09-14-2012
What my Imara means to me: I have owned a Stidham horse trailer, and three Brenderup trailers. A year ago I bought, sight unseen, my St. Georges Imara. It is the best trailer I have ever had!! I LOVE this trailer-Jacques- since it is the best relationshop I've had I named it- and it has opened up the world of riding to me again at age 58. It is easy to use, safe for the horses, and hauls like a cloud. After my total hip replacement, I realized I just can't manage as much lifting. Voila-no ramp! But the descending floor makes the horses load and unload smooth as silk. Want to leave one in-voila! you can close one door and open the other for extra security. It is so easy to hook up or unhook that I go places at the drop of a hat. In July, I had to evacuate from a flooding situation. I drove through rising water, no problem, got to the horses, they hopped in since no ramp = above water, and we went off, fighting the rising water but never stalling or swaying or losing control. While evacuated, I hooked up the trailer, hauled out for exercise, and came back and unhooked at least twice a day for a week. Voila-no back pain or strain, easy as pie. Now for the other French word I know- merde! The floor, my favorite feature of Jacques, doesn't require mats. Sweep out the merde, hose, keep on rolling. This trailer is fun to use, the horses ride quietly and life is once again all about the trails. Thank you Kay for finding the affordable, practical, adorable St. Georges Imara for me!

2011 -
am LOVING the trailer!!!!  I think I like this better than the Brenderup, in some ways. Hauls great. In fact, I have several barn buddies who borrowed it, and are amazed at how well it rides. Hope they get with you about getting their own! It is so easy to park, the floor is WONDERFUL, and I love the step up and back doors. I would like to order the uni bar to make it a one horse so I can do the "western thang" and load my horse all tacked up some times. Thank you for finding me this awesome rig!! Patricia

PS also works well taking dogs to dog park!

From our first Fautras sale - late, 2010

Hi Kay,

 Hope all is well with the business, despite the poor economic situation, and that Fautras is taking a hold in the USA. They definitely deserve to do so in our opinion. We have a picture (which I still have not downloaded from Pam’s camera) of our first trip with the trailer with our boys sticking their heads out of that side panel “window”. I’m glad you have reminded me so I can get this to you. First time out we hit a thunderstorm on the trail back and got absolutely drenched. We had to load the horses in torrential rain, with lighting strikes close by and loud claps of thunder. Even so they loaded well, primarily because with that side window up they could see everything that was going on. The good news is we came in first prize for the wet T shirt competition. The drive home was “interesting” (steamy and smelly). The only problem we encountered was that Merlin (loaded in the rear) seemed to have a desire to turn around and stick his head out of the back of the trailer. Eventually we secured him facing forward with a tie, but considered whether to just leave him be facing out the back. We could not make our minds up if this might be dangerous or not, but given we have since seen other people trail with their horses facing backwards we might reconsider. What do you think? Now we have trailed a couple of times I can send you the long promised note on our thoughts about the trailer.

We love it! It is actually easier and lighter to trail than our boat, although I drive it more slowly with the horses aboard since Pam has threatened (and I believe her) that certain parts of my anatomy will be removed and hung from the trailer as a reminder should any damage occur to the boys because of sudden stops or bends taken too fast. The trailer has so many thoughtful items such as strategically placed rings we can use for securing the horses, catches which are easy to use when under stress (such as our first time out) etc. and the really good news is that Ramo loads straight out of the front of the trailer with none of the unsteadiness he has had with moving backwards out of other trailers. You can tell Leo he was absolutely right about not having the ramps. Our boys step straight on and off without a problem, whereas our friends horse took a flying leap off the side of their ramp (quite a heart stopping moment let me tell you). This trailer just fits us and our needs perfectly. Unfortunately we have not been able to use it these many past weeks because it’s so darned hot and humid. On the bright side we have been able to stop and cook eggs for breakfast on the cars bonnet (hood)!

More later when time permits!

B & P

Hi Kay!
I wanted to let you know that we made it home safely, through gusting winds, Dallas traffic, and complete inexperience and the Baron One performed FLAWLESSLY, just as you said it would. As a matter of fact, I stopped for gas and was approached by a couple of big rig drivers who had been with me since Austin. They both complimented me on my ability to handle my "rig" in gusting winds. I replied, "Aw shucks fellas! You make it sound like it is hard! I've never towed anything before today and it is a piece of cake!" The were totally astounded and checked out the trailer with keen interest. But the true test was still to come... My spirited meatball 15.3+ gelding, Ace.


Ace has been a reliable loader, astounding enough because I've only trailered him in narrow slants that literally squeezed his shoulders and hips. I relate it to trying to fit a propane tank into a slant. As a result, he walks in reliably but will fidget and fuss as I close the divider, sometimes trying to twist in the stall so I cant latch it. He really isn't trying to get out of trailering, because he won't balk while loading or blow out of the trailer when I squish him in, but when I close the stall divider I have to really put my shoulder into it, squeezing him in until it actually left dents in his hips. If you could imagine a horse wringing his hands and fretting, you could get an accurate picture of his protests, never disrespectful, but heartbreaking. We always arrive sweaty and pooped, and bruised on longer hauls. To make matters worse, the rented trailers had stallion dividers that go all the way to the floor, preventing him from gaining a wide stance. He often backs out in haste, very often punctuated with him banging his head on the doorway, as if the contraption were blowing him a goodbye kiss. I have loaded him the last three times wondering why he would trust me to load him for the return trip, but Ace is my Steady Eddy, and always went in, pleading with me the entire time. To say I was excited to show him that I heard his pleas is an understatement. My husband with a camera at the ready, and after a week of airing out the new trailer smell and getting him used to tying to it, I pulled the Baron out of the parking space and dropped the ramp.


