You should ensure that the trailer meets legal requirements. Wheels, tyres, brakes and lights (hazards, rear fog, marker and brake) must all comply with the same standards as any other vehicle.

Mudguards must be fitted to all road wheels. They must be secure and in good condition.

Checking brakes is essential. Faulty brakes could not only hurt your horse but may also be a danger to you, your passengers and other road users.

Brakes should be examined by jacking up each wheel and applying the handbrake. If the wheel does not turn, the brake works. Release the handbrake and check that the wheel is free to rotate. Check the wheel bearings for corrosion.

Ensure the hitching system is compatible with the vehicle you intend to use for towing.

Attach the trailer to the vehicle. The trailer should remain parallel with the road. If not, some adjustment will be necessary.

Both ball and ball cup hitches are prone to wear. Locking devices that couple can become worn or rusted, inviting the cup to detach from the ball when moving over rough ground. Examine the cup, ensuring that it is not oval and that there are no cracks or splits.

Look at the locking device operation. With some devices, the complete unit should rotate 180 degrees to facilitate examination.

Check that a "fail safe" device is fitted as standard. This usually consists of a wire noose placed around the ball hitch after coupling or attached to the tow bar of the towing vehicle. If the trailer decouples the fail safe device operates by activating the brakes. The trailer may also have a separate security chain which ensures that the two units remain connected.

The jockey wheel facilitates manoeuvring while the trailer is unhitched and also raises the trailer to the height of the vehicle towing ball when hitched up. Examine the unit carefully, ensuring it is fully functional and moves freely.

When the trailer and towing vehicle are united, the jockey wheel swings or lifts away from the ground. Check that the jockey wheel remains in that position. If not, it would be extremely dangerous to your animal if the jockey wheel collapsed during transit.

Examine floorboards carefully for damage. Use a torch. You may miss faults in poor light conditions.

Start with a visual inspection. Do the boards look safe? Are they level and even?

Use a knife or screwdriver to check the boards.

Check for spongy or soft areas. Droppings and damp straw increase the possibility of rotting. Equally incoming rain over the ramp may result in further damp. Check those areas carefully.

The boards are supported along the edges of the trailer by steel members. Rotting along the floor board tips or edges may result in the board failing when the horse's full weight is on it.

Remove all bedding and rubber mats. If the seller objects, be suspicious.

Check the outside of the trailer. Look for rot, woodworm or damage. Clear away built up mud, grass, hay, etc.

Check underneath the trailer. Examine areas where water splash from both the trailer and the towing vehicle wheels would strike the underside of the trailer.

If possible, get underneath the trailer with a torch. Again, use a knife or screwdriver to check for rot underneath.

Carefully examine board edges supported by steel lipping. Rot and rust often occur there.

Partitions have been known to collapse. To test, put your back against the side of the vehicle and place a foot on the partition. Push hard. Check along the length of the partition. Repeat on both sides.

Look closely at locking mechanisms. Check they operate correctly.

Check that there are no gaps between the floor and the partition.

You should check that the ramp is strong enough to take the weight of an animal entering the trailer and that it is sturdy enough to act as a secure barrier to keep your horse safe inside.

Many trailers have rear and front ramps. Check both with equal thoroughness.Check split pins and other securing devices.

Ramp hinges are usually welded to the main trailer frame. Ensure that they are in good order and not likely to come adrift.

Matting or fibre sheet can hold water so check them carefully.

Remember to check the security of the doors above the front and rear ramps and that they are not affected by rot, etc..

Remember to wear old clothes when examining trailers.

Approach a recognised dealer for advice on your individual requirements.

Ensure the size of your trailer is suitable for your horse/s in height, length and weight.

Test drive the trailer with horses on board.

Try to agree a trial period.

Consider upgrading a wooden floor to an aluminium floor.