Keeping horses is not a hobby for those on a tight budget. Even if you buy everything second-hand and keep just one horse, the cost can mount up into the thousands in no time at all. On the other hand, if money is no object then you can commit fully to your hobby and even turn it into a business or career.
No matter what entry point you come in at, buying a horsebox is an inevitable part of owning, riding and showing horses. And just like the animal itself, a horsebox represents a considerable financial investment. So to help you make the right decision, our ultimate guide to buying a horsebox takes you through the process and what you need to consider before you part with your cash. It’s time to sit down and plan what could be one of the biggest purchases you’ve ever made!
What are your key motivators?
Buying a horsebox is akin to a game of ‘Guess Who’. To start with, we have an array of options to choose from. By defining our key motivators before we start, we can narrow down our search and remove all of those options that don’t tick all the right boxes. So you’ll need to consider:
Why you’re buying the box?
What you’ll use it for?
How often you’ll use it?
How much you can afford?
Whether you want a towed or motorised box.
Storage and security.
Your licence categories.
Whether you’re an amateur or professional rider.
If you intend to travel abroad with your horses.
Maintenance and upkeep.
Horsebox Insurance.
The potential resale value.
You’ll notice that your budget is only a single consideration in this list. You’ll need to think about the long-term financial cost as well as the initial outlay, but like any major investment you’ll also need to look at a number of other factors too. Don’t be mesmerised by cost and nothing else – there’s a lot more to consider than just the price!
Hobbyist or professional?
To kick things off, we should first look at your motivation for buying a horsebox. Are you a ‘happy amateur’ planning to simply attend a few local shows or meets, or are you a serious rider who will be travelling around the country and even abroad? How you intend to use your horsebox is a big motivator when considering which one to buy. While it might be nice to go for the full luxury of a motorised box with separate tack storage area and a sleeping cabin for you as well as your horse, if you’re just taking your pony to the local gymkhana or to the vets, it’s going to be an expensive indulgence.
However, if you’re serious about your hobby and perhaps even intend to turn it into a profession, (and if you can afford the initial outlay) then investing in something more substantial is a smart move, especially if a bargain rears its head.
So, if we put aside the question of price at this point, when you’re looking at the ‘why’ of buying a horsebox, ask yourself:
What do I want (motorised or towed?)
What is practical for my requirements?
Do I need to future-proof my investment by making a larger purchase now so that it’ll have greater long-term value?
How often will I use the box?
Storage
The next thing to consider before you start going through the classified ads is where you’re going to keep the horsebox. There’s no point paying good money on a horsebox if you then have to store it miles from where it’s actually needed! Also take into account that if you do store your horsebox on someone else’s land, you may have to pay a weekly, monthly or annual storage fee – costs that can quickly mount up.
Unless you’re a professional showjumper, your horsebox is going to spend most of its time parked in one spot. So you’re going to need a location to store your horsebox that is:
Accessible and easy to park in.
Secure enough to deter thieves.
Out of the way so that you don’t have to keep moving the box.
Convenient.
Relatively sheltered from the worst of the elements.
Towed or motorised?
The decision to go for a towed or motorised box will depend on a number of factors:
Budget.
Your driving licence entitlement.
Your intended usage.
Storage space.
A towed horsebox is going to be cheaper and, depending on your licence, will not require you to take an additional driving test. It will also be cheaper to insure and will take up less room. However, it is restrictive in that you will have none of the additional features of a motorised horsebox, and you will also need to ensure that your vehicle is powerful enough to tow the weight of both your horsebox and the contents – including the horses!
Towed boxes – the legal stuff
There are a number of legal considerations to take into account with towed horseboxes or trailers, so don’t think that it’s simply a matter of fitting a towing hitch and away you go. The three deciding factors that dictate what kind of towed horsebox you can use are the weight of your trailer, the weight of your car and the date you passed your driving test.
If you passed your test before January 1997, you are entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8.25 tonnes maximum authorised mass (MAM). The MAM is the weight of a vehicle or trailer, including the maximum load that can be carried safely when it’s on the road. So for horseboxes you will need to take into account the weight of the horse and your tack. The MAM figures for your vehicle are located in the owner’s manual.
Drivers who passed their test after January 1st 1997 can drive vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, or 3,500 kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM. They can also tow a trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as it is no more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, with a combined total weight of 3,500kg.
If you want to tow anything heavier, you have to pass a further test and gain your B+E licence entitlement.
Drivers with a licence issued after January 19th 2013 can tow a small trailer that weighs no more than 750kg. There is the provision to tow a heavier trailer, as long as the combined weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer does not exceed 3,500kg MAM. Any combination heavier than this requires the B+E entitlement on your licence.
Motorised boxes
A motorised horsebox is basically a large van or small lorry that has been adapted or specially made to carry livestock, specifically horses. Very large motorised horseboxes require an HGV licence to drive, but again, depending on when your full driving licence was issued and what categories you have, you should be able to drive a motorised box of up to 3.5 tonnes without having to take another test. Anything above that may require additional training and completing a driving test.
