Hart Trailers has been building horse trailers since 1968, with models ranging from lighter slant-load trailers to highly customizable horse trailers, stock-style designs and specialized tack configurations. If you are comparing Hart trailers, the biggest question is not simply which model is "best." It is which Hart setup fits your horses, tow vehicle, tack needs and the way you actually haul.

The Tradition, Solution and Lariat models serve different purposes, while options such as Hart's Smart Tack system can change how the trailer functions day to day. This guide breaks down the major Hart choices so you can better understand what you are looking at when comparing trailers.

Who Is Hart Trailer?

Hart Trailer is a family-owned trailer manufacturer established in 1968.

The company builds horse and livestock trailers with an emphasis on customization. Instead of treating every buyer as needing the same stall dimensions, tack layout or trailer length, Hart offers different model platforms that can be configured for different hauling needs.

Hart currently identifies several major trailer families, including:

• Solution
• Tradition
• Straight Load
• Lariat
• Short-Go
• Miniature
• LoProXpo livestock and show configurations

You can review Hart's current model descriptions directly on the Hart Trailer website.

Hart Tradition Trailers: The Customizable Platform

The Tradition is Hart's long-running, highly customizable horse-trailer platform.

Hart says the Tradition series dates back to the company's beginning in 1968 and is designed for buyers who want substantial freedom to customize the trailer.

Depending on the build, buyers can change areas such as:

• Trailer height
• Trailer length
• Trailer width
• Horse capacity
• Tack-room configuration
• Storage
• Other available equipment and options

Hart currently lists Tradition bumper-pull and gooseneck configurations, including multiple horse capacities.

Who Is the Hart Tradition Best Suited For?

The Tradition makes the most sense for buyers who know what they want and need more flexibility than a simpler standard configuration provides.

It may be especially useful when:

• You haul multiple horses
• Your horses need additional height, width or stall space
• You have specific tack-storage requirements
• You want a specialized gooseneck configuration
• You expect the trailer setup to be built around your routine rather than adapting your routine to the trailer

Hart Solution Trailers: A More Compact Horse-Trailer Option

Hart describes the Solution as a weight-conscious model designed for buyers who may be towing with smaller trucks or shorter truck beds.

Hart says the Solution uses the same general structural design and feature platform as the Tradition, with width being one of the key differences.

Current Solution models are built 6 feet 8 inches wide. That width allows Hart to eliminate the interior fender well that can intrude into the horse area on some trailer designs.

Hart currently offers Solution models in:

• 2-horse slant gooseneck
• 3-horse slant gooseneck
• 4-horse slant gooseneck
• 2-horse bumper pull
• 3-horse bumper pull

Solution vs. Tradition

The simplest way to think about the two is that the Solution prioritizes a more defined, weight-conscious platform, while the Tradition offers greater customization.

That does not mean one is automatically better.

A buyer towing two horses with a properly matched pickup may prefer the Solution's more compact design. A buyer who wants a larger custom gooseneck, specialized stall dimensions or a highly customized tack area may lean toward Tradition.

What Is the Hart Lariat Trailer?

The Lariat is a real Hart model and is part of Hart's current stock-trailer lineup.

Hart describes the Lariat as its most versatile trailer because it combines a front tack and dressing room with a stock-style rear hauling area.

According to Hart, the Lariat includes a 4-foot-long front tack and dressing room. The stock-style area can include:

• Rubber floor mats
• Kick mat on the walls
• Center gate
• Full-width rear gate
• Tie loops
• Escape door
• Plexiglas track

The front tack and dressing area includes features such as saddle racks and bridle hooks, depending on the trailer configuration.

Hart currently lists standard Lariat lengths of 20 feet, 22 feet and 24 feet, with custom configurations also available from the manufacturer.

Who Is the Hart Lariat For?

The Lariat is particularly interesting for buyers who need flexibility.

Instead of a horse-only slant-load stall arrangement, the stock-style area can accommodate different types of hauling depending on the trailer setup.

Hart specifically describes the Lariat as capable of hauling horses, cattle, sheep and other cargo.

That can make the Lariat attractive to ranchers, livestock owners and horse owners who do not want a trailer limited to one narrow use.

Tradition vs. Lariat: What's the Difference?

If you routinely haul only horses and want a highly customized horse setup, the Tradition may make more sense. If your trailer needs to handle both horses and livestock or a more open cargo space, the Lariat may be worth a closer look.

What Is Hart Smart Tack?

Smart Tack is Hart's ground-access tack-storage design.

The idea is simple: instead of climbing into the trailer or reaching up to tall saddle racks, the rider can access much of the tack from outside the trailer at ground level.

Hart says the system organizes saddles, blankets, pads, bridles, halters, boots and other equipment so the rider can reach them from the side of the trailer.

The opposite side can be configured as a dressing area with storage features.

According to Hart, the original Smart Tack design can be incorporated into Tradition Series trailers ranging from two-horse to eight-horse configurations.

Smart Tack II

Hart also offers Smart Tack II, a smaller version of the original system.

Hart says Smart Tack II includes features such as:

• A single 48-inch door
• Swivel blanket storage
• Two accessible saddle racks
• Bridle hooks
• Bell-boot hooks
• Interior lining and carpeting

The appeal is convenience. For someone who is repeatedly loading and unloading tack, ground-level access can reduce the amount of climbing and reaching required during everyday use.

