Bought first horsebox (van!) - any advice for first time pony movers?

[redmone]

Hi everyone,

As some of you may know from my update thread last week, we have bought a horsebox - well van!

It's one of those 3.5tn van conversions - side loading, rear facing.

We're really really pleased with it, and husband has spent this weekend messing about with it and satisfying himself D) that it's safe for Dolly and Daughter.

So I just wondered if anyone has any tips for a first time pony mover! We've taken Dolly to a few shows, by hiring boxes (with driver) but we've always had help in the past, and in the very near future it'll be just us

One good thing is that so far (touch wood) Dolly has been brilliant at loading (I've loaded and unloaded her a few times on rented boxes) so at least I shouldn't have any worries in that department.

So if you can think of anything really - loading, things to have with us, things to do, driving etc.... might be helpful I'd really appreciate your comments.

You didn't steer me wrong with what to do when buying "daughter's first pony" so I'm hoping you'll help me with "daughter's first horsebox"!!!

Thanks everyone!

I have jelly monkeys and lucozade up for grabs this morning!!!

RM xxx

 

[*hic*]

Take a muck fork and bucket everywhere with you and clear up any droppings that Dolly does outside. It infuriates venue owners to have it left lying htere, and as for those who think it's ok to clean their lorries / trailers out onto the car park words fail me.

Invest in elastic ties for inside and outside, or panic clips for inside. It's a good idea to use a leather headcollar to travel.

Make sure nothing in the horse area is free to move, other than the horse.

Carry extra water and a bucket.

You can get nifty little stoves for about a tenner that run on gas cartridges. Hot drinks are always welome but a little inventiveness can produce a hot picnic with little fuss and expense!

Keep a first aid kit for human and horse, include brandy and chocolate.

 

[redmone]

Take a muck fork and bucket everywhere with you and clear up any droppings that Dolly does outside. It infuriates venue owners to have it left lying htere, and as for those who think it's ok to clean their lorries / trailers out onto the car park words fail me.

Invest in elastic ties for inside and outside, or panic clips for inside. It's a good idea to use a leather headcollar to travel.

Make sure nothing in the horse area is free to move, other than the horse.

Carry extra water and a bucket.

You can get nifty little stoves for about a tenner that run on gas cartridges. Hot drinks are always welome but a little inventiveness can produce a hot picnic with little fuss and expense!

Keep a first aid kit for human and horse, include brandy and chocolate.

Definately agree about the droppings! I can imagine there's nothing ruder than emptying a horsebox onto a car park!!!

Got a leather headcollar. I've heard mixed things about the elastic ties - some people seem to critise them and tell me to stick to bailing string. What do you think?

Going fork and bucket shopping soon! And putting a good first aid kit (and van rescue kit!) together too. Husband has bought a new spare wheel for van, and a puncture repair thingy!

Not thought of the chocolate though!! How could I forget that!!!!!!!

Quick question! How do you clean out your horsebox? (obviously - not onto the venue surface) - do you power wash each time?

Thanks for your help! x

 

[be positive]

If you havent already take it for a drive without the pony so that you feel really confident about the extra width and length, practise reversing you never know when you may end up in a tight spot and need to reverse using the wing mirrors only. With the pony in drive as smoothly as you can, look well ahead and anticipate, other drivers can seem to find horseboxes an annoyance to be pulled out in front of at all costs.
Enjoy having it you will find the freedom great and be prepared for the expense of lots more shows

 

[majors]

Leave plenty of time the first time you go anywhere, as horses always seem to know if you are in a hurry and can play up. I keep a lead rope tied in the lorry so just have to hook it onto the horse. Dont let anyone rush when you are driving go at your speed, and enjoy having your own transport is great I love my lorry

 

[redmone]

If you havent already take it for a drive without the pony so that you feel really confident about the extra width and length, practise reversing you never know when you may end up in a tight spot and need to reverse using the wing mirrors only. With the pony in drive as smoothly as you can, look well ahead and anticipate, other drivers can seem to find horseboxes an annoyance to be pulled out in front of at all costs.
Enjoy having it you will find the freedom great and be prepared for the expense of lots more shows

Husband drove it back from where we bought it - absolutely fine. He drives vans a lot with his work, so he's not at all bothered by the size and feel of them.