The first thing Ace commented on was the ramp. He loved the grips and slope. He walked right up without tension as the trailer is light, wide and open feeling. It was what happened next that really impressed me. Ace lifted his nose to the ceiling, and lightly rubbed his nose along the width of the ceiling. He checked out both windows and looked out the groom door. Then he swiveled his rear slowly until he felt both walls, adopted a wide stance and rested one hind foot. Not a fidget, stomp, or head toss! I clipped the butt bar in place and he was able to look behind and gave me a low nicker. Then he lowered his head lazily, and scratched his neck on the chest bar. Amazing. When I backed him out, he was able to turn his head again, thought for a second and backed out slowly and confidently. He looked at me with pride as if to say, "Lady, that is how it should be done EVERY time". He really acted so proud, as if he had been waiting to show me his mad trailering skills all along. I tied him up, and peeked at him out of the groom door a minute later, and I got another nicker, he had a definite twinkle in his rotten little eye. Onlookers were floored, he was so quiet and appreciative! When I asked him his opinion about mounting a portable corral for over night stays, he promptly untied his lead, and before I could jump out of the groom door to catch him he was heading up the ramp BACK INTO THE TRAILER! He stood there all perked up saying, "Let's go". (Hence the need for the corral)


The entire time he was calm, and I felt completely safe... truly a first. The trailer was so quiet, so different from the aluminum rentals of the past. And I've never seen him relax in a stall. I have always had to stand outside his window in the past, soothing him while the remaining horses were loaded, as he squealed and stomped and fussed. The last time I hauled him in a 4 horse the other ladies thought I was nuts for getting in that trailer with him, they thought I was getting stomped to death from the noise that billowed from it. But I could tell Ace was just trying to tell me what I already knew. He needed his own trailer. One that fit him. When he trotted up the ramp of his Brenderup on his own and stood there looking at me I was so happy I got misty eyed, although I have to admit I wasn't ready for the shifting suspension under the weight of a 1300lb trotting monster! It gave all who witnessed a fright (So there are no pictures of the event other than him untying himself), but as before, it was all a misunderstanding. Inside, Ace gave me a gentle nuzzle, as we waited for the others to come running. With a hand on my hip I cocked an eyebrow and said, "You are so bad."


And for the record; I wouldn't want him any other way.


Thank you so much for facilitating that understanding.


Sincerely, Jessica and Ace.

A new email from Jessica and Ace - October 17 - 2011  - and remember, the Fautras trailers are just as awesome and pull the same way - same inertia brakes, great suspension etc., AND if you want a 1 horse trailer you simply get a set of full length bars, remove the center divider, and you are set!

Hi Kay,
You may not remember me, but about this time last year I bought one of your last Baron One HB's and I just wanted to say how sorry I am that Brenderup is no longer made... and how happy I am that I jumped on this trailer. At the time it was a total splurge and almost everyone I knew said I was nuts to just get a one horse, and how extravagant the Brenderups are. I have to tell you, I was right. Nanner nanner nanner.


Not ever having hauled before, it took a while before I was really confident pulling and backing it. The trailer was great, but much of the hauling I do is completely alone and I drove myself a little crazy with my pre-flight checklists etc. That coupled with the what-if's of hauling alone. Now, a year later, I don't give it a second thought. It is so easy to hook up by myself and backing any trailer can take some patience but I find that I'm able to put it back within 4 inches of where I pulled it out. I'm hauling about twice a week now that the weather is cooler.


What is even better is Ace loves it. My horse has been known on several occasions to get impatient with me yakking at someone and load himself in the trailer. He never fusses or fidgets. The one horse is so easy for him because he is so big, but he can turn his head to look behind himself before unloading. I've never felt unsafe with him in the trailer, and HE has never felt unsafe as far as I can tell. A huge shift. He hated hauling before. He was always curtly obedient but fussed and fretted. I was never comfortable in that tight space myself and had to shove him into the slants. Now he is so quiet bystanders have asked to give him a treat after he loaded because they couldn't believe how good he was. I've done as little as tossed his lead over his shoulder and said, "It's time to go" and he loads up and meets me inside. This from a horse that when he was brought home in an extra tall stock trailer banged his head so hard he panicked and flipped over backwards stepping out! As a matter of fact, the trailer is never a second thought for me when I haul. I plan to add a portable corral this fall, and a water tank to make overnights a snap.


