Michael Pollard and Schoensgreen Hanni, survivor of the tragic trailer accident
Michael Pollard received such an overwhelming response to the fatal traffic accident in May 2012, in which three international event horses were lost when his trailer turned over, that he decided to do something with that support in order to benefit the entire equestrian community.
In August, Pollard Eventing launched the Road to Recovery campaign to raise awareness for the safe transport of horses and to research improved safety measures for trailers. With the release of this news, Pollard Eventing again received such a positive outpour of support, including the support of Jamco Trailers.
Pollard Eventing has announced that Jamco Trailers will be its Official Trailer of the Road to Recovery Campaign and the Official Trailer of Pollard Eventing.
“It was always my intention since the accident to look into how we could make trailering safer for horses. Two of my horses who suffered catastrophic injuries from the accident and had to be euthanized may have survived if we had a harness structure in place,” said Michael Pollard. I’m delighted to be partnering with Jamco because they clearly have the vision and commitment to develop the safest trailers with enhancements that could save lives.”
Jamco will offer discount coupons to customers who have been referred through the Road to Recovery Campaign worth $300 in upgrades. Additional customer incentives will also be offered by Horse First, the Jamco dealer and co-sponsor, that will benefit Pollard Eventing.
“Michael’s ideas for Road to Recovery will revolutionize horse trailering, and we couldn’t be prouder to be his partner in this campaign. While we have always specifically overbuilt our trailers by 30% or more for both safety and durability, there is always room for innovation,” said Dave Dalzell, National Sales and Marketing Manager at Jamco “We are already working on early concepts with Michael, to keep horses in their stalls in case of an accident, somewhat like what is already done for air transport. These would be products that can be added to any trailer, not just ours, so it can benefit all horses. Longer term, who knows? Maybe we’ll even develop air bags.”
Michael will be working very closely with Dave Dalzell to design the safest trailer possible and test new safety measures with support harnesses. Both Michael and Dave are very excited to bring a new, safe trailer to the market, and hopeful their design will help prevent a tragedy such as the one Pollard Eventing experienced.