Me on the other hand, whilst being quite a confident car driver, have never driven a van. So pooping myself at the very thought!

Husband will be giving me van driving lessons (cue the divorce courts!) before I even think about taking pony out alone.

Husband has also bought me a reversing sensor kit! So much for having faith in me

You'd think other drivers would give you MORE time and room to manouvre wouldn't you! I was shocked at how people were driving around us, on returning home with our van

Thanks for all your help! Yes, I can't wait for us to get out and about.

**tips purse upside down and nothing but receipts for van and pony stuff falls out - sigh**

 

[Shazzababs]

Second what everyone else has said.

I would also add a spare head collar and rope. If you have a moment and yours gets broken then its good to have a spare.

I also have a couple of hi viz jackets. If you breakdown and have to mess around at the side of the road, these can be really useful.

Finally get proper horsebox breakdown and recovery. Its worth its weight in gold when it all goes tits up. Your normal AA\RAC probably won't cover you for getting the horse home.

 

[redmone]

Leave plenty of time the first time you go anywhere, as horses always seem to know if you are in a hurry and can play up. I keep a lead rope tied in the lorry so just have to hook it onto the horse. Dont let anyone rush when you are driving go at your speed, and enjoy having your own transport is great I love my lorry

All good advice!

Thank you!

I'm really excited. We've only hired a horsebox 3 times, and to be honest, I've not enjoyed not being under my own steam. And the waiting for others to finish classes (once we were done at about 2pm and had to wait until 5pm - I'm sure that's nothing to some people, but it drove me MAD! especially as we didn't know the others, and it was raining and we couldn't put Dolly on the box ) and I've not liked loading my car to bursting point and STILL forgetting things! At least I can keep everything we need in there now!

Can't wait to get moving - possibly first trip out next week, but only very very local! To get a feel of things

 

[suestowford]

If you're planning to leave a 'show kit' on the van, be wary. A friend had her lorry stolen with all their show gear in it. Now she takes everything out as it was such a pain to replace everything.

 

[Happytohack]

Drive as if you have a full glass of water in the back and mustn't spill any! Take corners very steadily. If you are on private land, have a go at being the horse in the back when someone else is driving - it's quite an eye-opener!

 

[redmone]

Second what everyone else has said.

I would also add a spare head collar and rope. If you have a moment and yours gets broken then its good to have a spare.

I also have a couple of hi viz jackets. If you breakdown and have to mess around at the side of the road, these can be really useful.

Finally get proper horsebox breakdown and recovery. Its worth its weight in gold when it all goes tits up. Your normal AA\RAC probably won't cover you for getting the horse home.

Spare head collar and lead rope - check! Hi Viz Jackets - check (OH is hi viz mad - part of his job is health and safety! I'm thinking of getting hi viz knickers as a valentines day treat! )

Breakdown and recovery - well we're with the RAC but I want to telephone them to check they will cover the van. And yes, I will be looking into how we can get pony back home. Will price up full recovery definately.

Thanks!

 

[redmone]

If you're planning to leave a 'show kit' on the van, be wary. A friend had her lorry stolen with all their show gear in it. Now she takes everything out as it was such a pain to replace everything.

I was thinking that.

OH has bought a battery immobiliser and is changing the locks on the ramp side to secure it!

I probably will leave some things in there, but tack is kept at the stables so at least it would be less valuable stuff if the worse happened.

That must have been awful for your friend. Wonder if the insurance covered it - bet it didn't!

x

 

[redmone]

Drive as if you have a full glass of water in the back and mustn't spill any! Take corners very steadily. If you are on private land, have a go at being the horse in the back when someone else is driving - it's quite an eye-opener!

That's a very good idea.

I will do that. Definately.