And do I regret not getting a two horse? NO WAY. The extra space is so nice for Ace, and I have plenty of storage for a folding chair, various muck tools, etc. I never have to worry about turning super wide, and the best part is I just have to worry about myself. I've missed a few opportunities to have friends come along, but I like being able to leave when I'm done, I like that I'm only cleaning up after my horse, and it just makes things simple. Now some of those naysayers have mentioned I'm hauling all the time. A couple have asked me, "Isn't is too much trouble to go somewhere for just a couple of hours"? Nope. The best part is everyone has learned that when I'm done, I'll just quietly pack up and get going, which is so much better than standing around getting annoyed because my feet hurt but Sally Sue wants to hang out for another two hours. My good friends have celebrated this freedom with me. My phrase has become, "I'll meet you there". :)


Thanks so much for your direction. It is much appreciated, so I wanted you to know.


Jessica and Ace.

 

Dear Lucas and Liebe Horse Trailers in Austin, Texas and Brenderup Trailers,

I recently purchased a Brenderup Royal TC from you and wanted to let you know how thrilled I am with it. I spent many hours researching on the Internet searching for a trailer and that is how I came upon the Brenderup in the first place.

I combed through forums, reading each post on the pros and cons of a Brenderup. I found it interesting that the cons mostly came from people whom had never hauled a Brenderup. The people that owned Brenderups were all very specific in what they liked and why the Brenderup was the right trailer for them.

I drive a 2007 Toyota Rav4 with a V6 269 hp engine and a 104" wheelbase. It came with a factory tow package. I use my vehicle on my part time sales rep job and good gas mileage is essential. I also am a wedding cake designer and deliver with the Rav4 so changing vehicles was really not an option for me. According to what I read, the Brenderup was the trailer for me.

I called you (many, many times!) and discussed the Brenderups with you and you were always so willing to help. I watched the DVD and read the literature. I finally made my decision and I arranged for financing.

I hauled my Brenderup Royal TC home on Good Friday from Austin in a stiff, gusting wind. I had never hauled a trailer more than a few miles and I did have a very experienced hauler with me and she was more than impressed with the way it handled. I drove it through Austin and Houston, Texas traffic on a holiday and I never felt nervous because the trailer did exactly what I was told it would do - follow my Rav4. I had no problems stopping it and never felt like it was tugging or pushing at my Rav4.

I had the opportunity recently to haul it to a trail ride 75 miles from here. It was highway for 50 miles and a winding country road through hills for about 8 or 9 miles and the remaining was dirt, gravel, shell, and compressed rock on dirt that was often washed out! This was the hilliest part of my drive and the Brenderup just followed right behind me. I was thrilled to see that even on the steepest hill and the climb back up was achieved with no problem whatsoever. I was hauling precious cargo - my 1250 lb gelding, Red.

I am thrilled that my trailer does exactly what I had been told. I can haul my horse by myself with the vehicle I already had. I had so many people say the price was so much more than an American brand. Yes it is - but this lady had to buy a truck on top of the car she had, so she could haul her less costly trailer. The way I look at it, I saved 10k by buying the Brenderup. I didn't have to buy another vehicle to haul it!

Thanks so much for all of your help. Even after the sale, when I call for help, you are right there for me, helping me to get it off the ball when I was jacking my car up (I am laughing at myself now) and helping with removing the center bars. Service after the sale seems to be the motto for Lucas and Liebe and that is so refreshing.

Again, thank you so much for all of your help. Pictures of our adventures in the Brenderup will be posted on my blog at DashingBigRed.blogspot.com

Kindest regards,

D.
Nederland, Texas
 

 

10-27-09

Hi all,
I am writing to tell you how pleased I am with my Brenderup trailer. I hemmed and hawed for a long time over what trailer to purchase, but didn't really want to buy a brand new truck as well. I have a perfectly good 2007 6 cyclinder Saturn Vue that's totally paid for. My friend, Karen, encouraged me to consider a Brenderup. She had one when she started riding, but now she has 5 horses and had to get a larger rig. She said she used her trailer for 5 years and sold it for the same amount she paid for it. Furthermore, I am 64 years old and semi-retired, so I needed something I could handle by myself since my husband doesn't ride. I read about a used 2006 Brenderup, Prestige model, in El Paso and decided to have a look at it. I live in San Antonio, and we agreed to meet half way. I had a class 3 hitch put on my Vue, as well as a transmission cooler, at my husband's suggestion. I couldn't believe how clean the trailer was after 3 years use. I purchased the Brenderup and hauled it home. I did know it was there and was worried at how many rpm's needed to haul it empty. After getting it home, it turns out the tires were in serious need of inflation. Luckily, I hadn't ruined them. After inflating the tires to the recommended psi, I hardly knew the trailer was there, and it hauls even better with my 950# TWH in it.

Now, I go everywhere by myself. I can hitch up, load up and take off on a moment's notice. My Saturn mostly rides between 2200 to 2800 rpm's, depending on the grade. I can't turn off my overdrive, but it has never been an issue. On the flat or downhill, it drops to 1500 rpm's and runs perfectly. I figure I'm getting about 14 mpg when loaded. I have not experienced any problems, and my horse is very happy and comfortable. He loves the ramp when backing out. It's easy to customize the trailer. I use the extra stall as a tack/feed room, and I can even sleep in there on a cot if necessary (I'm having a toggle switch installed for the inside light). The former owner installed a 25 gallon water tank in the front, so I never have to worry about finding water. Best of all, I've made lots of new friends who come over to see the strange looking trailer at the trail rides.

