Cowboy Christmas in July

Greeley, Co / Greeley Stampede

On June 29th, 2021 at 4:00 a.m., two members of our Hart team and three members of the Intellego Media team loaded up in a minivan and started the journey north. There were several route options to choose from and for us we chose to go north into Kansas before turning back west towards Colorado.

More than 2,447 miles, 38 hours of driving and several days later we returned to Oklahoma having accomplished our mission. Our goal? Meet up with our newest Hart team member and give you a behind the scenes look at his craft and what it takes for him to get from one rodeo to the next. He allowed us to follow him around with our cameras in order to get a personal look at how he uses his Hart trailer, how it serves him, and what his life on the road looks like.

• 

  Arrival at the Greeley Stampede

• 

  Intellego crew getting set up to film

While this cowboy needs no introduction to many of you, we would like to give you an inside look at something very special that we are working on with Intellego Media and this outstanding athlete. Please help us welcome Mr. Hunter Reaume.

Hunter and Gypsy waiting on their turn among all of the noise and lights and excitement.

We met up with Hunter and his team in Greeley, CO. Trey was the first to greet us when we pulled up in our packed minivan into the Greeley Stampede. Hunter was checking the draw and had stepped away from the trailer momentarily. We had met Hunter in the past when he had stopped by the plant a few times and we had talked with him on the phone several times leading up to this. We knew what to expect with Hunter and his character. We were not disappointed when we met the rest of the team he was hauling with. It was no surprise that they too, were incredibly friendly and happy to help us.

Tracy Hart presenting Hunter Reaume with a sponsorship agreement.

Mrs. Tracy Hart presented Hunter with his sponsorship agreement before the performance in Greeley that Tuesday night. Shortly after we arrived at the trailer Hunter began getting he and his horse, Gypsy ready for the performance. After our initial hellos and introductions it was all business and we did our very best to stay out of his way.

• 

• 

Before we knew it we were on our way to the arena to get set up. Greeley was so hospitable and we were able to be placed right next to the roping box during the performance. This allowed us to capture an even more personal encounter with what exactly happens behind the scenes.

• 

  Intellego Team preparing for run

• 

• 

  Tracy waiting to shoot

• 

• 

• 

  Camera Gear

• 

  Tracy Hart

Trey helped handle Gypsy and do whatever Hunter needed him to do while he prepared to make his run. While Gypsy isn’t very old, one could tell the rodeo scene is old hat for the gelding. Much like his rider, he was just focused on what he needed to do.

Hunter & Gypsy both focused and ready.

Trey & Gypsy after Hunter’s run.

Hunter and Gypsy took to the box and it was game time. They had a nice run in Greeley and we were happy to be there for it. We wrapped up late in Greeley and made our way back to our hotel. It had been a very long day of driving and we were all wiped out.

• 

  Getting set up in the box.

• 

• 

Hunter & Gypsy exiting the arena after their run.

The following morning we made our way up north to Cody, Wyoming. It was absolutely beautiful so of course we had a few stops on the way to check out the scenery and stretch legs. Cody was just as welcoming as Greeley. We met so many kind and friendly people along the way.

One of our stops on the way to Cody, WY.

That evening we met up with Hunter and his team to get a sit down interview with him and to make a plan for the following day. He was up in the slack the following morning in Cody so it would be another early morning. There wasn’t much time for sitting on this trip. These cowgirls and cowboys are always on the go and time is crucial.

Cody, WY

The next morning we caught up with Hunter and captured a bit more of his warm-up as he prepared for his run. One of the things that could be noted about Gypsy was that he is constantly aware of where Hunter is. Every time Hunter walked off the horse followed him with his eyes. A couple of times he even nickered. This is such an amazing thing to witness. These horses are athletes too and they know they are part of a team. They are very close to their riders and the bonds that these animals and riders have with one another isn’t something that can be measured. Only observed, felt and appreciated.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

It was clear from the beginning that Hunter takes his skill very seriously. Even though we were trying to stay out of his way so that he could focus, I’m not sure that it mattered a whole lot. His mental game and focus was incredible and just like any professional athlete warm up and preparation is crucial. It wasn’t long before Hunter handed Gypsy to Trey and we were following Hunter up to the arena.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The energy in Cody was drastically different than that in Greeley because instead of a performance, it was a slack. It was one of the most serene backdrops I have ever witnessed at a rodeo, slack or otherwise. The sky was incredibly blue and the mountains surrounding the arena made you feel like you were in a dream. It was absolutely beautiful.