Thank you x

 

[dunkley]

I always remove poos when we get home. It's rubber matted, so usually only put bedding in if it's a long trip - then take it all out afterwards. It's easy enough to remove the poo, and bucket out that area. I generally only get the hosepipe out if they wee, as horse urine is unbelievably corrosive! Gets a thorough scrub all through at the beginning of the season, and at the end. I second getting breakdown - RAC may cover it as it's 3.5T, but I had 7.5, and now 12T, and it is a commercial breakdown via insurance company. I have had two blowouts, far from home, and another incident where the wheel did it's best to fall off, and the knowledge that recovery and transport is at the end of a phone is priceless. With the blowouts they just sent a man to change the tyre and get me on my way. I have lorry buckets, lorry grooming kit, and lorry vet kit. Oh, and a fully stocked 'bottle' cupboard! When we go 'on the road', we generally only have to put in tack and horses, and fresh grub! have fun - it is so exciting when you are totally independent

And definitely don't be bullied into going faster than you want. There are some real idiots out there, and when you drive a lorry you see more than most. The biggest problem is other roadusers think you can stop in less than half the time you need. No - not without my horses joining me in the cab A 'plastic policeman' jumped out in front of me once, expecting me to stop in about 30 feet, as he thought "Well, she's not moving very fast" - Idiot! He jumped back pretty quickly when he realised it wasn't going to happen

 

[Cupcakes and Horses]

Second everyone else really, the glass of water is a very good analogy.

In the words of Tim Healy keep it smooth Try to avoid heavy breaking prepare for things (roundabout, junctions, sharp bends etc) well in advance let the weight of the lorry slow you down for them. And when people sit on your bum stuff em!!

Its great being self sufficient

 

[redmone]

I always remove poos when we get home. It's rubber matted, so usually only put bedding in if it's a long trip - then take it all out afterwards. It's easy enough to remove the poo, and bucket out that area. I generally only get the hosepipe out if they wee, as horse urine is unbelievably corrosive! Gets a thorough scrub all through at the beginning of the season, and at the end. I second getting breakdown - RAC may cover it as it's 3.5T, but I had 7.5, and now 12T, and it is a commercial breakdown via insurance company. I have had two blowouts, far from home, and another incident where the wheel did it's best to fall off, and the knowledge that recovery and transport is at the end of a phone is priceless. With the blowouts they just sent a man to change the tyre and get me on my way. I have lorry buckets, lorry grooming kit, and lorry vet kit. Oh, and a fully stocked 'bottle' cupboard! When we go 'on the road', we generally only have to put in tack and horses, and fresh grub! have fun - it is so exciting when you are totally independent

And definitely don't be bullied into going faster than you want. There are some real idiots out there, and when you drive a lorry you see more than most. The biggest problem is other roadusers think you can stop in less than half the time you need. No - not without my horses joining me in the cab A 'plastic policeman' jumped out in front of me once, expecting me to stop in about 30 feet, as he thought "Well, she's not moving very fast" - Idiot! He jumped back pretty quickly when he realised it wasn't going to happen

Thanks for the cleaning info! Stupid as it sounds, I've never had to do that bit (kind people we hired from did it!)!!!

No chance we'll let ourselves be bullied. I'll let husband do the driving until I'm confident driving the van without pony, and then I might just have a go on a quiet early morning!!!

I can't believe how stupid some roadusers are sometimes. I had a situation the other week when I could see a HGV coming towards me on a very small lane, and between my car the the HGV was a girl on a horse that was losing the plot at the HGV. It was spinning and rearing - she sat VERY well and was handling it great. I stopped a good distance back - thinking girl doesn't need me adding to the mix and HGV needs space to get around in due course. Impatient numpty in car behind me starts to try to overtake me!!! Where were they going????? Can't even say they couldn't see what was happening in front - they just wanted through!

Well I just pulled across the lane and blocked the road!! They weren't happy with me, but tough cheese! Girl safely moved horsey onto grass verge and HGV got past and we were all safely on our merry way - in less than 5 minutes.

I sometimes wonder where people have to get to in such a hurry! As someone said above, leave more time for your journey if it's that important!!!

 

[blood_magik]

keep a spare turnout rug incase you break down and pony has to live out until you can get her/him home

 

[redmone]

Second everyone else really, the glass of water is a very good analogy.

In the words of Tim Healy keep it smooth Try to avoid heavy breaking prepare for things (roundabout, junctions, sharp bends etc) well in advance let the weight of the lorry slow you down for them. And when people sit on your bum stuff em!!

Its great being self sufficient

Definately!

I suppose I'm a bit of a control freak and like going at my speed (that goes for driving and horses!!).

Can't wait!!! Dolly and Daughter to the beach this summer!!!

 

[redmone]

keep a spare turnout rug incase you break down and pony has to live out until you can get her/him home

Live out where though!!!

 

[blood_magik]

Live out where though!!!