I have called Kay at Lucas and Liebe and the dealers Midland about various issues when purchasing and getting used to my Brenderup. I have been treated very well by everybody. They have answered my questions and I've received the same attention as if I were a customer looking to buy a new trailer. When my Saturn is ready for retirement, I may get a small truck, but my choice of trailer will always be a Brenderup.

Here's a few of pictures of my used Brenderup.

Barb
San Antonio

It's really hard to find a USED BRENDERUP!!!!

 

 

6-23-09

Kay,

Shannon towed her trailer to pick up her horse from our friend’s place today using her Toyota
Tacoma. I went along for the ride.

Everything went very well, though as it turned out we brought two horses home, not one.

Trailering experience was a delight !!!

I wish that I’d been exposed to a Brenderup years ago rather than just now.  I haven’t yet made up my mind based upon this limited experience using the Brenderup, but I’m trying to determine if I have a need any longer for my gooseneck trailer and
heavy pick up…

Thanks a bunch,
Norman 

This is Shannon, and yes I enjoyed the trailer as much if not more than Norman does/did.
I do not do traffic very well, and even with me being tired, it was not a problem to handle, and Norman made me hook it up Monday night, drive Tuesday morning and most of the way back Tuesday. I have not pulled a trailer of any sort in a long time (late 80’s)since I helped my dad with wrangling for different movie companies that came to the area for various films (North and South, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer..to name some that we worked on). It hauls like a dream, not problem with my Tacoma pulling it,(other than the mpg being less,,but we were hauling two ponies instead of one back). Now Norman and our friend, Robyn, are looking very hard at getting rid of the goosenecks and brendering up.
In short, I love it.

******************************************************************************************

6-08-09

Kay,

I got to try out my Brenderup this weekend. It worked out great! Everything went smoothly, making me very, very happy!

The conditions were about as non-routine as I like to get, unfamiliar trailer, very windy Okla. weather, a mare that had only been loaded once when she was shipped here as a weanling 3 years ago, an SUV instead of the usual dually truck, and two "are they really going to fit???" Friesians. The horses fit great with room to spare and the trailer pulled just fine, on the highway then on a very winding, windy road to the lake. I had a fun trail ride with the horses and they seemed happy with the trailer. No loading, fitting, equipment, or pulling problems. No swaying either, even with that wind! Added bonus was how quiet the trailer is, no clanging or banging.

I see what you mean by it needing only one Saddle Boss, that worked out just fine, too. The tack area is plenty big enough for all that "necessary" stuff.

I hope to go trail riding again before leaving for a vacation in CA for rest of June, and will get a pic then. My horses backsides are soooo broad, but there is plenty of room for them, no hip rubbing at all. Length was another concern, my gelding is long, and is too cramped in a conventional slant load, but the Baron L handles them just fine.

When I first got the trailer, you remember, the lock on the hitch stuck? It was a minor thing, the Brenderup rep. told us what to do to remedy the problem, just a tap with a hammer to get the key in. Well, yesterday I received a whole new lock from Brenderup! Great customer service!

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, the pricing on these trailers is fantastic! I have owned at least three Sundowners over the years, a Sooner, and a 4-Star, bumper pulls and goosenecks, so it's not like I'm just starting out with nothing to compare the Brenderup to..... and I just can't stress enough how well the Brenderup stacks up, for a lot less money. I just love it!

I'm glad I took the plunge, it's so nice to be able to shed a "dedicated trailer vehicle" without sacrificing my horses comfort.

Thanks again for a great transaction (I gotta send you a picture of those two black butts in that trailer......you can't see them, tho., when the back is up, no tails or butts hanging out the back in this trailer!!!!)

A very Satisfied Brenderup Owner!!

Suzie in Oklahoma

*************************************************************************************************

5-25-09

Kay,

Just wanted to say thanks; thanks for loving your animals enough to invest in their care which led you to being a Brenderup dealer which led me to being a Brenderup owner. And thank you for doing all that while being so nice and fun to talk to.

We left your place and went to Liberty Hill (the plant) to get 30 bags of Kool & Kalm and 20 bags of dog food (which weighs about the same as my two mares so it was a good test load). As soon as we pulled up to the feed store I got out and was asked what kind of trailer it was. The owner of the store knew (the Austrailian gentleman (Geoff Thomas)) but I had met him in the past when he came to Waco to talk to folks about Kool & Kalm. He knows my friend Kenda well because we buy so much feed from him, and we had a great visit while everyone at the store came to check out the trailer.

We drove through hills, curves, had to do two tight turns and through two good rain storms on the highway to get home. The trailer and my truck handled beautifully.

But the best part was yesterday when I let the mares check it out. Jesse, my paint mare who doesn't load well (I don't blame her; I've been in a moving metal horse trailer and it was scary!) loaded almost completely on the first try. Tina, my daughter's little mare who has only trailered twice and both times were rough rides, hesitated the first time but went halfway in with very little coaxing. I tied Tina at the rear of the trailer and she kept trying to go in again on her own. Neither mare was scared; neither mare spooked; they were just naturally curious and cautious.