Is Smart Tack a Hart Trailer Model?

Not in the same sense as Tradition, Solution or Lariat.

Smart Tack is better understood as a tack-storage configuration or design system that can be incorporated into compatible Hart trailers.

This distinction matters when shopping because a listing may describe a trailer as a Tradition with Smart Tack rather than treating Smart Tack as the underlying trailer model.

What About Hart Straight Load Trailers?

Hart also builds straight-load horse trailers for buyers who prefer horses to travel facing forward rather than at an angle.

Hart currently identifies several straight-load configurations, including Thoroughbred, Walk-Thru and 2+1 designs.

Hart describes the Thoroughbred and Walk-Thru as being designed for larger-bodied horses. The manufacturer currently lists those models at 6 feet 8 inches wide and 7 feet 7 inches tall with 11-foot stalls.

The 2+1 configuration adds a box area in front of the rear horse stalls, giving owners another option when they need additional flexibility.

If you are deciding between major horse-trailer layouts, Zona's guide to gooseneck vs. bumper-pull horse trailers can also help narrow down the towing configuration first.

How Are Hart Trailers Constructed?

Hart emphasizes aluminum construction and structural design as major parts of the brand.

According to Hart, construction features used across its trailers can include an aluminum perimeter main frame, closely spaced structural components and interlocking aluminum flooring.

Hart also highlights its insulated fiberglass-composite roof construction and heavy-duty door and rear-frame designs.

Exact construction and equipment can vary by model and build, so buyers should verify the specifications of the individual trailer rather than assuming every Hart has identical features.

Are Hart Trailers Aluminum?

Hart is known for aluminum trailer construction, but "aluminum trailer" should not be interpreted as meaning every single component is made of the same material or that every configuration weighs the same.

The trailer's overall weight depends on:

• Length
• Width
• Height
• Number of horses
• Axles
• Tack configuration
• Living quarters where applicable
• Installed options

Always use the actual weight and ratings for the individual trailer when determining whether it matches your tow vehicle.

Hart Trailer Models at a Glance

Which Hart Trailer Should You Choose?

Start with what you haul and how you use the trailer.

Consider the Solution if: you want a more compact horse-trailer platform and are paying close attention to tow-vehicle requirements.

Consider the Tradition if: customization is one of your highest priorities.

Consider the Lariat if: you need a stock-style trailer that can serve more than one hauling purpose.

Consider a Straight Load if: you prefer forward-facing stalls or have horses that benefit from the dimensions available in those designs.

Consider Smart Tack if: tack organization and ground-level access would make daily use easier.

Then compare the individual trailer's dimensions, empty weight, GVWR, payload, horse capacity, stall layout and installed equipment.

Buying a Hart Trailer From Current Inventory

Hart's customization options are useful when ordering a trailer, but buyers looking at existing inventory should focus on the exact trailer sitting in front of them.

Check:

• Model
• Horse capacity
• Overall dimensions
• Stall dimensions
• Empty weight
• GVWR
• Axle ratings
• Tack configuration
• Doors, ramps and dividers
• Installed options

Two Hart trailers carrying the same general model name can still be substantially different because of configuration and options.

Hart Trailer FAQs

What is a Hart Tradition trailer?

The Tradition is Hart's highly customizable horse-trailer series. Hart offers bumper-pull and gooseneck versions and allows buyers to customize areas such as height, width, length and numerous trailer features.

What is a Hart Lariat trailer?

The Hart Lariat is a gooseneck stock-style trailer with a front tack and dressing room. Hart currently lists standard 20-foot, 22-foot and 24-foot Lariat lengths and also offers custom configurations.

Can a Hart Lariat haul horses?

Yes. Hart describes the Lariat as a multipurpose trailer designed to handle horses, cattle, sheep and other types of cargo. Buyers should still verify the exact layout and equipment on the individual trailer before hauling animals.

What is Hart Smart Tack?

Smart Tack is Hart's organized ground-access tack-storage design. It allows saddles, blankets, bridles and other equipment to be reached from outside the trailer instead of requiring the user to climb into a traditional tack area.

Is Smart Tack a separate Hart trailer model?

Smart Tack is primarily a tack-storage design rather than the underlying trailer model. Hart says the original Smart Tack can be incorporated into Tradition Series trailers.

What is the difference between Hart Solution and Tradition trailers?

The Solution is a 6-foot-8-inch-wide, weight-conscious platform offered in selected horse configurations. The Tradition is built around greater customization, including changes to dimensions and a broad range of available options.

Does Hart make bumper-pull and gooseneck horse trailers?

Yes. Hart currently offers both bumper-pull and gooseneck configurations within several of its horse-trailer model families.

Are Hart trailers customizable?

Yes. Customization is a major part of Hart's product lineup, particularly with the Tradition series. Available configurations and options depend on the specific model and build.

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Hart Trailer models, specifications, dimensions, options and availability can change. Manufacturer descriptions in this guide were checked against Hart Trailer's current published model information. Always verify the specifications, weight ratings and installed equipment of the individual trailer before purchasing or towing.