• 

• 

• 

Hunter and Gypsy made their run and soon they were packing up for Livingston and we were off to Yellowstone. We will share more footage and pictures of the performances very soon. For now we hope that you enjoyed getting a small behind the scenes look at our newest addition.

Hunter, we are incredibly proud to be behind you and your team and we wish you the very best on the road!

• 

  Coming in to Yellowstone

• 

  Lake at Yellowstone

Stay tuned for a full introduction very soon!

Until next time,

Amanda Williams / Media & Marketing

Advertisement

Snyder Trailer: WK 1 / Weld Shop

As you may have heard, or in case you have not, we have recently entered into a partnership with Amberley Snyder and Signature Quarters.  Together with Signature, we are building Amberley a trailer that is entirely customized for her life on the road. Amberley is an elite cowgirl, horsewoman, and trainer. She has accomplished big goals in the past and she is on her way to accomplishing even bigger things and together, we are building her a vehicle to help get her there.

We have blogged a few trailers along the way and we thought it would be really neat to let you all in on the build of Amberley’s trailer. Over the next several weeks we will take you through the process and give you sneak peeks of her trailer all the way up to the big reveal! So hang tight and check back often and we will take you through the shop as we construct one of the most unique trailers that we have ever manufactured!

Make sure you are subscribed to our blog so that you never miss an update!

 

Weld Shop: Rear Interior Hip Wall

You can see the bones of Amberley’s trailer here in weld. We use an extruded floor rather than a sheeted floor and we use full tubing on our uprights rather than c-channel. Both of these attributes help ensure the structural integrity of the trailer helping it stand up to tough situations as well as to the test of time.

Weld Shop: Rear Exterior Hip Wall

Weld Shop: Head Side Exterior

Weld Shop: LQ Shell / Hip Side LQ Interior Wall

Any ideas as to what sort of interior Amberley has chosen?

That’s all for this week! We don’t want to give too much away but check back soon and see how far the trailer has come!

Introducing: The Smart Tack II

A few years back we introduced you to the Smart Tack by Hart Trailers. This design has been a favorite among our Hart customers since it’s introduction to the market.  The original Smart Tack has had a weighty impact on the trailer industry for both customers and manufacturers alike.

Stepping outside of what had always been done and into a place of deeper innovation and imagination. The original Smart Tack unlocked an entirely new level of functionality, storage & convenience.  It has changed the way that we view dressing rooms. It has changed the way that we view the capabilities of the trailers that get us down the road.

 

Not long after we introduced you to the Smart Tack, we introduced you to the Living Quarter with the Smart Tack option.  You can take a look at it right here!

 

Today we introduce you to the Smart Tack II. The Smart Tack II boasts the same features as the Smart Tack in a condensed 6’8″ wide version complete with a 4′ shortwall.  It’s ancestor, the original Smart Tack, comes in a 7’6″ wide package with a 6′ shortwall.

The Smart Tack II comes with a single door versus the double doors.  But don’t let the simplicity of this design fool you. This trailer has all of the same amazing Smart Tack features and conveniences as the original Smart Tack.

In fact this trailer is virtually the same as the Smart Tack with size as the exception.  Another great thing about the Smart Tack II is that it is available in our Solution model as well which makes it possible to tow with a smaller towing vehicle. For more information on our solution model click here.

As you can see this trailer is everything that you have come to know and expect from Hart Trailer.  Integrity, safety, style, design, innovation and functionality.

The Smart Tack II is a great option for those that want a Smart Tack in a smaller trailer package.

*The Smart Tack II shown is in the MVP model.  The Smart Tack II is also available in our Solution models as well*

Until next time,

Amanda Williams / Media & Marketing

Peace of Mind On the Road

How much is it worth? Peace of mind? Is it something that can be bought? The answer might vary depending on who you ask. Perhaps it will vary depending on the central subject of the question.  Ultimate peace of mind cannot be bought.  It goes far beyond anything that we can actually do for ourselves. We can however make choices along the way that will contribute to peace of mind over given areas of our lives.