The thing I most hoped for in buying the Brenderup is that the horses could travel in comfort and safety, without being afraid. I have already seen that beginning to happen and I'm so happy. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again,
Elizabeth in Waco

P.S. The customer at the feed store took home an info sheet and DVD!

5-13-09 Kay, I recently purchased a Brenderup Royal TC from you and wanted to let you know how thrilled I am with it. I spent many hours researching on the Internet searching for a trailer and that is how I came upon the Brenderup in the first place. I combed through forums, reading each post on the pros and cons of a Brenderup. I found it interesting that the cons mostly came from people whom had never hauled a Brenderup. The people that owned Brenderups were all very specific in what they liked and why the Brenderup was the right trailer for them. I drive a 2007 Toyota Rav4 with a V6 269 hp engine and a 104" wheelbase. It came with a factory tow package. I use my vehicle on my part time sales rep job and good gas mileage is essential. I also am a wedding cake designer and deliver with the Rav4 so changing vehicles was really not an option for me. According to what I read, the Brenderup was the trailer for me. I called you (many, many times!) and discussed the Brenderups with you and you were always so willing to help. I watched the DVD and read the literature. I finally made my decision and I arranged for financing. I hauled my Brenderup Royal TC home on Good Friday from Austin in a stiff, gusting wind. I had never hauled a trailer more than a few miles and I did have a very experienced hauler with me and she was more than impressed with the way it handled. I drove it through Austin and Houston, Texas traffic on a holiday and I never felt nervous because the trailer did exactly what I was told it would do - follow my Rav4. I had no problems stopping it and never felt like it was tugging or pushing at my Rav4. I had the opportunity recently to haul it to a trail ride 75 miles from here. It was highway for 50 miles and a winding country road through hills for about 8 or 9 miles and the remaining was dirt, gravel, shell, and compressed rock on dirt that was often washed out! This was the hilliest part of my drive and the Brenderup just followed right behind me. I was thrilled to see that even on the steepest hill and the climb back up was achieved with no problem whatsoever. I was hauling precious cargo - my 1250 lb gelding, Red. I am thrilled that my trailer does exactly what I had been told. I can haul my horse by myself with the vehicle I already had. I had so many people say the price was so much more than an American brand. Yes it is - but this lady had to buy a truck on top of the car she had, so she could haul her less costly trailer. The way I look at it, I saved 10k by buying the Brenderup. I didn't have to buy another vehicle to haul it! Thanks so much for all of your help. Even after the sale, when I call for help, you are right there for me, helping me to get it off the ball when I was jacking my car up (I am laughing at myself now) and helping with removing the center bars. Service after the sale seems to be the motto for Lucas and Liebe and that is so refreshing. Again, thank you so much for all of your help. Pictures of our adventures in the Brenderup will be posted on my blog at DashingBigRed.blogspot.com Kindest regards, Denise  Nederland, Texas

