Travelling without partition, anyone tried it, is it safe?

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I'm talking about either in a trailer, or in my case the Ifor Williams container which I've got on a sprinter chassis.

I'm thinking of changing the box in the long run for something with more headroom but for now, want to try Cat with just the breastbar. He's a bit choosy about loading and we were having a practice yestereday and he seemed to prefer the partition out.

For those that have tried it, any tips/comments?
 
is it legal? i know people do, but
im positive i read somewhere that it was legal to travel a horse sans partition without shoes, but illegal with shoes.
cant remember where i read it although i did look for it a while back.
 
I travel my pony cross- tied with no partition in my trailer. It's the only way, she almost killed herself (and us!) last time we traveled her with one in.
 
I always travel mine with no partition as she kicks so much if there is one in. I havent had any troube as she can brace her legs really well and there is never any movment from her.
 
I never used a partition in my trailers, I only have one horse and they seem much happier with a bit more room but Im not sure I would in a small wagon. Im probably talking complete rubbish but a trailer seems much lower to the floor that the wagons especially the smaller 2 horse forward facing ones like the IW containers. I would be concerned about the stability if the horse became upset. I'd be fine with the Renault Master type box as they seem low.
 
Yes, I have to travel my mare without one as she wont travel with one. We have bought the full length breast and back bars which were about £30 from the Ifor Williams dealer and she travels fine without them. You will have to make sure you tie so that they cannot get turned round or half way round which is even worse. I tie just enough that she can see behind her a bit though.
 
Yep mine travels with no partition in a 3.5ton LDV. He is very happy, never moves, and no it isnt illegal, I got pulled over by livestock inspection who commented on the amount of room he had, but made no comment of it not being allowed, just said it was advisable to travel with one.
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KatB thanks is your container the Ifor W one?

Louby you're not talking rubbish, this was a concern of mine as the trailers are lower to the ground and the small lorries always look top heavy to me. Having said that he and Will travel fine in it I just wouldn't go over 16 hands in one.
 
Nope, mine is a coachbuilt type one. Goddy is 16.2hh and manages fine, They are a bit top heavy, but aslong as you are careful with cornering etc, they are fine. I ahve travelled all over in mine without a prob. May have to look at getting a bigger one soon though as Goddy is outgrowing it
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I travel one of mine without a partition in a Richardson trailer and he travels much better for it - when I had use of a friend's Renault Master though, he was absolutely fine with the partitions still in.
 
Yes, it's legal and yes you need a full width breastbar and yes you need to cross tie. A lot of horses find they need to get themselves arranged across the trailer to travel comfortably, and I think that is why some object to partitions and kick them.
 
i emailed the BHS legal bods to clarify this point and yes, it IS legal to travel a horse loose....
Dear Jessica

Thank you for the e-mail that you sent to my colleague Sheila Hardy. Sheila passed it on to me as transport falls into the welfare department at the BHS. I must also apologise for the slight delay in responding to you. Unfortunately I have not been in the office a great deal this week (lots of meetings following on from the recent events at Amersham) and so I am only now managing to get to grips with my e-mails.

To answer your first question, it is not illegal to travel a horse in a trailer without a partition. Indeed, for larger horses - and those who have trouble balancing when being transported - it can actually be the best and safest option to remove the partition. However, this only applies if a horse is travelling alone. A partition is always necessary to separate two horses when travelling, except mares and young foals.

There is nothing illegal about travelling a horse loose either. HOWEVER, we really would not advise this except in the case of transporting unbroken horses who would find being tied up distressing. For safety's sake we would always suggest that you securely tie up a travelling horse.

I hope that this information answers your questions but please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel I can be of any further assistance. you may also find it useful to contact Defra for further information on the legal requirements of transport. their helpline number is 08459 335577.

Best wishes

Lee
 
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