WO2012165979A1

WO2012165979A1 - Horse trailer

Info

Publication number: WO2012165979A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2012/000083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Odessa HOLMES; Vera Sherron HOLMES
Original assignee: Equi Balance Horse Trailers Ltd
Priority date: 2011-06-03
Filing date: 2012-06-05
Publication date: 2012-12-06

Abstract

The invention is directed to a hindquarter impact barrier for a rear-facing horse trailer. The hindquarter impact barrier is located such that, upon sudden braking, a horse's haunches contact the barrier and the trailer body bears the force of the impact. In a preferred embodiment, the hindquarter impact barrier is positioned behind a lateral frame portion, the hindquarter impact barrier coming into contact with the lateral frame portion in the event of an impact to the back of the hindquarter impact barrier. The horse trailer considerably increases the safety of a horse in the event of an accident.

Description

HORSE TRAILER

Field of Invention

The invention relates to horse trailers. More particularly, the invention relates to a horse trailer providing enhanced safety. Background to the Invention

Horses often need to be transported from one location to another and generally the most convenient way to do so is by trailer. However, transportation of a horse in a trailer presents a number of risks, especially to the wellbeing of the horse. Around the world there are frequent occurrences of terrible injuries or fatalities of horses transported in trailers during road accidents.

Some established techniques to attempt to reduce transport risks include tranquilisers, herbal remedies, tail guards, head bumpers, shipping boots, face guards, padded blankets, anchored slings and even electric shocks to punish scrambling or stubborn horses. However, despite these attempts, injuries have still occurred, both to the horse during transportation and to the handlers when trying to load or unload a horse into a trailer.

Standard horse trailers require the horse to face in the direction of travel. This contradicts a horse's behavioural, physiological and physical instincts and needs. For example, it limits the horse's ability to maintain its balance off its forequarters. Another issue is that horse trailers are built according to the same concepts used to transport dead weight. But horses move during transportation, which can lead to injuries and damage to the trailers and towing vehicle. NZ 149652 discloses a horse trailer invented by David J. Holmes of New Zealand in which the horse faces away from the direction of travel. Holmes observed horses in their natural stances, noting that most of the body weight was ahead of the girth, requiring a forward lean. During experiments, Holmes found that untethered horses would voluntarily face the rear in a trailer and position themselves directly over the axles on flat deck stock trucks. Such thinking led Holmes to develop the invention discussed in NZ 149652, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The advantages of rear-facing trailers discussed in NZ 149652 include: · When the trailer starts to move, the horse's inertia causes it to move

forwards (i.e. towards the back of the trailer), which is a natural forward movement for a horse. The horse's reaction is therefore as natural as if it were walking forwards itself; it shifts its centre of gravity by leaning forwards, an attitude in which it is relaxed and able to maintain equilibrium using its natural instincts.

• During transportation, a trailer has its biggest side to side sway at the rear.

When rear-facing, the horse's head is at the rear, meaning it can more accurately detect the movement of the trailer and counter the movement by adjusting its balance. Thus, it is less likely to touch the walls or stumble, which can lead to injury or trauma. Even during braking, the horse simply leans back on its haunches, which does not cause it any fright because this is the same action as though slowing down from a gallop.

• A towing vehicle is better able to brake using its rear wheels. During

braking, a horse's natural tendency is to move its weight towards the front of the trailer, which places more weight on the rear wheels of the towing vehicle and allows for better braking.

• A driver is more likely to drive safely in the knowledge that the application of the brakes is less likely to injure a horse riding in a trailer. · Severe braking means the horse's fleshy rump will impact with the front end of the trailer. This is far less likely to severely injure a horse than if its head impacts the front of a trailer.

• In a rear-facing trailer, it is easy to load and unload a horse into a trailer with a handler being at the horse's head at all times. This enables the horse to be kept calm during loading and unloading, thus reducing the risk of injury to the handler and horse.

• A horse has greater ability to move its head up and down to clear its

respiratory passages, meaning instances of "shipping fever" are reduced.

While not a single animal accident has been reported in 30 years during correct use of Holmes' rear-facing trailer design, driving conditions have moved on, with horses needing to be transported faster and on more busy roads than ever before. Upon severe braking, the front of the trailer may be a weak spot, which could both be damaged and cause injury to a horse during an accident. It is therefore desirable to provide an improved horse trailer. The World Organisation for Animal Health stipulates requirements for the safe transport of horses. These include freedom from head restraint, freedom to balance in a natural position, the elimination of forceful methods to load and unload, suppression of mechanical noise and the ability to monitor a horse during the journey. It is desirable to provide a trailer to conform with as many of these requirements as possible.

