Following on from Horsebox Hire - what would you do?

[Happytohack]

In our search for a horsebox, we went to see one that was totally unfit and unsafe for horses - ramp botched together and the floor was completely rotten. Have now seen same people and horsebox advertised as horse transporters - distance no object. Now clearly this box would never meet any of the requirements listed by RHT in the post below. Question is should I do anything about it?

 

[Kate_13]

I would. I would be devestated if I hired a horsebox and the floor was rotten and my horse fell through it!

However when I hired a horsebox in December, it was brand new and I did look over it first before hiring.

 

[coffeeadict]

The regulations for horse transport is now very strict. Lorries must comply with the 2007 regulations -If they are advertising horse transport they MUST have a T1 or T2 authorisation from DEFRA. (European law - so any horse transporter in Europe must have T1 or T2 from their governing body). There are no exceptions to this. If they are advertising distance no object - then they should have a T2.

Unlicenced hauliers can have their lorry seized by VOSA - so if the lorry exceeds 3.5T they must have an operators licence.

Unfortunately a lot of people are operating illegaly as horse transport companies. They are able to offer much cheaper transport as they don't have to pay fees, they don't have to have vehicle safety checked every 6 weeks etc. etc.

In the case that you mention - as you are concerned that someone else's horses may be put at risk - I would suggest that you contact both DEFRA (to see if they are allowed to transport horses) and VOSA to see if they are legally allowed to offer transport. From what you have described I would doubt if these are a legal horse transport company.