Changing direction of travel?

[Ellie.and.Ted]

My horse has travelled in a 7.5-tonne lorry about 3/4 times and with a companion he is well behaved apart from the usual stomping, and we are looking to buy an equi-trek equinox which has horses travelling facing the back instead of side on and I was wondering if any has had any problems with the change of direction in which the horse travels as he can be a bit picky! Also if anyone has any reviews of the equi-trek horseboxes it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I would hire similar a few times to ensure that all is good, it will be a drop in the ocean in cost compared to re-selling a trailer if it doesn't work.

B Fuzzy had only gone in a std trailer facing forward or huge 38ft truck sideways and it took a good half dozen trips out in my rear facing 3.5 to have her totally relaxed in it.

 

[Red-1]

If they are truly sound they adjust to facing a different way. Mine took a few journeys where we had to baby her, but now is an old pro.

I would not buy an Equitrec. If you have a good rummage on Google, you will find plenty of people who have shocking stories of expensive horseboxes that did not do well in the real world, despite coming out of the factory looking spanking.

I looked round the factory and was surprised hw lightweight (in every way) the components were that were supposed to keep my horse safe.

 

[be positive]

I have travelled many horses in various boxes and trailers, generally they seem to adapt fairly well to changes, most recently I moved 2 on a 31/2 hour journey neither had travelled for some time, the big horse had previously gone herringbone in 71/2 ton boxes and a few trips forward, he was fine facing backwards for the first time arriving very relaxed, I think as long as you drive sensibly and give them time to get their balance most will quickly relax and settle to eating.

Equitreks do not get good reviews on here but the one I used a few years ago was lovely to drive and the horse it was used for who was not a great traveller was very happy in it, the box that did my move last month was also an equitrek as already said they had a good journey despite it being their first one for a few years.

 

[Ellie.and.Ted]

Thank you, everyone, for the replies so far!

 

[oldie48]

I've had three horses that had never travelled facing the rear and they all adapted to it very quickly. I found they were initially a bit confused about turning the "opposite" way to what they were used to but quickly got the hang of it, if you have removeable stallion grills I'd take them out until the horse is happy to go in and out OK, then put them in once the horse is in situ. this might not be an issue for you but one of my horses had a big panic with them as it closes down the area significantly. Rose hadto go straight on my 3.5 to travel her home after purchase, she went on OK but came off dripping with sweat despite being given a very careful ride home. The next time she went out, she was fine. A friend has an Equitek and is very happy with it but I have not heard good things generally.