Every horse owner wants their horse to be in the optimum condition at the end of a long journey in a trailer. This is especially the case for owners of racehorses, for which success or failure and often large amounts of money depend on the condition of a horse before a race.

It is an object of the invention to address at least some of the foregoing needs or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention In general, non-limiting terms the invention is directed to a hindquarter impact barrier for a rear-facing horse trailer. The hindquarter impact barrier is located such that, upon sudden braking, a horse's haunches contact the barrier and the trailer body bears the force of the impact. In a preferred embodiment, the hindquarter impact barrier is positioned behind a lateral frame portion, the hindquarter impact barrier coming into contact with the lateral frame portion in the event of an impact to the back of the hindquarter impact barrier. The horse trailer considerably increases the safety of a horse in the event of an accident.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a horse trailer comprising: a chassis; ground wheels; means for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle; and a trailer body mounted on the chassis, the body comprising a hindquarter impact barrier proximate a forward end of the trailer, wherein the body is configured to house at least one horse therein such that the horse is facing away from the normal direction of travel with the haunches of the horse adjacent the hindquarter impact barrier, and wherein on impact to a rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier, a substantial part of the force of the impact is transmitted to the trailer body.

Preferably, the trailer body further comprises a lateral frame portion proximate a forward end of the trailer, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is positioned behind the lateral frame portion and is adapted to push against the lateral frame portion upon impact of a sufficient force against the rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier.

In a preferred embodiment, peripheral parts of the hindquarter impact barrier are positioned directly behind the lateral frame portion. Preferably, the hindquarter impact barrier spans substantially the entire width of the trailer body.

Preferably, the hindquarter impact barrier comprises a lattice of vertical and horizontal bars. That is, the hindquarter impact barrier is braced.

Preferably, the hindquarter impact barrier is positioned forwards of a front wheel axle of the trailer.

Preferably, the hindquarter impact barrier can be removed and replaced. The hindquarter impact barrier may be fastened to the trailer body. Additionally or alternatively, the hindquarter impact barrier may be fastened to the lateral frame portion. In a preferred embodiment, the hindquarter impact barrier is not welded to either the trailer body or the lateral frame portion. Preferably, the trailer body comprises side wall frames and a top wall frame. The side wall frames and/or the top wall frame may comprise a lattice of vertical and horizontal bars.

In a preferred embodiment, the side wall frames and the top wall frame define the lateral frame portion. Preferably, the trailer body further comprises a front wall frame positioned forwards of the lateral frame portion. For example, the front wall frame may be curved.

Preferably, the means for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle comprises a draw bar.

Preferably, the trailer body is interlocked with the draw bar. Preferably, the horse trailer comprises a rear door hinged along its lower edge and adapted to be lowered to allow ingress and egress to the interior of the trailer body.

In a preferred embodiment, the rear door is adapted to be lowered to first and second lowered positions, wherein in the first lowered position the rear door rests on the ground to form a ramp leading up to the trailer body interior and in the second position the rear door is supported to provide a substantially horizontal platform at the rear of the trailer. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a hindquarter impact barrier adapted to be used with a horse trailer comprising: a chassis; ground wheels; means for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle; and a trailer body mounted on the chassis, the body being configured to receive the hindquarter impact barrier proximate a forward end of the trailer, wherein the body is configured to house at least one horse therein such that the horse is facing away from the normal direction of travel with the haunches of the horse adjacent the hindquarter impact barrier, and wherein on impact to a rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier, a substantial part of the force of the impact is transmitted to the trailer body.

Preferably, the hindquarter impact barrier comprises a lattice of vertical and horizontal bars. Preferably, the hindquarter impact barrier is adapted to be positioned in the horse trailer forwards of a front wheel axle of the trailer.

Preferably, the hindquarter impact barrier can be removed and replaced.

The hindquarter impact barrier may be fastened to the trailer body. Additionally or alternatively, the hindquarter impact barrier may be fastened to the lateral frame portion. In a preferred embodiment, the hindquarter impact barrier is not welded to either the trailer body or the lateral frame portion. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fitting a hindquarter impact barrier to a horse trailer comprising: fastening the hindquarter impact barrier to a body of the trailer proximate a forward end of the trailer such that, on impact to a rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier, a substantial part of the force of the impact is transmitted to the trailer body.

