Which large horse trailer would you buy? (For 17.2)

[LouisCat]

As above really!

I'm in the market for a brand new trailer (yippee ?)
It has to be one for 17.2hh not 16.2hh and it has to be a "normal" forward facing.

The obvious option is just to go with an ifor 511 but I've heard dodgy comments about the build quality of them?
What are my other options? I've seen the Nugent Spirit 25 but it's hard to find reviews. I really like the idea of Cheval with their better suspension but I can't seem to see a larger size one than standard 16.2 size unless I'm just missing the obvious?!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Have a look at the new Ifor HBX511s, they are really nice and would take a 17.2hh.

Ifor build quality and sturdiness is way higher than that of the Chevals.

Nugents do indeed look good on paper, but I've never seen one for real.

 

[lottiepony]

I've actually just changed my Ifor 510... for a slighter newer 510 lol! I've also heard a few negative comments about the 511's so thought I'd stick with the older version as I've never had a problem with mine. Latest one is slightly improved with sliding side windows and a few other cosmetic things. It's technically old but it's just had a full service done so is fit and ready to go. I always get mine serviced every year, I have to be confident that what I use is safe and fit for purpose.
I only changed as on my original one 2 panels were starting to soften at the bottom so next year I would have to get them changed which is quite labour costly (if you can't do it yourself) so figured I'd upgrade now whilst it still holds a fair value.

Size wise they seem to easily take the bigger horses. Recently moved a friends horse who must of been pushing 18hh and to be fair he easily fitted and travelled well in it.

Very jealous that you can go brand new! Lucky you!!

 

[Polos Mum]

Similar to above. I have a 510 that don't have the build quality / leaking issues of the 511. I've spent tonnes on it over the years, new ramps, new panels etc - in fact there's probably not that much left of the original trailer !!

That take 2 x 17.2 no bother plenty of space for them both and headroom. Even if I had the ££'s I'd hesitate before upgrading to the 511

Maybe go and speak to your local Ifor dealer and see if they can give you an honest and sensible answer as to whether the issues have been addressed in brand new models.

 

[Laurac13]

Another vote for the 510 ifor Used to own one fantastic roomy steady trailer I towed 2 17+ in it with a 4x4 Land Rover and it had plenty of room

 

[Tiddlypom]

Well, yes, the Ifor 510 classics are indeed fantastic trailers . I’ve owned mine from new, but they were last manufactured in 2008...

 

[Polos Mum]

Mine was paid in 1997 (you can tell the year by the date stamped in the wheels) I asked the dealer what it was worth the last time it was serviced, because it's almost all been replaced over time (think of Trigger and his broom) they would buy it from me for £2,300 trade in !!!

 

[lottiepony]

Well, yes, the Ifor 510 classics are indeed fantastic trailers . I’ve owned mine from new, but they were last manufactured in 2008...

Lol I 'upgraded' to a Classic, last year of build so yes I bought an oldie but in my opinion a goody I think it's a problem now a days that so called improvements aren't really that! It will be interesting to see how the 511's stand up to the time test.
I do look at the equitreks as my friend had one and that was lovely but again I think you have to be careful on the year of build etc

 

[billylula]

I think the post 2018 511s are really good trailers.

 

[Esmae]

Lol I 'upgraded' to a Classic, last year of build so yes I bought an oldie but in my opinion a goody I think it's a problem now a days that so called improvements aren't really that! It will be interesting to see how the 511's stand up to the time test.
I do look at the equitreks as my friend had one and that was lovely but again I think you have to be careful on the year of build etc

I wouldn't have another Equi trek. Build quality wasn't good and the company were dire to try to deal with. I've had 2 IW's and both were fantastic. I would have another one of those if I was looking for one now.

