sits on top of the tack locker.

Mine all load into the dark anyway - trusting girls they are!!

 

[Suziq77]

I didn't know it was a legal requirement to have a light on in the livestock area. Does this apply to lorries as well? I always leave mine in the dark as I thought they'd prefer it but I will switch the light on if I'm supposed to (I have an infra red cctv camera in the back so that's how we see them from the cab).

You learn something new every day.....

 

[Orangehorse]

I think I read somewhere that it IS a legal requirement to have the light on inside the trailer in the dark if you have a horse inside.

 

[PortwayPaddy]

I was also under the impression that lights were a legal requirement in the dark.

Mine comes on automatically as soon as car lights go on.

Also useful to have a light when there is a travelling camera fitted!

Paddy

 

[ArcticFox]

I was under the impression it was legal too however I cannot find anything on a search so if someone could enlighten us that would be fab!

Cx

 

[EQUISCENE]

Thanks everyone - light on it is then - didnt realize it was a legal requirement!