We manufacture trailers. That’s what we do. It is what we have done for more than fifty-one years now. So, as you can imagine we have a certain train of thought that we often ride to reach a destination called “our best”. Peace of mind is something we think about daily here at Hart. We want to do everything in our power to create a product that puts our customers at ease when they load up their partners to hit the road.

We don’t have control over the road conditions or the competence and experience levels of whatever drivers will be on the road at any given time. We don’t have control over how a trailer will be maintained once it leaves the plant or what modifications it might have made down the road. While we acknowledge that there are many factors that are out of our control we strive to perfect the ones that are IN our control.

We work hard to research and find the best materials that we can to give our customers the best trailer that we can. We hold tight to the integrity that has built a reputation of quality and safety in our trailers for more than five decades. We consider not the short cuts that are too often accepted in an industry that is not as strictly governed by safety regulations as the automotive industry. We understand that bottom dollar is not the most important factor in the equation. For us structural integrity equates to safety and safety does a whole lot for that little thing that we call ‘peace of mind’.

We hope that our customers never have to find out just how much integrity their Hart trailer has. But in the event that they do, we want to know that we’ve done everything that we can.

This rig was hit at a stand still by another vehicle that was travelling at a rate of speed higher than 60 mph.

This is a 90’s model Hart.

There were two horses inside of the trailer. Both horses walked away with minor scratches.

If you already own a Hart, thank you for choosing Hart. We appreciate you. If you are on the fence or considering Hart, just know that when you take us with you, we do everything that we can to have your back and the backs of those you trust to us.

Peace of mind on the road….now that’s where we can help.

Have a great weekend!

Until next time,

Amanda Williams Media & Marketing

“It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts”

Have you ever heard that phrase?  So have we. And we think it’s true!  Have you been inside of a Hart trailer lately?  Have you been inside of a Hart trailer ever?  If the answer to either of these questions is ‘no’, we’re glad that you’re here.  If the answer is yes, we’re still glad that you’re here.

Today we are going to take a closer look at the part of our trailers that you see least often, the interior.  You know that part where you put that treasured member of your family that you love so much.  That part where your partner spends the majority of his or her time on the road.

While structural integrity, safety, functionality and longevity are the building blocks to every trailer that we build, we believe that they shouldn’t stop with the shell.  There is more to every trailer than meets the eye.  Of course those bells and whistles are nice.  Who doesn’t love a stainless beauty trucking down the road.  Those stand alone wheels, radius rear corner posts, and lights for days.  That living quarter is NICE, brought to you by one of our trusted conversion partners, complete with everything you would ever need in your home away from home.  But what about the horse compartment?  You see, all of those concepts that go in to making the rest of your trailer phenomenal are carried into the part of the trailer that we see the least.

Let’s take a look!

Drop Down Windows complete with Safety Bar Grills on Head Side of Trailer: Our view

Drop Down Windows complete with Safety Bar Grills on Head Side of Trailer: Your horse’s view

Your horse can ride comfortably with plenty of head room, stall space, and mangers for feeding on the road.

We take great care with every trailer that comes out of our plant to avoid sharp edges, corners and lines that could potentially harm the horses that will one day be using the trailer.

It is important to us to create the safest possible trailer that we can so that our customers can haul with the assurance that their horses are in the best possible ride that they can be in.

Another great feature found in all of our trailers is that our dividers do not swing when trying to load and unload making it far less likely that your horse will catch a shoulder or hip in the process.  Notice how they all lay flat against the head side when opened.

Solid Divider

Solid Divider with Stud Panel

Bar Type Divider

Bar Type Divider & Rear Drop Down Windows

We always say that the difference is in the details and with a Hart Trailer, they really are.  We strive to only put the best quality of materials in our trailers.  If you get a chance to spend even two minutes in one of our trailers, you will be able to visibly see the difference.

High Quality Stall Pad on Slant Wall

High Quality Stall Pad on Divider

Head Pad on Rear Door

Rear Drop Down Windows on Hip Side: Our view

Rear Drop Down Windows Hip Side: interior view

Drops on the hip side are great for extra ventilation and for tending to your horses without unloading them.