Preferably, the method further comprises positioning the hindquarter impact barrier behind a lateral frame portion of the trailer body proximate a forward end of the trailer, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is adapted to push against the lateral frame portion upon impact of a sufficient force against the rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustration of a horse trailer according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view illustration of the horse trailer shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustration of the rear door of the trailer shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view illustration of the horse trailer shown in Figures

1 and 2; and

Figure 5 is a perspective view illustration of a hindquarter impact barrier according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustration of a horse trailer 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a side view illustration of the horse trailer 10 shown in Figure 1. Horse trailer 10 comprises a trailer body 11 adapted to house at least one horse for transportation. The trailer rolls along on ground wheels 12 and comprises a means for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle such as draw bar 13. The trailer is generally adapted for being pulled by a towing vehicle in the forwards direction, that is, towards draw bar 13. In this specification it will be understood that words such as "forward", "backward", "front" and "back" are generally used in relation to this orientation and direction of travel of the trailer, unless it is clear from the context that another meaning is implied. It will be understood that the trailer may also be reversed, but this is typically not its usual direction of travel.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, trailer 10 has a curved front end 15. A curved front end is not an essential feature of the invention, but may have some aerodynamic benefit and may be a desirable style feature. Curved front end 15 may comprise an access door 16 allowing a person to enter the front end of the trailer.

The trailer may comprise other access doors, such as access door 17 positioned on a side wall near the rear of the trailer. It may also be desirable to include windows in the walls or roof of the trailer, such as window 18.

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustration of the rear door 14 of trailer 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Rear door 14 provides access to the interior of the trailer body to allow ingress and egress of at least one horse. Rear door 14 comprises a framework of steel bars and panelling of any suitable material. Rear door 14 is attached to trailer body 11 by means of hinge brackets 51 along its lower edge and can be preferably lowered to at least two positions. In a first lowered positioned, the rear door rests on the ground to form a ramp leading up to the trailer body interior. This position is generally preferable for enabling a horse to exit the trailer by walking down the ramp. In a second lowered positioned, the rear door is supported, for example by folding legs 52, to provide a substantially horizontal platform at the rear of the trailer. Folding legs 52 are pivotally attached to the steel framework and can be released to support the rear door in the second position. This second position is generally preferable for enabling a horse to enter the trailer.

Horse trailer 10 is suited for use as a rear-facing trailer, that is one in which the horse(s) travel in the trailer facing to the rear. When the rear door is lowered into the second position, this enables a horse to be backed into the trailer with little stress. A horse is usually comfortable with stepping up onto a platform and subsequently being backed into the trailer. This manoeuvre is made easier and safer because the handler is able to stand next to the horse's head. Embodiments of the invention comprise a hindquarter impact barrier configured to be impacted by a horse during an accident or severe braking. The hindquarter impact barrier transmits a substantial part of the force of the impact to the trailer body. One arrangement by which this can be achieved will now be discussed, although the invention is not limited to any one particular arrangement.

Figure 4 is a perspective view illustration of the horse trailer shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 4, the outer skin of the body of the horse trailer is not shown. The outer skin may be made of any suitable material, for example metal sheeting or fibreglass. As can be seen from Figure 4, the body of trailer 10 preferably comprises a metal framework forming a chassis 31 , side walls 32 and 33, front wall 34, rear door 35 and roof portion 36. Each of these framework components is formed from a lattice of horizontal and vertical bars or braces. The framework is rigidly fixed together (with the exception of the rear door, which can fold down as described above), for example by welding or bolting.

The base of front wall 34 is preferably interlocked to draw bar 311. As shown in Figure 4, the front wall 34 is interlocked with draw bar 311 at four locations: at two points near the front of front wall 34 and at two points proximate where front wall 34 meets side walls 32 and 33. This construction binds the chassis with the framework body, preventing the framework coming unattached from the chassis during a collision and preventing movement of the framework in all directions.

Side walls 32 and 33 and roof portion or top wall 36 define lateral frame portion 37 proximate a forward end of trailer 10. In the embodiment shown, the lateral frame portion is a part of the body or framework of the trailer which extends laterally across the trailer and has a frame-like structure or frames an opening therein.

In the embodiment shown, lateral frame portion 37 comprises a rectangular shaped frame formed by the upright front edges of side walls 32 and 33, the horizontal front edge of roof portion 36 and the horizontal front edge of chassis 31.

Horse trailer 10 further comprises hindquarter impact barrier 38. Hindquarter impact barrier 38 is positioned proximate a front end of the trailer such that a horse standing in the trailer in a transport position, i.e. facing away from the normal direction of travel, has its haunches adjacent the hindquarter impact barrier.

