For the last two years, USRider has been working with nationally known large-animal rescue expert Dr. Tomas Gimenez in an effort to further enhance the safety of horses and those who travel with horses. To help with this important equine research project, log on to www.usrider.org now and participate in a survey regarding horse trailer accidents.

Through an innovative research project, USRider and Dr. Gimenez, a professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., have been gathering and analyzing data about horse trailer accidents. The collected data will be used to formulate recommendations for preventing accidents and enhancing the safety of horses.

Dr. Gimenez began collecting data through a survey in December 2003. The research team also culled data from incidents reported in newspapers and Internet postings. “Already the data is showing what we had suspected: A great majority of trailer wrecks are caused by incorrect hitching of the trailer to the towing vehicle,” said Dr. Gimenez. “Also, that in most cases, as long as the horse stays inside the trailer compartment, it will survive the incident.”

To ensure a representative sampling of data, more responses to the survey are needed. USRider encourages all horse owners, trainers, emergency responders, veterinarians and others who have somehow been involved in horse trailer incidents to participate in the survey. Visit www.usrider.org to download the survey form