Transporting horses for charity?

Oberon

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Donated some of Obi's old stuff to the local WHW.

I got to talking to the lady and I asked if they ever needed any help with transport (with my new trailer in mind).

She said sometimes a new loanee didn't have transport and they are not meant to do it themselves for insurance purposes. She said for long distances, they recommend a firm but locally she said it's good to find someone who is willing to give a lift from the farm to the new home.

I am happy to do this for free and I believe that as long as no money changes hands, there is no issue with special insurance.....

Am I wrong?
 
Helps to keep the wheels free and moving, rather than seizing in the field ;).

I don't have the smarts or talent to help WHW in any special way, but I can drive a trailer (forwards at least) :D.
 
No idea about the legalities of it all, but in all honesty how many of us have helped a friend out or delivered a new horse for someone, i can hold my hands up on all counts. I think its a lovely idea, & good on you for offering! Its the kind of thing we would happily do, if we hadnt just sold our trailer.
 
My OH does some driving for charity for a car club. They ask that the insurance company gives consent so he provides a letter. This has never cost him any extra so would advise you tell your insurance company then you know you are covered.
 
It may be worth sending an e-mail to VOSA just to check (if they bother to answer!) given that some of their officers still believe that going to shows is driving for reward. Their download leaflet doesn't cover driving for charity but presumably it would be the same as driving for a friend, as long as there is no expense claim conected to it, or the loanee offers you cash for your time.
 
Sadly you are very wrong indeed.

You need a defra licence to transport other peoples horses.

You also need a CET if under 8 hours or ACET if over 8.

You will need reward and hire insurance even if doing this for free as you are doing not carrying your own horses. Your insurance states your trailer insurance is for your own horses only.

You will need to upgrade your breakdown recovery to trade membership as well.

VOSA will only be interested if you are over 3.5 t combination.
 
Sadly you are very wrong indeed.

You need a defra licence to transport other peoples horses.

I can't find a reference to this on the DEFRA website? Am I missing it?

You also need a CET if under 8 hours

The only reference I can find to this states, "For a journey under 8 hours which involves a vehicle carrying horses in connection with an economic activity (i.e. a business)."

Would it still apply if it's not in connection for economic activity?

You will need reward and hire insurance even if doing this for free as you are doing not carrying your own horses. Your insurance states your trailer insurance is for your own horses only.

You will need to upgrade your breakdown recovery to trade membership as well.

VOSA will only be interested if you are over 3.5 t combination.

Does this still apply enough though it's not for reward, hire or trade use?
 
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