Horsebox size for 17.2hh?

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Hopeandhorses

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Soon getting my first horse after 20 years. Looking for recommendation's on current models of horse boxes that are comfortable for 17.2hh, preferably 3.5t, otherwise I have to upgrade my licence (which is fine if that’s the only option).
I did a quick google on this but thought it wise to get real life opinion!
Thank you
 
Most 3.5 tonnes have as much room for one big horse as larger boxes. There are lots of considerations with them (and plenty of threads on here if you search). Mine easily took my 17.2 long chap, and used to take a friends 18hh ID. Payload shouldn’t be an issue for just one horse but some are surprisingly low so do check it.
 
Abacus said:
Most 3.5 tonnes have as much room for one big horse as larger boxes. There are lots of considerations with them (and plenty of threads on here if you search). Mine easily took my 17.2 long chap, and used to take a friends 18hh ID. Payload shouldn’t be an issue for just one horse but some are surprisingly low so do check it.
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Thank you. Did a bit of a search on here but it didn’t give a clear result. What payload do you have on your box?
 
I have a 17.2 hh shire x and my 3.5 t van has a payload of 1070kg its an equitrek.
My horses weighs 730kg so with a full tank of fuel , 2 people and tack etc I would be very close to the limit . This is why I choose to use my tailer for him it’s an ifor 511.
 
I'd recommend doing the test for a 7.5t box anyway, its relatively cheap and easy to do. The big advantage is that the market is quite robust for 3.5t boxes so you'll pay a decent price.

Above that size and needing the extra licence, prices aren't as strong and you'll get more for your money.

I have a heavy horse so a 3.5t box was always going to be a struggle on payload. I have a 7.5t box which has over 2t payload and I bought it for £11k (sadly will soon have to sell it because I need to replace my car)
 
OrangeAndLemon said:
I'd recommend doing the test for a 7.5t box anyway, its relatively cheap and easy to do. The big advantage is that the market is quite robust for 3.5t boxes so you'll pay a decent price.

Above that size and needing the extra licence, prices aren't as strong and you'll get more for your money.

I have a heavy horse so a 3.5t box was always going to be a struggle on payload. I have a 7.5t box which has over 2t payload and I bought it for £11k (sadly will soon have to sell it because I need to replace my car)
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The downsides though of a 7.5 tonne is that they always cost more to plate, service and for diesel (plus tyres, brakes etc). And a lot of the older ones with a lot of living have a relatively small payload.

I should have said before though that I meant ‘space for a big horse’ in terms of dimensions more than payload. A tall heavy horse (as in the shire example) may be closer to the limit.

My 3.5 tonne has a payload of 1.1 tonnes which with one person, water, fuel and stuff was ample for my 17.2 who was finely built and no more than 600kg.
 
I have a Bloomfields Professional and my 18hh 4yro has loads of room with the partition out and tons of headroom.
He travels superbly in it.

I had a 7.5t but he wouldn't fit in anything herringbone partitioned as he's too big.
Also most 7.5t lorries have LESS headroom than my 3.5t
 
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