Trailers, 2 questions!

benson21

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I am thinking of changing my trailer, i am looking for a second hand front unload trailer, how much do you think is reasonable to pay?
And also, how much to ask for a good condition, rice trailer?
 
Not long bought my Rice trailer which is old but in excellent condition (new floor, jockey wheel, regularly serviced etc etc) and paid £850 for it.

It happily takes my 16.2 and 17h - love it! :D
 
See I love my rice trailer, but Donovan doesnt seem to!! Fussy little bugger!!!

Funny you should say that... My friends horse (that she use to own), Ruby, would NOT travel in her Rice trailer. The mare had been in my Bateson on a previous occasion and travelled foot perfect when my friend did not have her own transport.

My friend bought her own trailer (the Rice), put Ruby in to take her around the block, and hadn't even got out of the yard when the mare went absolutely berzerk! She jumped over the breast bar, snapped it, and tried to jump out over the ramp as the top door was pinned back open! :eek: It was a lesson learnt believe me, but admittedly, we had the top door open when she travelled in the Bateson.

It was a very confusing experience, my friend was driving at a crawling speed, and as like I said previously, Ruby was a saint travelling in my Bateson. After this happened with the Rice, my friend was reluctant to put her in a trailer again. I persuaded her to try her in mine again, and she did, and the mare was perfect. Travelled as if she wasn't even there! Needless to say, we had the top door shut!

A number of things we thought possibly could have have been the reason(s) she preferred the Bateson are as follows:
  1. The Rice was an older trailer, and didn't travel as smooth as my nearly new Bateson.
  2. My Bateson is the Ascot model, which carries up to 17.2's, so it was bigger than hers inside.
  3. The Bateson is white inside, which created a 'airy and roomy feel', so possibly the mare didn't feel as claustrophobic/trapped/shut in - which in turn may relate to be safe and comfortable.
  4. The wheels on mine were smaller, and therefore when hitched up, the floor at a flat level to my truck. On the Rice the tyres were bigger which made the floor be on a everso slight incline when hitched up. (I hope that makes sense - I appreciate it is not explained as well as I picture it in my head lol)!

Clearly my recommendation is a Rice... lol, I jokes - I love my Bateson. I have had a variety of horses travel in mine, and never had a problem *touches wood* xx :D
 
Another who loves Bateson! My old one was a Bateson and the only reason we sold it was because it was too small.

We now have a Cheval Liberte which is also fabulous for bad loaders as is nice a nd airy inside like the Bateson.

We sold our old Bateson on ebay for £1200 pretty much instantly so I'd guess around the £1000 mark for a secondhand trailer. :)
 
Donovan travels well in the rice, doesnt seem to fuss, occasionally gets a bit warm. Its getting him into it that is causing a problem, and I just thought maybe one that has a front unload would be more inviting for him. Also when he is backing off of it he misses the ground and goes down just on his hocks.
 
Have a look on Ebay to see what similar trailers are going for. Some seem to make good money....others not so.
Being a rear unload might mean its worth very slightly less.
 
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