As you can see, we put great effort into EVERY part of your Hart Trailer.  It is always our goal to put our customers in the very best trailer that money can buy.  We hope that you’ve enjoyed this look inside of our trailers.  If you have any questions or think you are ready to design your very own, custom Hart Trailer, give us a call or email us and we will put you in touch with one of our certified Hart Trailer Dealers.

Until next time,

Amanda Williams / Media & Marketing

 

At the Trailer with Joby Bush

One of the things we wanted to implement this year was a segment called ‘At the Trailer with: _______’.  For our first segments we thought who better than to represent us and show us around their trailers than our youth ambassadors?  So we asked Carlee and Joby to put together a short little tour of their trailers and how they use them.

As you can see, the first segment is with Joby.  This is his Hart trailer and this is what he had to say:

Dealer Spotlight: The Trailer Store

What is the history of the dealership?

In 1985, several years after graduating from Sam Houston State University, I wanted to do something that related to my Ag degree.  The idea of selling horse trailers became a reality, allowing me the option to deal in horse, livestock, cargo and utility trailers.  After several years of working for another person and with partners, I decided it was time to go into business for myself in 2003.  So, my wife Mitsy and myself formed a corporation.  Thus began “The Trailer Store, Inc.” in Hunstville, Texas where I had lived since 1966.  I started out with a portable building on a piece of ground next to a truck stop, with no water or sewer.

Trey Alred came on board shortly after graduating from SHSU and is now my General Manager.  In 2009, we built the existing 6000 sq. ft. building on 8.5 acres next to Interstate 45 with a spacious showroom and office complex plus state-of-the-art shop.  Abraham Rios is our Shop Supervisor.  Paula Moak has worked part time for several years as our receptionist and C.J. Batten, joining us in 2014, handles the books.

At this dealership, “We Make Excitement Affordable”, by giving the customers a fair price and great customer service.

What made you want to carry the Hart Trailer brand on your lot?

I was in search of an additional line of trailers for business, but not just any brand.  I wanted superior quality-made trailers and a proven manufacturer.  Hart definitely meets both of those criteria.

What types of Hart Trailers do you generally carry on your lot?

Non-Living Quarters Trailers

I think people who want the premium quality of a Hart Trailer, would be more likely to custom order a trailer to get just what they wanted.

Do you attend many shows on the road?

I used to but not anymore.  With the powerful effect of the internet and Horse Trailer World, I can reach more customers and take care of them better by staying at the dealership.

How can customers connect with you?

Our website, http://www.trailerstoreinc.com, Facebook, Horse Trailer World, or down the rodeo trail.

Do you have any specials going on right now? If so, what?

Not at this time.

What is the best thing about being a Hart Dealer?

There is a reason that for over fifty years, Hart has been known as the Ferrari of the horse trailer industry, QUALITY.  By selling quality trailers, you don’t have to worry about warranty issues or unhappy customers.

In your opinion, what is the best Hart model on the market today and why?

4 Horse Smart Tack – appeals to wide range of horse owners.

What would you tell a customer that is trying to decide whether or not to invest in a Hart trailer?

If you’re looking for a trailer to last and maintain its resale value, you should get a Hart.  Most times the cheapest can be the most expensive in the long run.

Thank you Rusty for taking the time to share your dealership and your history with us!

If you are in the area or looking for a Hart trailer be sure and check out The Trailer Store!

660A I-45 North, Huntsville, TX 77320
Office: 936-295-2212
Cell: 936-355-6329
Email: info@trailerstoreinc.com

Until next time,

Amanda Williams / Media & Marketing

 

 

What’s In A Hart?

A trailer is a trailer so long as it serves your needs. Does brand integrity really matter? Chances are, you’ve already answered this question in your head. What was your answer? To many, this statement might be very true. Unless, you’ve been in a position to make you think twice, why shouldn’t it be? And it might be…true. That is, until your life and the lives of your animals count on it.

How important is brand integrity then? See, these are things that we think about before your trailer is ever drawn in CAD. This is something that our owners, engineers and purchaser think and re-think and think some more over. These are questions that this manufacturer does not take lightly. So WHAT is in a Hart trailer?