Well, it could be that pony gets chucked into a field on emergency livery until you can arrange transport home

Hopefully it will never happen but you never know
Have you got recovery for your pony?

We broke down several times when we first got our lorry and I was so glad we didn't have the horse with us because we were stranded on the m6 between Carlisle and Scotland in that awful wind.


My dad jet washes the back out - I'm assuming we'll do this every month or so (only got our lorry in november and it's been sat at the yard because I haven't sat my test yet and our chauffeur (DAD) is back in Dubai) - and we poop scoop when we get back from somewhere. I keep a poop scoop in the spare partition along with spare buckets and his t/o rug.

Enjoy your new box - and make sure you take lots of pictures of Dolly and your daughter at the beach

 

[Nevergrewup]

My 3.5 is insured for breakdown with NFU - they've been great about call outs.

I had breakdown guys out several times for a flat battery as my alarm and immobiliser were running it flat as it stood on the yard. You might need to ask your OH to fit an iscolator (mine cost about £100 to get a local guy to do it) as I've had no problems since then - vans are basically cars not lorries and don't like being left standing for long periods with stuff draining their battery. A solar battery charger can help too.

Mine gets bottomed twice a year with power washer etc (don't blast any graphics as you could rip them off) then just a good brush out + swill with water if there's a lot of wee after every trip. I also use the 6 month main wash to thoroughly check lights, tyres, oil etc., as you should do before every journey really.

In addition to all the stuff mentioned in the above posts, I also always pack - warning triangle, fire extinguisher, sweat scraper, spare NZ (for showers + just in case if he has to spend the night at another yard due to a breakdown), cooler rug, several torches, deicer, WD40 for sticky ramps, locks etc., bailer band, fly spray, apple juice to bribe him to drink water away from home and all the usual car stuff like backup printed atlas, tissues, sunglasses etc.

 

[Lolo]

From my PC days, the things mum always had in the lorry were:

-grooming kit with plaiting bands, body brush, dandy brush, sponge, stain remover, mane comb and hoof oil in that lived on the lorry and came off it on pain of death.
-a bucket with a sweat scraper and sponge in
-spare clothes: knickers, socks, jods, shirt and dark jumper in case of sudden downpours/ spillages. Also, jeans and a hoodie lived on the lorry. And a plain hat silk.
-a whip, a plain numnah and a stirrup leather (neck strap, in case of pony playing silly buggers!)
-first aid kit for horses and humans, tissues, chocolate, bottles of water and lucozade. I think mum's pretty confident on any mishap can be solved with a combination of the above!

The stuff listed above is mostly in a nice wooden box and a basket and takes up no room. In the cab we have high viz and the likes and other important stuff, but that's my list of important bits from my PC days that we used every time Other, cleverer, people can do the safety bits

 

[Spottyappy]

Lunge rope essential, to either use and get rid of excess energy,or in case of horse refusing to load. It happens to the most reliable loaders ad there's nowt worse than being unable to get home( happens regularly with one of mine). You can put lunge under bum,needs 2 people- one to lead horse and one to hold end of lunge rope,other end being attached to ramp springs in my case-and hopefully the rope under bum persuades said horse in.
Also,spare money(leave small change hidden somewhere) as you'd be amazed at the ties I have left my purse and only realised once arrived at venue.
Wheel jack,since most lorries dont come equipped with one.
spare parts of bridle,girth stirrup leathers. Leave mine on lorry,as we went out to our first event alone and daughter managed to drop reins,horse trod ob and broke them. We didn't have spare with us,but luckily someone else at the event had and seeing daughters distress,leant us her pair.
Love being self sufficient as we hired for few years,sure you'll enjoy it too.

 

[maree t]

having had a trailer for years we have finally bought our own 3.5 ton.
really really pleased with it, have already done 300 miles in two weeks !!
I am going to stash a knife somewhere for emergencies aswell as the stuff others have said.I need to carry two ponies so I am going to load up and take to a weigh bridge before I add too much extra stuff though.
I have got full horsebox breakdown cover as friend has broken down twice on M25 and I would be beside myself if that happened to us .
Good luck am loving mine. I just got in and drove round and round the local area until I got the hang of it and before loading ponios. Took other half first time BIG mistake, bought him home and set off on my own at my pace, much better.

