Horseboxes - transit van conversions?

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MyBoyChe

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Does anyone have one of these and could you share your thoughts please. I think they would suit my needs but have I overlooked anything. Basically I just need a small lorry to take my 14.2 Highland out to better hacking spots and my grandkids pony to little local shows, dont need living. Space for turning round is very limited at our yard so these look ideal. Ive seen a couple advertised and they do look quite nice, Im a bit dubious about being able to fit 2 x 16hd horses in there as they say you can, but my horses are 14.2 and 12hds so should be OK. Is there anything specific I should be aware of when going to look at them or anything I need to be aware of?
 
Just purchased one and had one 16.2 and 16hh in at the wknd, they are thoroughbreds but there is plenty of room for two, even pic to prove it!
I got mine made with minimal add on's to keep the weight low
Loading needs practice to perfect the turn and in still getting used to all the little noises etc but apart from that so far it's great and v easy to drive and park!
 
I have one and love it, but would only take two horses in absolute emergency. I have a good payload and would be well overweight with two horses and all the kit and caboodle even if they were emaciated. Just because they are stalled for 2 and can fit 2 16hh's doesn't mean they can legally take them which is the problem most people make. You would need to take it to a weighbridge with the highland on board as well as fuel, any passengers, tack, etc, and then figure out how much you have left for the pony, as well as how much the pony weighs.
 
Also make sure there is a full and solid barrier where the horses are tethered to prevent them jumping up and over a breech bar and into a small space (horrific stories and pics etc of this happening so one to avoid!)

If I could get away with having one, I would, but with a 17.2 hh Shire X as one of our herd, it's a 4 x 4 and a large trailer for us!
 
Thanks all, useful pointers. We just have such an odd shaped yard that every time I want to use my trailer I have to ask people to park in odd places and someone else has to move a lorry. I could easily navigate around them with a large van so these look like a viable alternative.
 
I've had mine over three years and love it. Have travelled all sort of horses in it and all have travelled well.
I went to a guy with a good record for converting them so i knew everything would be safe.
I personally wouldnt travel two horses in mine due to the weight limit but two ponies would prob be ok.
Its helped people move house, been abroad many times for hubbies buisiness, taken us to the IOM TT, has done all sorts and fits on my drive :D
 
I find my great for my cob. I have the double original doors work van style doors at the back as do many so if they did jump over you'd open the back doors and they'd be able to get out.
I have a camera and my cob travels really well in it, you get different heights of breast barrier although mine tends to rest his bum behind the front seat so then doesn't have head hanging over breast barrier as I'd like. There is a knack to getting them loaded! And they need to be a willing partner, otherwise they seem to not fit or end up out of the van before you bring partition over. Must be triple harder to get the horse closest to the ramp to do that but I think if you have a confident amenable pony it prob be fine. I've used mine to sleep in loads and is easy to take to supermarkets etc. Lots of windows and vents was something i was advised about when got mine. Only problem I've found is a few people parking next to me so I can load up, luckily this has not happened when alone. They are generally better weight carriers to the traditional looking Horseboxes but very important to have weigh bridge and remember diesel weight (I always fill a good whack so won't have to fill up with horse) and water and such like. Two horses and nothing else maybe ok depending on their weight but I imagine impossible struggle to get under weight if kit for two and two humans.. But haven't done so don't know. Best wishes, Hannah
 
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