Buying a trailer

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Fizzandfun

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I’m not sure whether to go for it and buy a trailer, or to keep paying for lorry hire.

I had a box for a few years which I hardly used due to lockdown. I sold it and tbh, I wasn’t overly confident driving it.

When we go out now, I hire a lorry which is lovely but it’s getting expensive. In the short term I’m happy to carry on but it’s not a long term solution given that we go out at least 3-4 times a month and would do more if we could.

I don’t have the budget for a 3.5 lorry as much as I’d love one so wonder if I should look at a trailer again. My concern is that I buy one and then don’t take it out because I don’t feel confident enough 🙈
 
Just to add, I had some coaching the first time around (I’m old enough that I don’t need to sit a test) and found it helpful but it’s different when it’s just you and pony and you’re on your own.
 
Fizzandfun said:
I’m not sure whether to go for it and buy a trailer, or to keep paying for lorry hire.

I had a box for a few years which I hardly used due to lockdown. I sold it and tbh, I wasn’t overly confident driving it.

When we go out now, I hire a lorry which is lovely but it’s getting expensive. In the short term I’m happy to carry on but it’s not a long term solution given that we go out at least 3-4 times a month and would do more if we could.

I don’t have the budget for a 3.5 lorry as much as I’d love one so wonder if I should look at a trailer again. My concern is that I buy one and then don’t take it out because I don’t feel confident enough 🙈
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I know how you feel, I much preferred driving a lorry but like you can't afford a 3.5 tonne! I guess it depends how often you go out...

I do have a trailer and to be honest the more you tow it the better, it does get easier. I had some lessons with a towing school which helped.

You can hire trailers by the month too, I wish Id know that before I bought one! You can also hire long term horseboxes or trailers from here: https://ukhorsetrailers.com/trailer-horsebox-hire/

A couple of people on my yard have trailers on long term hire from them x
 
I just sold my trailer as whilst towing it was fine, being out and about on my own with my horse (albeit he is 17.2 and 4yo) was too much for me by myself and I found I was worried about doing it and thus didn't use it as much as I'd like. I would say hire one for 3 months and see how you get on.

If you are in Sussex, Equinity also hire trailers and are fab (you can also hire those by the day for like £40)
 
I have a 3.5t now as the horses prefer it, but i actually prefer towing!! i was much more confident and could reverse it into any gap, it’s like i’m on my first driving lesson trying to reverse this damn thing in a straight line😂
 
dottylottie said:
I have a 3.5t now as the horses prefer it, but i actually prefer towing!! i was much more confident and could reverse it into any gap, it’s like i’m on my first driving lesson trying to reverse this damn thing in a straight line😂
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Same, my trailer reversing ability is actually something I'm really proud of! I can reverse it anywhere.

OP - I think seeing if you can get something on a short term hire is a great idea to build up your confidence. Once you crack it you won't look back, I promise! If you have a horse who is easy and enjoyable to take out, it makes no difference if that's a trailer or a lorry for me.
 
I'm debating selling my 3.5 ton and going back to a trailer. I still have my 4x4 so seems daft not to be using it.
With trailer driving, just hitch up and set off (without horse) and keep using it until it becomes second nature.
 
I have a 4x4 too so no excuse really!

On the issue of whether horse travels well… she is prone to rearing when leaving the yard. We have to literally jump in a go as any standing around and she gets so frustrated. Once moving, she’s fine but that going up at the start worries me. According to her three previous owners, she travelled well in a box with them.
 
Fizzandfun said:
I have a 4x4 too so no excuse really!

On the issue of whether horse travels well… she is prone to rearing when leaving the yard. We have to literally jump in a go as any standing around and she gets so frustrated. Once moving, she’s fine but that going up at the start worries me. According to her three previous owners, she travelled well in a box with them.
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Just a thought, does yours travel in a trailer with partitions?
If mine is travelling alone, I take out the partitions and use full width breast bars instead. 5 minute job to swop tgem about.
She can stand how she likes and I don't even know she's there, same for my youngster.
If you already have the 4×4 try as above, hire for a bit and see how you get on.
Good luck
 
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