How about a poll

[Cindy]

Ramp, no ramp. Which do you prefer?

[CarolU]

I'm not voting. I am curious about people's responses. I don't have them, never have, but I am really thinking about putting one on my new trailer, it is so high.

[motorgypsy]

I'd like a ramp on a stock trailer for various reasons but I like the step up we have quite well. I have always been amazed at how well the horses adapt to it. They really like our little bumper pull and will go to sleep in it when traveling.

[Linda Y]

I would love to have a ramp on my trailer. It wasn't available when I got the trailer...or maybe it was and I just didn't ask. One of these days I will get one put on.

[pnalley]

Our old 2 horse had an optional ramp, which was very nice. It was a slide under the body type, so you only used it when needed. We only used it when hauling babies. I personally would rather teach them to step up. No ramp is one less thing to get hurt on. No ramp on the new trailer. That old 2 horse was the best designed I have ever seen (for an older trailer)

[SandyMM]

Step-ups cause +/- 75% of trailer accidents according to some research Greg found... Personally, I've never had a problem with a step-up, but have had horses go to their knees and slide down on a ramp... I think a ramp is more likely to cause a hernia in the humans, though, unless it is very well counter-balanced...

[Andrea G.]

I always thought I wanted a ramp on my trailer and felt disapointed that the used trailer I purchased did not have one. Now that I am 10 years older - I am so happy I do NOT have the ramp as my back is bad and I would never be able to lift it up after loading the horses!!!

[Cindy]

I lift my ramp with one hand. They are sprung so they are very easy to lift. Much better than the older trailers were.

[cowboy ed]

no ramp for me. just havent had any problems with horses loading or unloading. no accidents of any kind.

[GeorgeGuns]

ultimately I prefer a ramp, but i have a stock step up. Mom's is a ramp. I guess a horse can get a leg caught anywhere, but I hear of more trouble with step ups, when a horse slips or whatever. Easier to unload a ramp too.

[DSDECKERT]

I love the ramp on my trailer, we've gotten horses to load easily that wouldn't load in a step-up.

BUT alas, it's too hot, and I'm thinking of trading it in for a stock trailer, which has much more airflow and I don't think they are available with a ramp.

[Terry Wallace]

No ramp for me either...it would make it nearly impossible to back up to a chute at the BLM for example...to load horses.

I never needed one...but have had horses refuse to load with a ramp...because when they step on it..they feel the trailer move slightly...

I don't think I would like dealing with a heavy ramp...but then, I suppose you could get a hydraulic or electric ramp that would be easier on ME!
I would not want to have to lift a ramp quickly to keep a wildthang in the trailer.....

I just don't have problems with a no-ramp trailer.

[pasolucy]

I have had both kinds, two of them have had a ramp and the rest did not. Right now we have a two horse step up and a 5th wheel step up. I will never have another trailer with a ramp, do not need it and do not like messing with it. The two horse is what I am using to haul mares and babies to the vets for AI on the mares and the babies have no problem with the step up even at a very young age.

[Pasogirlz]

We ordered our new trailer W/a ramp. Mainly so that we could load equipment easily into it since it is supposed to be a multipurpose trailer. ;-)

[Brigitte]

I've used both kinds, but I prefer the ones without ramp

[Camilla]

I've had both and prefer no ramp. The horses seem to prefer no ramp to load and would like a ramp to unload - quandry.