Purchasing a horse trailer, either for the first time or as an upgrade, is a monumental moment in most horse lovers’ lives. A horse trailer symbolizes the opportunity to chase dreams, achieve goals, and make life-long memories with our equine partners, family, and friends. For Ashley Sisco of Carolina Trailer Sales in Pine Hall, N.C., helping facilitate that pivotal moment is the dream job she never expected to stumble into.
Ashley Sisco selects and videos a wide range of trailers for her dealership to meet customers’ needs. Photo by Jessica O’Connor
Unexpected Opportunity
In 2012, Sisco, who was then working as the store manager for a COACH Designer Handbags and Purses location, made the decision to trade in her horse trailer for a larger model while at a horse show. The good rapport she found with the saleswoman who made the deal for her helped lead to another upgrade—and a shockingly unexpected opportunity.
“She told the owner of Shadow Trailers that I needed to be selling them,” Sisco recounts. “He flew me out to tour the plant in Florida and made it clear that he wanted a dealer in North Carolina. I’d always wanted to work in the horse industry, and I was also at a crossroads in life. So I moved to the middle of the state, opened the dealership in May of 2013, and it just escalated to where I am today.”
Personal Touch
The personable entrepreneur keeps a mixed inventory of both new and used horse trailers on her lot to help put every customer into a trailer that checks all their boxes. Sisco insists on offering a quality product, and her honesty in presenting each is just one of the reasons that repeat customers are the norm at Carolina Trailer Sales.
“Over the years, Ashley has helped me buy three different trailers, each time locating exactly what I needed,” says loyal customer Aimee Soyka. “She’s also sold two trailers for me, and each time has made the entire process as stress-free as possible.”
After personally inspecting each consignment or trade, she ensures they receive a professional cleaning and creates a thorough video walk-through of each trailer listed for sale. This extra step has proven to make the buying process much simpler and cements trust in her relationship with clients.
“I purchased my trailer ‘sight unseen,’ aside from a short video and a few pictures Ashley sent me,” says customer Kristi Welke. “It was exactly as described and exactly what I told her I was looking for. She was so easy to work with, and I won’t think twice before purchasing my next trailer through her.”
Industry Trends
Her personal involvement in the horse industry aside, Sisco makes it a point to stay abreast of what consumers are looking for in today’s horse trailer market, as well as taking the time to learn all she can about the trailers she sells and any emerging improvements and technology.
A prime example was her recognition of the need for a weekender bumper-pull model, a trailer designed for ease of use by those who may want to overnight occasionally without needing a large rig. She pitched the concept to KieferBilt Trailers, and one of her most rewarding moments in business followed when a horsewoman from Arizona traveled to her lot to purchase the model.
“Ashley has been an asset to us because she gets out there and uses the product to be able to give accurate feedback to her manufacturers and customers,” explains David Green Jr., owner of KieferBilt Trailers. “She connects well with her customers and is able to communicate with us what they’re wanting so we can build a trailer that better suits the end user.”
Secret Sauce
The secret sauce behind Carolina Trailer Sales’ success, however, lies in Sisco’s focus on building relationships, not just making transactions.
“I always put myself on the other side of the table,” she explains. “I treat people the way I want to be treated.”
Walking into Sisco’s office feels like stepping into someone’s home, a space adorned with vibrant scenes from her own life with horses and cozy western décor, reminders of what could stretch out on the road ahead for those purchasing their own horse trailer.
Sisco’s beloved pets supervise all office paperwork in the cozy space. Photo by Jessica O’Connor
“I sold several last year that were ‘first trailers’ for little girls to start showing,” she recalls with a smile. “It almost brought tears to my eyes, because I remember when my dad got my first trailer for me. I know how that felt, and it’s been great to be a part of that moment with others.”
Sisco’s laid-back, low-pressure approach during sales appointments adds to the inviting atmosphere she’s created at her dealership. By the time the paperwork has been signed (supervised by her two feline and canine companions), most feel they’re leaving the dealership with a new friend.
“She does a phenomenal job with customer service, taking care of people and making them feel good,” says Kyle Kegley, Merhow Trailers’ regional sales manager. “She obviously treats them like family, and she’s very thorough.”
Sisco’s customers tend to agree, as seen in over 100 positive Google reviews for Carolina Trailer Sales.
At the end of the day, Sisco’s ultimate goal is to simply serve the equine industry well, whether that’s through helping customers find the perfect trailer or giving back to local show circuits.
“I love what I do,” she says. “I want to continue to give everyone who walks onto my lot a great experience and keep making dreams come true.”
Follow Ashley Sisco’s business on social media at facebook.com/CarolinaTrailerSales.
This article about Ashley Sisco appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!
