Horsebox help..

[Olliepoppy]

Hi, I'm about to delve into my first horsebox purchase for my 15hh cob. I know nothing about horseboxes! Can anyone give me any hints and tips on what to look for when viewing a potential box? Do I need special insurance? Any pointers on horsebox ownership would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance.

 

[iconique]

First you need to decide the size e.g. 3.5t, upto 7.5t or larger, that will generally depend on what you can drive on your licence. Then have a look according to budget, but remember if you have a 3.5t box much as you can drive it on a car licence put 2 horses in it with you, another person, tack and other kit, you are likely to be overweight!! (get the person selling to take it to the weigh bridge - preferably with you there to check they've left everything in it!) Also this happens often with 7.5t lorries too!

You need to think about configuration, safety (breast bars, door width, tack lockers in horse area or not!!), how your horse loads, what you might want to take with you and what living/storage you need?
Then when you do find what you want, get it professionally checked over as could save you a fortune!! (Floors rot, chassis rot and much more, but engine replacement is also expensive!)

And insurance, yes it needs to be insured but will depend on your age and experience then the cost of the box and what it takes etc. I use Julie Andrews a broker as she has saved me loads on my lorry insurance.
If you aren't sure go and look at a few or even hire one to see how you might get on?

Hope you find what you need? and happy shopping!!

 

[slambid]

Make sure you have tried your horse in a similar style box before you buy one. I know so many people who's horse travels fine in a trailer but hates the sideways/backwards traveling in a waggon and don't find out till the nice new waggon is on the yard. The amount of frustration at realising the horse that once jumped in the trailer to go anywhere now runs a mile at the sight of the waggon is not nice for any one. So try before you buy.
Other than that I think iconique covers the majority