July 23, 2008 - Brenderup Prestige HB owner Hi Kay,      I cannot thank you and Brian enough for all that you have done in helping me to purchase my new Brenderup! It was a blessing in disguise after attempting to contact 2 other dealers closer to me and having no response from them, that Chris with Brenderup suggested that I deal with Lucas and Liebe. It was well worth the trip from GA. You were great in working with the factory, making sure that the trailer would be ready for me to pick up on time and working with my finance company as well as having the trailer ready for me to head back to GA, in tow, on a Sunday afternoon. I could not have asked more personalized service!     As far as the trailer goes, I continue to be amazed at the handling of the Prestige HB. I will admit that I was a bit concerned, hoping I was not making a mistake in thinking that my little Volvo S60 could REALLY haul (and stop) my 16h horse and my daughter's pony. I've towed a wide array of trailers, pulling with an assortment of tow vehicles over the last 25 years and I must say that towing the Brenderup surpasses them all! I am amazed at the braking system especially, I have had to make a few quick stops and have not felt the horses jerk at all, what a soft and comfortable ride they have now. Add my name to the list of Brenderup fans.... And thank you, Kay and Brian for such wonderful service! My Best,  Tina July 22, 2008 - Barnmaster Barn owner and Woody Pet fan We couldn’t be happier with our Barnmaster Barn.  When we moved to our new home four years ago, we wanted something that would be reasonably priced and maintenance free.  Kay was wonderful to work with and helped us get exactly what we wanted.  The best part is knowing how safe my three horses are when they are inside.     I only use Woody Pet to bed my horses’ stalls with.  I have tried other types of bedding including other brands of wood pellets, however nothing comes close to being as dust free and absorbent as Woody Pet.  It is economical too, because I don’t need to use as much bedding when I use Woody Pet.  There is less waste, which means a smaller manure pile too.  I am so glad that Kay carries Woody Pet, along with all of her other tried and true horse products!    Barbara,  Cedar Creek, Texas June 29, 2007 - Brenderup Prestige HB owner I'm just loving the trailer.  I feel a little sorry for anyone whose first trailer is a Brenderup - you can't truly appreciate its advantages if you haven't tried to haul other trailers first!  The main thing I love about it is the comfort for my horse.  He fits in there well, with plenty of head room, and I am a big fan of the chest bar.   He looks safe to me, and he acts quiet and looks like he feels safe, too.   He is a big baby who still has a mental block about getting into the trailer, the from-outside-to-inside phase, but once inside he is calm.  When we go to return, he gets into the trailer a lot quicker.   Then if weeks pass and we don't go anywhere, he has to get a little worked up about initially going in again.  He used to weave and nervously sweat in other trailers I've had, so he is not the calmest hauler to start with.  This is the first trailer I've had where we get to the destination and he's not in a lather.   He's dry, calm and looking out the window. You may recall my hesitation at purchasing the Prestige over the Solo...I  think now it was my innate feeling that the stalls in the Prestige might be too small, too narrow.  This was partly because I had already purchased used trailers that were supposedly roomy enough, and weren't.   Since the horse's main bulk is from shoulder to hip, I assumed that's where the most room was needed.   I see that's not the case.   That space can safely be compact, as long as there is adequate (protected, partly by the chest bar) head and neck room.    And I think the horse is happier without as much room for his body to sort of bang around in.  I remember thinking:  why don't they pad the sides, like in other trailers?  The answer I've found is that it's not needed.  His feet have plenty of room to support his weight, the trailer's suspension is excellent, and he can gently lean on the outer wall or divider wall as needed, instead of being bumped several inches sideways through thin air.  I can understand people's hesitation - you look at a Brenderup and the logic of its high center of gravity looks counter-intuitive.  No, no, you think (due to the prevalence of other types of trailers): it should be wider and heavier at the bottom.  All you have to do is pull one to know that is not true.  Also, the large wide top of the trailer tricks your eye into thinking it's big and heavy, whereas it's actually high and light.  That is my close-second favorite thing about it, "the proof (that's) in the pulling"!   You really have the feeling that the trailer is driving itself.  The tow vehicle has to provide the momentum and steering, of course, but it feels like you're driving a truck-and-trailer unit; not a truck that is hauling dead 'loose cannon' weight that weaves, sways, and pushes back there.  The lack of rattling or banging metal is another big reason a nervous hauler stays calm.    Anyway,  Kay, I'm loving the trailer like you promised, and I hope you are doing well.  You are more than welcome to use any of my rambling testimony that you want.   You know that I felt very nervous and not a little guilty spending this much money on my horse trailer, I'm a solid middle-class gal, but it is so absolutely worth it.   The peace of mind and ease for me and Caddo both are worth it.  There are many material things that don't tempt me, but when it comes to my horse.....well....like you say: they deserve the best, if you can possibly give it to them!  yours very truly, SS   From R. A. S. DVM  about her BRENDERUP BARON ONE Hello, I've had my Baron One for over one year now, and it's easily the best trailer I've ever owned. I have years of experience hauling horses, from driving tractor trailers to bumper pulls all up and down the East coast and Midwest. I've owned several trailers myself, my last trailer being a 3 horse slant with full LQ that I pulled with a dually. My husband made me sell that trailer when I got into vet school, but he offered to buy me another trailer later. While I was away at vet school he went down to a local dealer and saw some Brenderups, and he was sold! I thought he was nuts, and like most other horse folks firmly stated that I would never put my horse on one of those things. But my husband was not a horse person, so perhaps he was more open minded, and when he test hauled the Baron with the Nissan Xterra we'd recently purchased he was convinced. Well, I've since hauled all of my horses on it, and I absolutely love it. I still compete in the Mid-Atlantic region, so I drive long distances on major interstates, and that trailer pulls like silk. It's so easy to use, and I can fit everything I need for a several day show into it. As a veterinarian, I think it makes an ideal trailer for hauling sick/injured horses in, since the long ramp is not steep or difficult for a horse to negotiate, and the smooth quiet ride does not add any stress. I may some day decide to purchase another LQ GN trailer, but I will NOT be selling my Brenderup. I can haul my horse and get 23+ miles per gallon...how many people can say that? Thanks for a great product; I'm a true believer." (contact # available on request)   From a happy BRENDERUP SOLO Owner "I just want you to know that the Solo was like a dream. We drove our 2 year old mare from Gainesville to Rotan (300 miles) yesterday. For a young horse, it was amazing. She rode like it was her very own feather bed. Thanks again and I am very grateful for your after-sale, generous assistance."   