Hindquarter impact barrier 38 is positioned directly behind lateral frame portion 37 such that some peripheral portions of the hindquarter impact barrier are directly behind the lateral frame portion. For example, in Figure 4 the side and bottom periphery portions of hindquarter impact barrier 38 are positioned behind the upright front edges of side walls 32 and 33 and the horizontal front edge of chassis 31 respectively. The hindquarter impact barrier is preferably fastened to the trailer body and/or the lateral frame portion. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, bolts 39 are used to fasten the hindquarter impact barrier to the uprights of lateral frame portion 37 and chassis 31. In a preferred embodiment, hindquarter impact barrier 38 is positioned in the trailer forwards of front wheel axle 310. In use, if the towing vehicle brakes suddenly a horse inside the trailer will tend to be thrown forwards, impacting the rear side of the hindquarter impact barrier. This causes hindquarter impact barrier 38 to push against lateral frame portion 37, including the upright portions thereof. A substantial part of the force of the impact of the horse against the hindquarter impact barrier is transmitted to the lateral frame portion and hence to the frame of the body of the trailer. The frame of the trailer body is able to absorb a large impact force without damage, as discussed in further detail below.

In some embodiments, the hindquarter impact barrier may be padded to soften the force of impact felt by a horse in the event of a crash. In preferred embodiments, hindquarter impact barrier 38 is not welded into position, as this reduces its ability to transmit the force of impact to the trailer body frame.

Figure 5 is a perspective view illustration of a hindquarter impact barrier 40 according to an embodiment of the invention. Hindquarter impact barrier 40 comprises a rectangular-shaped lattice of horizontal and vertical steel bars or braces. Hindquarter impact barrier 40 is dimensioned to fit behind a lateral frame portion of a trailer body as has been described. It may also be provided with holes 41 for receiving fasteners.

A hindquarter impact barrier according to embodiments of the invention may be removed from a horse trailer and replaced. On rare occasions, some damage may occur to the hindquarter impact barrier. Where this occurs, the bolts fixing the barrier to the trailer's frame can be removed and the barrier withdrawn through the rear door. A new barrier can then be installed. The ability to do this means, if damage to a barrier does occur, major structural repairs are less likely to be required. Figure 4 illustrates that a front chamber may be formed between front wall 34 and hindquarter impact barrier 38. This may be desirable as a storage area. In other embodiments, the hindquarter impact barrier may take other forms. For example, the lattice arrangement of horizontal and vertical bars shown in the figures may be different.

In the embodiment described above, the hindquarter impact barrier spans substantially the entire width of the trailer. In another embodiment, the lateral wall portion may of such a form so as to define a smaller opening, and the hindquarter impact barrier may span the width of the opening in the lateral wall portion. In a still further embodiment, the lateral wall portion may include one or more bars spanning across the width of the hindquarter impact barrier. It will be appreciated that hindquarter impact barriers according to the embodiments of the invention discussed above may be able to be retro-fitted into existing trailers, upon suitable adaptation of the existing trailer and tailoring the hindquarter impact barrier to fit the trailer.

Stress Testing Analysis has been carried out on the ability of the hindquarter impact barrier and trailer body frame as described above to withstand impacts of objects having a mass similar to a horse.

In a computer-simulated stress analysis, two 700kg horses were modelled as being inside the trailer during braking from 30kph to 0 kph within the space of 4 metres. In New Zealand, the law requires a vehicle to be able to use its service brake to come to a stop from a speed of 30kph within a distance of 7 metres, equating to a braking efficiency of 50%. Most vehicles have a braking efficiency of 75-85% on average. The analysis was carried out using a stopping distance of 4 metres, equating to a braking efficiency of over 100%, meaning the conditions of the analysis represent more stress than would generally be experienced in a real-life situation.

In the model, the impact force exerted on the hindquarter impact barrier per horse was 6076N. The results showed that for two horses (therefore a total impact force of 12, 152N), the framework of the trailer body bends significantly but the hindquarter impact barrier does not break. This shows that the impact force is successfully transmitted to the body framework.

In the stress testing analysis, an average constant force was assumed over duration of the braking. Again this was intended to create conditions that would be more extreme than in a real-life event. In a real-life emergency stop, the duration of the force exerted on the barrier is short, meaning the effects on the trailer will be less dramatic than those shown by the analysis.

The analysis has shown that the hindquarter impact barrier will not break in the event of impact from two horses if the vehicle suddenly brakes. This means the horse is likely to sustain far fewer injuries than if the barrier were to break.

