Do i have a 2 horse or 3 pony box or a 2 horse ?

Gingerwitch

Gingerwitch

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Me again - just back from a very long day looking at horse box's. I have the choice of going for a traditional horse part with 3 loading sideways herringbone partitions- bit worried about being overweight if i travel 3 as mine are a big 17 hh and a thorougbred 15.2 and if I took one of my friends all theirs are 16.2 to 17.2.

Or do i spec the box for just two - and have a side ramp and them travelling facing towards the rear?

Plus points on the 3 way system - easier re-sale, the normal,
Minum points on the 3 way system - could end up being overloaded, could be used as a taxi service.

Plus points on the 2 way system - fantastic horse area, wont be able to overload - apparantly horses get a better journey as they are able to use thier bums when you break.

Minus points on the 2 way system - limited re-sale ? your opinions definatley appreciated on this, cant take friends unless i only take one of mine.

let me have your opinions cheers
 
I would say resale on a 2 horse box is now much higher than a 3 horse as they can be driven by pretty much anyone.

When I buy my box then I'm buying a 2
smile.gif
 
Scotsmare - sorry should have added i am having a 7.5 tonne chassis so will not fall into the "anyone to drive" catorgory. Have looked at 3.5 tonners and i would be on the limit of the weight most of the time and i really dont want a fine from the nice man at the ministery
 
I would say whatever you want most. dont go buying a horsebox in case you might ferry someone else around. If they want to come then fine. I made that mistake and ended up using the box more to ferry them around that i did myself.
 
Why not have a 3 horse spec so good for reselling but use only one partition and just travel your 2 herringbone. That way they arent as squashed in if they are big, you should be within weight and no giving lifts.
 
You will be hard pushed to stay legal with 3 horses plus living in a 7.5 tonne box .Box typically 5.7 tonnes. 3 16.2 warmbloods 2 tonnes , overloaded!Plus tack plus water etc.
Dont worry too much about giving friends a lift, for petrol money,VOSA arent stupid,they do understand that this is reasonable.Its the livery yard owners offering horse transport they are really after.
 
I agree with Mike, carrying three horses, the water tank and all the stuff you need is highly likely to put you over the limit.
We weighed our box empty (and it's herringboned for three) and it came up as 5.5 tons. With three big horses, the water etc I think it would probably be over weight, plus the difference with two horses against three re diesel used, getting up steep hills etc is huge.
We removed one partition and never travel three unless it's two and the mini shetland..
If you want lots of space for the living/loo/tack etc stick with two facing backwards if poss, whenever we have travelled horses loose like mares and foals, the horses stick thei backsides behind the driver in that corner for balance, so it seems they naturally prefer that arrangement.
Make very certain your partition wall is capable of withstanding the full weight of two horses if you have to brake hard too, many boxes have lightweight builds and could kill the driver in an accident.
 
Gingerwitch, I am in a similar situation as yourself.

The main difference being that I will only be travelling one stallion or a mare and foal.
I really fancy the smaller 2 horse plus decent living with a side ramp so they travel forward or back. However, just made an appointment to see a localish chap and he said he can make them like that but there are reasons he's not keen. Will find out on Thursday.
 
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