Dream Horsebox layout/ tips please

[Horsemadlady]

Hello, I’m new to these forums but wanted to ask for tips and ideas when buying a new (used) Horsebox - firstly the long stall or Breast bar style, what are the advantages or disadvantages for each? I’m used to a breast bar or ‘wall’, also the horse can brace against it, is that an outdated concept nowadays?

Then secondly, when kitting out the living area, (for 4.5 - 5.2 tonne) what do fellow horsy folk wish they had/hadn’t done? Is basin and hob essential or a camping hob better? Same with fridge, sleeping and storage, more storage or less? Any tips or experiences would be gladly received, if possible please ?

 

[dottylottie]

mine has a half wall which is fine for me as my tallest is 14.2, and they both appreciate being able to see me in the back with them. tack stored inside which i prefer as i do everything on the box, although i do think an external tack locker that has a door from the inside would be really cool!

i think the biggest thing i can say to look for is ventilation, mine only has 2 windows at the back (further forward than their head) and it gets very warm in summer.

 

[ester]

Long stall= nothing to climb on/over but my 14.2 struggled in a as once eating hay the bulkhead as too far back for him to use to balance (he was a good traveller in everything else and nothing on the camer but always came off hot.

In -not mine- 4.5t use microwave more than hob, hob I think would be mostly for tea. Fridge gets used too, makes a huge difference being able to have a cold drink . Food storage depending on how long you are away for

 

[ester]

mine has a half wall which is fine for me as my tallest is 14.2, and they both appreciate being able to see me in the back with them. tack stored inside which i prefer as i do everything on the box, although i do think an external tack locker that has a door from the inside would be really cool!

i think the biggest thing i can say to look for is ventilation, mine only has 2 windows at the back (further forward than their head) and it gets very warm in summer.

Good point, the fan in the not mine box definitely made a difference this summer

 

[Horsemadlady]

mine has a half wall which is fine for me as my tallest is 14.2, and they both appreciate being able to see me in the back with them. tack stored inside which i prefer as i do everything on the box, although i do think an external tack locker that has a door from the inside would be really cool!

i think the biggest thing i can say to look for is ventilation, mine only has 2 windows at the back (further forward than their head) and it gets very warm in summer.

An excellent point, yes mine was too warm with the two windows open when travelling, thank you.

 

[j1ffy]

I've got a 4.5T and find the following super-useful, I often do 1-2 night stays in it:
- Fan and multiple windows in horse area (our summers are getting warmer and warmer!)
- Sofa / table that converts into a bed
- Fridge - essential!
- I've got hob and sink and use both pretty much every time I'm away
- Solar panel so you can stay in it for a day or two without hook up. It also trickle feeds the battery when you're not using it
- USB charger plugs that don't need hook-up
- Lots of storage (instead of a bathroom) - I leave my duvet etc, boots, hat, festival trolley, selection of coats, mattress topper (I'm a sleep diva ) in there
- External tack lockers, one on each side

Things I wish I had:
- Microwave, though I'd realistically probably use it 2-3 times per year as the place I go for monthly training has a kitchen we can use (currently I just re-heat dinner on the hob if I need to)
- I prioritised storage over a toilet - if I had a bigger lorry I'd love both!

I've not quite cracked the heating - I have blown-air gas heating which worked well for a while but now keeps cutting out. I've got an electric heater that works well...but only on hook-up as it needs the 3 point plug.

 

[Horsemadlady]

Long stall= nothing to climb on/over but my 14.2 struggled in a as once eating hay the bulkhead as too far back for him to use to balance (he was a good traveller in everything else and nothing on the camer but always came off hot.

In -not mine- 4.5t use microwave more than hob, hob I think would be mostly for tea. Fridge gets used too, makes a huge difference being able to have a cold drink . Food storage depending on how long you are away for

Thank you, re travelling I think that answers my question,

I've got a 4.5T and find the following super-useful, I often do 1-2 night stays in it:
- Fan and multiple windows in horse area (our summers are getting warmer and warmer!)
- Sofa / table that converts into a bed
- Fridge - essential!
- I've got hob and sink and use both pretty much every time I'm away
- Solar panel so you can stay in it for a day or two without hook up. It also trickle feeds the battery when you're not using it
- USB charger plugs that don't need hook-up
- Lots of storage (instead of a bathroom) - I leave my duvet etc, boots, hat, festival trolley, selection of coats, mattress topper (I'm a sleep diva ) in there
- External tack lockers, one on each side

Things I wish I had:
- Microwave, though I'd realistically probably use it 2-3 times per year as the place I go for monthly training has a kitchen we can use (currently I just re-heat dinner on the hob if I need to)
- I prioritised storage over a toilet - if I had a bigger lorry I'd love both!

I've not quite cracked the heating - I have blown-air gas heating which worked well for a while but now keeps cutting out. I've got an electric heater that works well...but only on hook-up as it needs the 3 point plug.

thank you, this is really helpful, I hadn’t thought of microwave, but yes, storage and usb port are good, I was thinking out for hair straighteners too

 

[j1ffy]

Thank you, re travelling I think that answers my question,

thank you, this is really helpful, I hadn’t thought of microwave, but yes, storage and usb port are good, I was thinking out for hair straighteners too

I barely remember to brush my hair when I’m away with the horse

 

[Exasperated]

Thank you, re travelling I think that answers my question,

thank you, this is really helpful, I hadn’t thought of microwave, but yes, storage and usb port are good, I was thinking out for hair straighteners too

Hair straighteners?!! Gotta be for the horses’ tails, no?

 

[luckyoldme]

I live in a truck all week every week.
I have a microwave a fridge and a bunk.
If I can't get a shower I have an all over wash.
Probably the most important thing I would say is a great boost is a night heater.
Hubby fitted inf to a van we bought and they are brilliant in the winter.
I don't know if they have them in horse box living areas or not ..I should imagine so these days!