If you’ve spent time around horse owners, you’ve probably heard this debate:“Do I have to keep the top doors of my horse trailer closed on the motorway?”
Some say it’s the law, others swear it’s just personal preference - so what’s the real answer? Let’s clear the air, Brent-style.
The Short Answer
There’s no single law that says your upper doors must be closed. However, under UK road traffic laws, your load - in this case, your horse - must be secure.
That means:
If your horse isn’t properly restrained (for example, not wearing a halter or headcollar), you must keep the top doors shut.
If your horse is secured and calm, the decision can come down to what keeps the animal most comfortable and safe.
But remember: horses are flight animals. If startled, they’ll try to escape - and open top doors make that possible. There have been real-world cases of horses jumping out of moving trailers when spooked.
The Legal Side of Horse Trailer Towing
The key laws to be aware of are:
EU Regulation (EC) 1/2005 - on the protection of animals during transport
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006
These set the standards for how animals should be transported - safely, securely, and without unnecessary suffering.
What the Law Says
Trailers and transport containers must be:
Designed and maintained to prevent injury or suffering
Weather-resistant and well-ventilated
Easy to clean and disinfect
Built to prevent animals escaping or falling out
Strong enough to handle the stresses of travel
However, this specific EU regulation only applies to transport that’s part of an economic activity - like professional riders, hauliers, or equine charities.
If you’re a private owner towing your horse for leisure, you’re generally exempt from most of these provisions. That said, Article 4 of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order still applies to everyone - and it’s simple:
It’s an offence to transport any animal in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering.
So, Doors Open or Closed?
Here’s the practical breakdown:
✅ Horse secured, calm, and well-trained? You can travel with the top doors open if it’s safe and comfortable for the horse.
❌ Horse unsecured or easily startled? Close the top doors - every time. It prevents escape, protects against noise, and keeps the animal secure.
At the end of the day, it’s about understanding your horse’s behaviour and creating a calm, safe towing environment. No amount of legal text can replace good sense and good training.
Brent’s Take
At Brent, we know that towing horses isn’t just about the trailer - it’s about trust, comfort, and safety. Whether you’re off to a competition or heading home from a ride, your horse deserves a stress-free journey.
If your current setup feels sketchy or outdated, check out our range of horse trailers and horse box trailers on Brent - built for comfort, tested for safety, and compliant with UK regulations.
Because when you’re towing precious cargo, safe beats sorry every time.
-Brent