Hi all, Today we "christened" the new trailer. I was concerned about whether the larger horse would feel crowded as she is part draft and big. Both loaded with a little coaxing ( & yummy treats), and I was so surprised at how much room the horses had once they were in the trailer. Both horses were fascinated with the side windows. The Morgan spent the whole trip with both eyes glued to the window - with little peeks out the other two windows. After the first 3 or 4 minutes, the three-year-old draft-cross just rested her head, flopped her ears sideways, and relaxed. We left the top-back open and opened up the off-side vent & vent window as we are having a "Heat Wave" here. The last two weeks have been in the 50's and low 60's - today it was 75 degrees and the horses still haven't shed out their winter coats. When we arrived at the barn, we undid heads, dropped the ramp and both butt bars, and off-loaded the Morgan first. The big three-year old decided she wanted to stay on the trailer. It took all three of us to coax her off. I guess she just didn't know where her feet were going as she kept trying to look between her forelegs as she was backing off. Thank heavens for a long, non-slip, gently-sloped ramp. Thank you all for building and providing such a great trailer. We will be picking up the "mini-horse conversion kit" :-) soon. Then we can try it out with the little guys. Hopefully we can put the cart in one side, the a mini on the other, and still have room for all his tack in the front. We will let you know how that turns out. Best for now, D & D   I am now on my second Brenderup trailer, having upgraded from the earlier model (purchased twenty years ago) to a Baron HB about six years ago. (Thanks for the great trade-in and easy delivery, by the way!) I don't trailer often, which is one of the reasons I really like my Brenderup. I bought it so that I could transport my own horses when changing barns and, more important here in Southern California, so that I could evacuate them myself when wildfires threaten. So far we have been through two fire-related evacuations over the past eight years, plus one false alarm just last week. I love the fact that I can hitch up the trailer, by myself, in only FIVE MINUTES (I timed myself this last occasion), even when I am under stress, and I've never yet found a horse who wouldn't load in it. Mine walk in by themselves, but the extra space in front means that it is also perfectly safe for someone to lead a horse in, stand comfortably on the other side of the chest bar, tie up the horse, and exit easily. The easy-to-remove central partition was a great help when we needed to load my friend's mare and foal; the mare was an old trooper, but it was the first time for the baby, and with the open, light interior and nice shallow ramp, he went right in after the mother. My anxious old Thoroughbred was much calmer with this trailer than conventional ones because he could back out onto the ramp and stand on it a moment, checking out his surroundings, before backing the rest of the way off--most trailer ramps aren't long enough for the horse to stand on and are really too steep for a horse to pause on this way. The rubber ramp matting provides great footing in any weather, too. My friend had also borrowed the trailer to take a sick youngster to the vet hospital, and she really appreciated the fact that she could easily see through the big front window of the trailer that the horse was still on his feet and traveling well. Thanks for adding to my peace of mind; this is a great trailer for those of use who don't trailer often, because it is so simple to use, and I'm sure all these features are also appealing to those who are off to a horse show every weekend. CS   It's too bad more people can't experience the Brenderup. The hardest part for me was spending so much money on a non-traditional trailer and not knowing how it would handle or how my horses would like it. This might be true for other potential customers. After I purchased it, I received rude comments from my horse friends about the trailer (regarding safety, tipping over) but I knew they hadn't researched the trailer. I could just smile at them and list all the safety features. I always mention how much I love it. I did practice driving it without my horse several times, and then like I mentioned in my earlier e-mail, finally took my horse in it a couple of weeks ago. It was like night and day from my previous hauling experiences. It handles so much better than my old trailer. We have many hills where I live and it just takes care of itself when we are descending. With my old trailer, I would have had to think about braking far in advance to get stopped at the bottom of a hill. With the Brenderup, I touch my brake and it stops smoothly. I'm sure it was much easier on my horse as well. I know it says it in the advertising but everything about the trailer has been easy. I like not having to be perfect when I backup my truck to get hitched up. I can be close to it and that's good enough. I'm glad I finally took the chance and bought it. I feel like it has opened up opportunities for me because I don't dread trailering any longer. It more than lives up to the advertising. Thanks again! D.   I just bought a '99 Royal Brenderup, and a '96 Toyota Tacoma, V-6, 3.4L engine, to tow it with, despite the hysterical admonitions of the anti-Brenderup people across the (internet) board. I've never hauled horses in my life, and I had to move my two average size beasties (15.3 and 16.1 TBs) about 45 miles through New Jersey highway traffic and back rural roads. High speeds and hills. I started out Sunday morning with my heart in my throat and ended up at the barn with the greatest elation I've felt in years. Frankly, I can't tell you that the Brenderup handles better than other trailer because I've never towed another trailer. And never will. I CAN tell you that you forget it's back there, that the dreaded semis buzzing you at 80 MPH on the highway might as well not be there, for all the effect they have on the truck and trailer (my truck WILL get buffeted WITHOUT the trailer, so I consider the Brenderup an added safety device in windy situations). Certainly the trailer NEVER pushed me downhill, even on a very steep and muddy, rutted slope we had to negotiate as we left the first barn. I did try to remember to allow more braking distance before stops and turns, as I'd been cautioned to, but the difference was minimal. My husband, following behind me in his SUV, said the horses spent their journey looking out the window and nuzzling each other ...So, we are off to the races Z.E.   