Well first, lets take a look at why it matters in the first place.  Here Robert recounts the day that the structural and brand integrity of his Hart stepped up to the plate.

That is what we want you to know!  Rather than hide the components that make up our trailers we want to take you inside and out of every aspect that makes your Hart a HART!

 

Rectangular upright posts

• 33% stronger than the C-shaped posts used by most manufacturers.

Heavy duty channel-type-double-framed insulated doors

• a quality detail pioneered by HART that is stronger, more durable and weather resistant.

Integrated I-beam cross members on 6″ centers

• the closest in the industry

Heavy duty door hinges

• 1/4″ thick wall aluminum extrusion stock with pressed-in stainless steel hinge pins with stainless steel washers between upper and lower half of the hinge, quality unmatched in the industry

Superior gooseneck hitch assembly

• 42″ long structural support gusset from coupler to steel assembly, the strongest in the industry

6″ radius top rail .125″ thick  

• Welded and cam-bolted to full length 1″ x 2.5″ rectangular tube.

Fully insulated, 1/2″ thick fiberglass composite roof panel

•  the ultimate in climate control, quietness and strength.

Interlocking, tongue and groove floor

• the strongest flooring POSSIBLE
• .140″ thick, 20% thicker than the industry ‘standard’

These are the flagship features that make a Hart trailer, a HART.  It’s not just about a name, or a sticker, or a preconceived notion about our product.  It’s about how our product can be used, and used, and used again and still maintain the same integrity that it left our floor with.  It’s about standing up to the pressure when it really counts.  When everything is on the line.  When all bets are off and its about the guts and the workmanship of the trailer.

You see…these features are not industry ‘standard’.  If we were only satisfied with meeting an industry ‘standard’,  we could build a trailer with much less cost, much less time and a much larger profit margin.  If an industry standard was our greatest concern, we’d build a trailer unworthy of the integrity that we have spent the last fifty-one years cementing behind our name.  But it’s never been about an accepted standard for us.

It’s always been about building a trailer that would do the job and then some.  Building a trailer that you pay for ONCE and that continues to give back.  Most of all it has been about building a trailer that we are proud of that keeps it’s occupants as safe and as comfortable as possible.  Safety and integrity are number one for us.  We hope that none of our Hart owners ever have to find out how tough their trailer really is.  But in the case that you do find yourself in the middle of the fire, we want you to know that we’ve done our very best to have your back.  Not just once, but for the life of the trailer.  We care.  We are Hart trailer owners as well and we have to have the same faith that you do when we load up our loved ones to go down the road.

For more photos of Roberts accident, check out the photos below!

There were two horses inside of the trailer. Both horses walked away with minor scratches.

This is a 90’s model Hart.

You can see where the radius corner post came into play.  It is still hard to imagine that the car that hit him was doing roughly 65 miles per hour while Robert remained at a standstill.  After the accident, the emblem of the other vehicle was found in his rear rack compartment.

This rig was hit at a stand still by another vehicle that was travelling at a rate of speed higher than 60 mph.

The impact of the crash pushed the trailer off of the ball and into the truck.

Fortunately, the horses only had a couple of scrapes and nothing major other than being a tad shaken up from the accident.  This in itself is a true miracle!

You can see the door from the rear tack compartment.  Overall, the horse compartment aside from a busted divider latch remained very much intact.

Thank you Robert for sharing your story with us and for allowing us to give everyone a first hand look at the outcome.  We give thanks to God for protecting you and your horses as well as the others involved.

Until next time,

Amanda Williams / Media & Marketing

Trailer Tuesday: Darcy Murray

Every now and then we like to showcase trailers that are not new.  We like to give you a look at some of the ones that have a little more miles on them.  A few more stories to tell.  And we like to give you a glimpse into the lives of some other members in our Hart Trailer community.  Today,  we join Darcy Murray as she tells us what lead her to her Hart Trailer as she talks to us a little about how she uses her trailer and what her ‘why’

was.

“I started looking for a horse trailer in August of 2017, with the pending hurricane season approaching.  I wanted a way to evacuate if need be. My uncle, who is a horse professional, trainer, farrier, etc. was dying of lung cancer and wanted to help me find one and get the girls to load before he passed away.”