Furthermore, the large magnitude of the forces involved when a trailer severely brakes highlights the risks to a horse posed by forward facing trailers with little to prevent a horse impacting the front of the trailer apart from a simple chest chain or metal bar. An impact of this degree of magnitude on the front of a horse would cause all manner of injury. By facing horses to the rear of a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention, it is the horses' hindquarters that impact the hindquarter impact barrier, further reducing the chances of injury to the horse. Braking System

Many conventional horse trailers are manufactured with override brakes, which rely on the force of the trailer pushing against the towing vehicle. Override brakes are generally designed for trailers carrying dead weights rather than live animals. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the horse trailer comprises braking means able to stop both the trailer and the towing vehicle, even without applying the towing vehicle brakes. Experiments have shown that such braking means are able to stop the vehicles within the minimum distances required by New Zealand law without causing harm to horses, vehicles or humans. The details of such a braking system are not described in detail herein. However, the operation of such systems will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims

ims

A horse trailer comprising: a chassis; ground wheels; means for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle; and a trailer body mounted on the chassis, the body comprising a hindquarter impact barrier proximate a forward end of the trailer, wherein the body is configured to house at least one horse therein such that the horse is facing away from the normal direction of travel with the haunches of the horse adjacent the hindquarter impact barrier, and wherein on impact to a rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier, a substantial part of the force of the impact is transmitted to the trailer body.

A horse trailer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the trailer body further comprises a lateral frame portion proximate a forward end of the trailer, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is positioned behind the lateral frame portion and is adapted to push against the lateral frame portion upon impact of a sufficient force against the rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier.

3. A horse trailer as claimed in claim 2, wherein peripheral parts of the hindquarter impact barrier are positioned directly behind the lateral frame portion.

4. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier spans substantially the entire width of the trailer body.

5. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier comprises a lattice of vertical and horizontal bars.

6. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is positioned forwards of a front wheel axle of the trailer.

7. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier can be removed and replaced.

8. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is fastened to the trailer body.

9. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is fastened to the lateral frame portion.

10. A horse trailer as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is not welded to either the trailer body or the lateral frame portion. 11. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer body comprises side wall frames and a top wall frame.

12. A horse trailer as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the side wall frames and/or the top wall frame comprise a lattice of vertical and horizontal bars.

13. A horse trailer as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the side wall frames and the top wall frame define the lateral frame portion. 14. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of claims 2-13, wherein the trailer body further comprises a front wall frame positioned forwards of the lateral frame portion.

15. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle comprises a draw bar, and wherein the trailer body is interlocked with the draw bar.

16. A horse trailer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horse trailer comprises a rear door hinged along its lower edge and adapted to be lowered to allow ingress and egress to the interior of the trailer body.

17. A horse trailer as claimed in claim 16, wherein the rear door is adapted to be lowered to first and second lowered positions, wherein in the first lowered position the rear door rests on the ground to form a ramp leading up to the trailer body interior and in the second position the rear door is supported to provide a substantially horizontal platform at the rear of the trailer. 18. A hindquarter impact barrier adapted to be used with a horse trailer, the horse trailer comprising: a chassis; ground wheels; means for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle; and a trailer body mounted on the chassis, the body being configured to receive the hindquarter impact barrier proximate a forward end of the trailer, wherein the body is configured to house at least one horse therein such that the horse is facing away from the normal direction of travel with the haunches of the horse adjacent the hindquarter impact barrier, and wherein on impact to a rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier, a substantial part of the force of the impact is transmitted to the trailer body.

A hindquarter impact barrier as claimed in claim 18, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier comprises a lattice of vertical and horizontal bars.

A hindquarter impact barrier as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is adapted to be positioned in the horse trailer forwards of a front wheel axle of the trailer.

A hindquarter impact barrier as claimed in any one of claims 18-20, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier can be removed and replaced.

A hindquarter impact barrier as claimed in any one of claims 18-21 , wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is fastened to the trailer body. A hindquarter impact barrier as claimed in any one of claims 18-22, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is fastened to the lateral frame portion.

A hindquarter impact barrier as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is not welded to either the trailer body or the lateral frame portion.

A method of fitting a hindquarter impact barrier to a horse trailer comprising: fastening the hindquarter impact barrier to a body of the trailer proximate a forward end of the trailer such that, on impact to a rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier, a substantial part of the force of the impact is transmitted to the trailer body.

A method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the method further comprises positioning the hindquarter impact barrier behind a lateral frame portion of the trailer body proximate a forward end of the trailer, wherein the hindquarter impact barrier is adapted to push against the lateral frame portion upon impact of a sufficient force against the rear-facing side of the hindquarter impact barrier.