I bought a Royal last December and have had plenty of experiences with it and wanted to give you some feedback. I had never pulled a trailer, but have no problem hitching, loading, or unhitching the Royal. Horse ownership has become very liberating. My Isuzu Rodeo pulls the trailer effortlessly, in fact, it is undetectable when empty. The trailer never pulls, tugs, weaves, or rattles. ... My notorious bad loaders have gotten very fond of traveling and need only to be lead to the ramp and released. They load up on their own. ... T.T.   We have our Brenderup Prestige for about five years. It sounds a little crazy to be in love with a horse trailer, but we are. It is a dream to pull and the horses love all the room inside. We have had the big trucks and big trailers in the past. After having our Brenderup, we'll never go back to those heavy, loud old fashioned horse trailers! A.L.   Prior to purchasing my Brenderup, I left trailering to everyone else. To tell you the truth, it terrified me! Not so much the actual driving issues, but more the safety/comfort issues for the horses. I'll now trailer almost anyone, anywhere! L   I tow with a Grand Cherokee Jeep V-8. I have a new Brenderup trailer that weighs 1900 lbs. I have had no problems what so ever. I have trailered in wind, rain and on hills. My Brenderup doesn't require sway bars, and I don't even know the trailer is back there. I always keep an eye on RPMS, and it has never gone above 3000, usually under 2000. I have towed with two horses, although usually just one and have not had any problems. The Grand Cherokee says the limit is 5000 lbs., which I always obey. I realize this is not the ideal tow vehicle, due to its short wheelbase...that is why I bought the Brenderup. It has inertia brakes that never push your vehicle. L   I purchased a Brenderup this June and have been very impressed with it. Our first significant haul was 9 hours and our 17hh 1/4 Belgian / Thoroughbred appeared as happy as a horse could be after nine hours on a hot day in a trailer. One of the local old timers commented that is construction would favor the horse in an accident as if it were knocked over the top would probably come off and free the horse. He advised us to use a long trailer to tie to the front rings so the horse would be able to get up after an accident, but still be attached to the trailer. Chris Barr (the owner of Brenderup and the guy in the video) pointed out that it is better that the trailer get damaged than the horse. Fortunately, I haven't been in an accident with the Brenderup, but a friend of ours had their aluminum trailer T-bone by a drunken kid. The horses did OK, just lacerations, but the trailer was totaled. The lesson to me was no matter what kind of accident, the trailer will not probably survive well. The interior construction, however, will make a major difference in how well the horse does in the accident. Brenderup seems to have paid a lot of attention to this issue. I should point out that this is both my first horse and first trailer, so I would be the last person to hold myself out as an expert. I will say that I enjoyed dealing with Chris Barr, believe that I received good value for my money, and my wife (5ft and just slightly over 100 lbs.) is able to manage the trailer in my absence. (BTW if you are importing a trailer into Canada e-mail me and I will share my experience...) R (known to Atlas and Ginger as "The man who nags horses!)   Dear Real Trailers, Well, we've had our trailer for a little more than a week now and I can honestly say it was a great buy! It took our horse about four different attempts to finally load with no problem with our 12 year old daughter taking him right in. He actually loads easier now than he did with our trainer's 4 horse trailer where I have to front load him and them back him in to a stall. I've driven him around in it twice, the second time he was much quieter but the car does not feel any of that movement. I had my daughter watch him out the back window and he was fine. Connecting and disconnecting is very easy, it takes all of 3min or less, my daughter can do it. Pulling the trailer back from the MD shore where we bought it through a windy rain storm was a cinch. I cruised at 60-65mph switching lanes with no sway or worry. I was nervous the first time I took the horse out so I kept the speed at no more than 45mph. The second time out I did 55mph on the Hwy, it took a while longer to get up to speed but I had that same experience with a truck and conventional trailer. On my second trip I took a road with a sharp right turn and a steep incline to see what would happen, it was so easy it gave me great confidence. I was pleasantly surprised With the Lexus RX300 I just need to be sure that overdrive is turned off just as you mentioned. My husband is going to take the Lexus in for routine service next week to see if we should more frequently have the transmission fluid looked at and to see from the mechanics perspective how the car is running, so far I see/feel no problems as I drive the Lexus more than my husband. At our barn the trailer has been a novelty. The kids love it because of the dressing/tack room, lots of envy. The women (moms) are impressed with the easy of use, no heavy items to lift or work with. The conventional trailer people have all been amazed and it seems to me that they are surprised with how sturdy and how safe they see it is. I've had people rethink that in an accident where their metal trailer might split or rupture with metal shards poking their animal mine will not have that issue. What is amazing is the balance and aerodynamics. Already I would never want a conventional trailer, I love this trailer. As I get older (and I'm no spring chicken), I know that I can handle this trailer on my own with my daughter as my husband is not a horse person. We are very happy we made this decision and we are very happy with Tavel Lane Trailers. They took lots of time to show us how to use and care for our new trailer and said to call them anytime day or night. Chris, thank you for your help as well and for sending us the DVD. We'll keep in touch. C J   I continue to adore my trailer. It has really come through for me. In the past two years I have had to haul my daughter and her horse over all the major highways in NJ and Pennsylvania. This past Labor Day weekend (with tremendous relief) I made one last long haul from Central NJ up Route 287, across the Tappan Zee Bridge and through the maze of highways in Connecticut and Massachusetts, you name it, traffic, congestion, construction, city after city, to her final destination at Mount Holyoke. Where I left them BOTH. (Daughter and horse). Two days later, amidst her strong protests, I took the trailer home. The weather was beastly (driving rain and wind), every truck in creation was on the highways, continually cutting me off from the right, and the only GOOD thing about the drive was the trailer and my little 6-cylinder Toyota Tacoma. Five hours later I pulled wearily and happily into the parking lot of my barn. The Brenderup is now ALL MINE, and I am off to a jumping lesson this morning with MY mare in it. Get one if you can. They are GOLDEN.