 

[OWLIE185]

Make sure that you have got breakdown cover from one of the reputable specialist equine companies so that if you do breakdown you are covered to get you and the horse home. Also get the cambelt changed on your new horsebox as this is a good safe precaution as if it' goes then the engine is destroyed.

 

[redmone]

Well, it could be that pony gets chucked into a field on emergency livery until you can arrange transport home

Hopefully it will never happen but you never know
Have you got recovery for your pony?

We broke down several times when we first got our lorry and I was so glad we didn't have the horse with us because we were stranded on the m6 between Carlisle and Scotland in that awful wind.


My dad jet washes the back out - I'm assuming we'll do this every month or so (only got our lorry in november and it's been sat at the yard because I haven't sat my test yet and our chauffeur (DAD) is back in Dubai) - and we poop scoop when we get back from somewhere. I keep a poop scoop in the spare partition along with spare buckets and his t/o rug.

Enjoy your new box - and make sure you take lots of pictures of Dolly and your daughter at the beach

Thanks! I didn't think of that!!!

Sorry for slow reply, work went mad for a few days.

We just don't want to constantly power wash the back out as I'm sure that wouldn't do the floor of the van too much good.

I can't wait for summer now!!

 

[redmone]

My 3.5 is insured for breakdown with NFU - they've been great about call outs.

I had breakdown guys out several times for a flat battery as my alarm and immobiliser were running it flat as it stood on the yard. You might need to ask your OH to fit an iscolator (mine cost about £100 to get a local guy to do it) as I've had no problems since then - vans are basically cars not lorries and don't like being left standing for long periods with stuff draining their battery. A solar battery charger can help too.

Mine gets bottomed twice a year with power washer etc (don't blast any graphics as you could rip them off) then just a good brush out + swill with water if there's a lot of wee after every trip. I also use the 6 month main wash to thoroughly check lights, tyres, oil etc., as you should do before every journey really.

In addition to all the stuff mentioned in the above posts, I also always pack - warning triangle, fire extinguisher, sweat scraper, spare NZ (for showers + just in case if he has to spend the night at another yard due to a breakdown), cooler rug, several torches, deicer, WD40 for sticky ramps, locks etc., bailer band, fly spray, apple juice to bribe him to drink water away from home and all the usual car stuff like backup printed atlas, tissues, sunglasses etc.

Thanks for your advice. All good stuff to have!

Isolator arrived in today's post, as did lockable fuel cap (it didn't already have one ), new spare wheel and cover, reversing sensor (for me ) oh and new birthday numnah for daughter my office looks like a jumble sale!!!

We're putting together a first aid/tool box and fitting a safe. Also MUST remember to take passport with us to place!!!

Think we're going to throw the van into our local garage for a check up too. Can't be too careful......

 

[redmone]

Lunge rope essential, to either use and get rid of excess energy,or in case of horse refusing to load. It happens to the most reliable loaders ad there's nowt worse than being unable to get home( happens regularly with one of mine). You can put lunge under bum,needs 2 people- one to lead horse and one to hold end of lunge rope,other end being attached to ramp springs in my case-and hopefully the rope under bum persuades said horse in.
Also,spare money(leave small change hidden somewhere) as you'd be amazed at the ties I have left my purse and only realised once arrived at venue.
Wheel jack,since most lorries dont come equipped with one.
spare parts of bridle,girth stirrup leathers. Leave mine on lorry,as we went out to our first event alone and daughter managed to drop reins,horse trod ob and broke them. We didn't have spare with us,but luckily someone else at the event had and seeing daughters distress,leant us her pair.
Love being self sufficient as we hired for few years,sure you'll enjoy it too.

Told OH about the lunge rope idea. He thinks thats essential definately. We didn't think of that.

Spare money - good idea. But have no spare money now!!!

And there's a jack under the passenger seat, so we're good with that.

Got spare girth and stirrup leathers, but not reins. Oh, yes actually we have! Will put them with other stuff! Good idea!!

X

 

[redmone]

Make sure that you have got breakdown cover from one of the reputable specialist equine companies so that if you do breakdown you are covered to get you and the horse home. Also get the cambelt changed on your new horsebox as this is a good safe precaution as if it' goes then the engine is destroyed.

Thanks for your advice.

I'm looking into the breakdown cover. A good idea I think.

Cambelt was done in November and I have the receipt, so all good there, but good point anyway.