Uncle Eric

“They hadn’t been in a trailer in 17 years and my mare is quite stubborn.  I knew nothing about horse trailers but my friend is a ‘trailer snob’ and knows tons.  The pictures of the trailers I was sending her were unacceptable to her and so she went on her own mission to find me something and she did.  She found me this 1998 2 Horse Slant Hart trailer, she stated was the “Cadillac of horse trailers”.    The dealership was an hour away and with my Chevy Traverse I pulled it, no problem.  I was surprised how light it was and didn’t even know it was there.  My uncle, with cane in hand, climbed in, out, and around and told me, “it’s mint, buy it!”

“We brought it home and spent weeks teaching the girls to go in and out of it, which was a little challenging as my mare, Gabby (Alice was Eric’s horse)  was protesting.   As Eric’s health deteriorated, our training exercises became successful and eventually they loaded, lead over shoulders. What an exciting day!  I couldn’t wait to begin our newfound freedom in park exploration.”

“Unfortunately, my uncle passed away a week later.”

“As irony would have it, the girls’ maiden voyage in OUR new Hart trailer was to his memorial service!  There were over 35 riders in attendance.”

Darcy also helps to transport donkeys from time to time for her friend’s donkey rescue.

Darcy notes that sometimes they are hard to load.  We think most, that have any experience with these awesome critters would give a big nod to that statement.

Darcy, thank you for taking the time to share a little of your life with us!  We hope that you get many more years out of your trailer and that it continues to serve it’s purpose well in your life.

Until next time,

Amanda Williams / Media & Marketing

Dealer Spotlight: Bergman Trailer Sales

What is the history of the dealership?

We are a new dealership and we started because of Hart Trailers. Established in 2015, we want to bring a quality trailer to the great state of Alaska.  Most people have to travel “outside,” meaning the lower 48, to find a trailer and haul it back.  Currently, we are working on establishing a fleet of trailers in “The Last Frontier”.

How long have you been a Hart Trailer dealer?

We have been a Hart Trailer Dealer since our inception. (2015)

What made you want to carry the Hart Trailer brand on your lot?

We carry Hart Trailers because their beliefs align with ours, quality over quantity. The outstanding quality and attention to detail they bring to every horse trailer produced is everything a horse owner should be looking for in a new trailer.  The ability to customize the trailer to suit your needs for whatever environment you live in is highly attractive.

How can customers connect with you?

Customers can reach us via Facebook at Cy Saddlery and Bergman Trailer Sales, via email at bergmantrailers@hotmail.com or via phone at 907-350-4046.

What is the best thing about being a Hart Dealer?

Best thing about Hart- I love that Hart is a family business. They genuinely care about the needs of the customer and the comfort and safety of the horse.  The very first horse trailer I ever pulled was a 1995, Hart, 4 Horse Bumper pull trailer.  I worked for a horse trainer, and it was his prized trailer.  What I didn’t realize at the time was it was setting a standard which influenced all other trailers I would ever pull in the future.  No other trailer compared to it!  Fast forward to now, I would not put my horse in anything else!

In your opinion, what is the best Hart model on the market today and why?

My favorite trailer Hart currently produces is the Tradition, 4 Horse, Gooseneck with the Smart Tack. So much storage and an excellent set up!

What would you tell a customer that is trying to decide whether or not to invest in a Hart trailer?

Why Hart? Why not?  You are investing in a trailer that stands the test of time.  Recently, a friend and I hauled a horse from Washington State to Alaska in her 1999, Hart, 3 Horse, Gooseneck Trailer.  We traveled the twenty-three hundred miles with horse in tow, camping in the dressing room all the way up the Alaska Canada (Alcan) Highway.  Once we arrived at our destination in Wasilla, Alaska we unloaded our precious cargo, and he stepped off the Hart Trailer in better condition than he stepped in it in Washington.  It was a testimony to the quality in which Hart builds their trailers.

We would like to give a BIG thank you to Bergman Trailer Sales for taking the time to share their thoughts with us and allow us to get to know the ins and out of their dealership a little better!

Until next time,

Amanda Williams Media & Marketing