 

[LEC]

I have a cheval minimax (which I own) and ifor 511 (which I can borrow) for horses who are 16.2hh - 17.2hh.
I hate the Ifor 511s - they are cheap and plastic. My old 510 was 30 years old and absolutely good as gold. But they do a job really well which is shipping the horse round locally and if I am only taking one. I love the minimax but its a big unit and so tends to get used if I am taking two over the Ifor. I have one mare who won't travel with another forwards but is fine herringbone. I had a friend who had a Nugent but had huge issues with it so it went back and was replaced with an Ifor. Surprised me as had only heard good stuff.

I have to say I do love the space the Minimax offers. I have a tack room and I really like the design that herringbone offers but if you only have one horse then you don't need a trailer that big.

 

[LouisCat]

I think the post 2018 511s are really good trailers.

Do you think by now they've sorted some of the quality issues then?

 

[Coblover63]

I have a Richardson Supreme Ultra, 2007 model. It's actual a bit larger than an Ifor 511 and specifically designed for large horses. My 15hh fat cob travels in style in it!!! Lol

 

[dixie]

I’ve never had any issues with my 511 and I’ve had a few 510s too. They are more rattly than my mother Fautras and the Bateson tho.

 

[LouisCat]

Does anyone have much experience of the Bateson trailers?

 

[doodle]

I love my 511 mark 2. I would avoid the initial 511s.

 

[Cortez]

I regularly hauled an 18.1h horse in an Ifor 110, maybe 20 years ago now. He wouldn't load in a lorry without sedation, but always hopped into the 110 with a spring in his step.

 

[emilylou]

We have a Richardson supreme which is lovely and spacious and will carry 2x 17.2. They dont make them anymore but if you can find one secondhand they are a good choice.
actually, a quick search... https://www.horsemart.co.uk/richardson-supreme-ultra-black/Horseboxes-Trailers/607557

 

[Shoei]

I have recently upgraded to a 511HBX and having said I would never touch an Ifor i LOVE it!!! And so does my tricky traveler, loads or room, light and airy, we travelled to BD camp in the blazing heat last week and he wasn't the least bit sweaty... plus I have the awning which is great for stay aways!

 

[scruffyponies]

Does anyone have much experience of the Bateson trailers?

You wouldn't get a 17.2hh in a Bateson. Height might be OK, but not enough length.

 

[Rowreach]

As above really!

I'm in the market for a brand new trailer (yippee ?)
It has to be one for 17.2hh not 16.2hh and it has to be a "normal" forward facing.

The obvious option is just to go with an ifor 511 but I've heard dodgy comments about the build quality of them?
What are my other options? I've seen the Nugent Spirit 25 but it's hard to find reviews. I really like the idea of Cheval with their better suspension but I can't seem to see a larger size one than standard 16.2 size unless I'm just missing the obvious?!

The Nugent Spirit is far far superior in every way to IWs. There's a bit of a delay on production at the moment because of Covid. Nugent are concentrating on making their agricultural models of trailer, but there are a few new ones out at dealerships.

I'm looking at a brand new one right now. I know quite a few people who have them, having had IWs in the past, and they wouldn't go back.

 

[chocolategirl]

I have recently upgraded to a 511HBX and having said I would never touch an Ifor i LOVE it!!! And so does my tricky traveler, loads or room, light and airy, we travelled to BD camp in the blazing heat last week and he wasn't the least bit sweaty... plus I have the awning which is great for stay aways!

I’ve also just got a new hbx511, have only used it twice so far, but seems to tow really well. I’ve had 4 ifors now and have been really happy with all of them. Have also had a Bateson, preferred the Ifor. I was going to get the awning for my new trailer but tbh, I think the price is a bit steep ?I

 

[Shoei]

I agree it is steep! But not as steep as a lorry with the same amount of living

 

[lialls]

Check out the Nugent horse trailers, mine dawfs any Ifors i park next to and makes my 16hh connie X Cob look about 12.2hh.

 

[billylula]

I'd really like an hbx11 with awning! Good to hear people are happy with them!