Insurance costs
Motorised boxes are naturally more expensive than towed boxes, as they are road-going vehicles in their own right. This will also affect the insurance costs, as you must have insurance to drive any motorised vehicle on the road. Look for companies that specialise in horsebox insurance to get the best and most comprehensive cover that includes not just the vehicle but also your contents (such as rugs, tack and saddles, and personal possessions), third party liability and even overnight stabling for your animals should your box break down.
Keeping your horsebox secure
Security is probably one of the most important factors, as farmyard and rural theft is becoming a major problem in the UK. Horseboxes have a high resale value, and if you make it easy for the thieves to access your horsebox, they will target it. At the very least there should be a lockable gate between the storage area and any road or track, and the installation of CCTV and alarms is a wise move, especially if you spend a lot of money on a motorised or top-of-the-range towed box. Immobilisers are also a good investment if you cannot afford to install a complete security system, and may in fact help to reduce the cost of your insurance as well.
One of the security systems recommended by organisations including the Police is Datatagging. While it might be easy for thieves to change the appearance of a horsebox, the microtransponders used in datatagging and the Datadot® microdot system means it’s impossible to disguise the true identity. The Datatag system for trailers now even includes DataDNA, a unique chemical DNA solution that comes as paint, lacquer, glue, liquid, powder, grease, oil and a spray system that can be applied to trailers. It carries a unique code and is almost impossible to remove.
Travelling abroad – the essentials
If you’re planning to take your horsebox abroad, you will need to ensure that you conform with not just UK legislation, but that of the country you are visiting. You’ll also need to consider what paperwork you need, what insurance you need to travel outside the UK with a horsebox (whether towed or motorised), and how you’re going to get to your destination.
Paperwork
Your horse will already have a ‘horse passport’. However, if you are travelling abroad, as well as the relevant documentation for your animal, you will also need to ensure that you can drive your horsebox on the continent on your current insurance cover. You may need to add European cover, as well as ensuring that your horsebox and vehicle is carrying all the correct emergency equipment. Keep all of your documentation for your animals and your horsebox in a safe place.
Taking your horsebox on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle trains
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle can now transport domestic horses on its single deck passenger shuttles. However, there are strict regulations, particularly concerning ventilation, which must be followed:
Horses must travel in a horse transporter of the appropriate standard.
The ventilation system must be capable of ensuring even distribution throughout with a minimum airflow of nominal capacity of 60 m3/h/KN of payload.
Ventilation system must be capable of operating for at least 4 hours, independently of the vehicle engine.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle can only accept vehicles in possession of a valid Road Vehicle & Container Certificate (or equivalent issued by other member states) providing evidence that the vehicle has been approved under article 18 (2) of Council Regulation EC 1/2005 or documentation from the vehicle manufacturer confirming the capacity of the ventilation system.
Travel on the Eurotunnel must be booked in advance with an approved company. Go to the Eurotunnel website for more details.
Travelling by ferry
You can take your horsebox across the sea by ferry (both to the continent and to Ireland), but most ferries will not allow you to book a ticket for a passenger fare, and you will need to book via their freight department instead. During rough weather, ferries may refuse to allow horseboxes to embark, so bear this in mind when travelling, especially during the autumn and winter months.
The animal’s comfort
Whether you’re heading a few miles up the road to a local event, taking your horse to the vet or farrier, or travelling abroad for an international competition, there is one overriding consideration to take into account, and that is your horse’s comfort and safety. When choosing a horsebox you need to make sure that:
It is big enough to accommodate your horse(s) in complete comfort – this is the #1 mistake that people make when buying a horsebox, so check and double check that the horsebox is big enough for your animals.
It is strong enough to take the weight of your horse (check in particular the chassis, the integrity of the ramp and the floor of the box.)
There is a solid partition between the driver and the horse (motorised vehicles) to stop the animal crashing into the cab in the event of an accident or extreme braking.
You check which direction the horses will face when travelling.
There is enough ventilation.
You can get the horse(s) out quickly in the event of an emergency.
There is enough internal height so the horse doesn’t feel cramped.
There are no sharp edges that could hurt the animal.
The animal’s comfort and safety is paramount. As Darren from Thorpe Horseboxes explains: “The horsebox must be checked to ensure it is structurally sound for the horse’s use. As well as this, the chassis must be mechanically sound and suitable for the task. One of the commonest mistakes is not checking the structure of the box such as floors, ramps, walls or measuring the internal size to make sure the horse will fit!”
New or second-hand?
This is one of the biggest questions you need to consider when buying a horsebox – do you save some money (hopefully) and go for a second-hand or used box, or buy brand new?
One of the commonest mistakes people make when choosing a horsebox is that they go for the one that looks ‘pretty’ or ‘nice’. But remember that this has to be a practical vehicle that serves a specific purpose. In this instance, looks aren’t everything! And if you’re buying a motorised box but don’t know much about mechanics, take someone who does with you to examine the box before you buy. As Emma from horsebox specialists JSW Coachbuilders says: “Take a mechanic every time, and look hard and long at it, or take it to a manufacturer to value and inspect it if you’re unsure!”
Buying New – The Pros and cons
Pros:
You have the peace of mind of a manufacturer’s warranty.
The box will be in pristine condition with no damage or underlying faults.
You have a point of sale that you can go back to in the event of any problems.
There will be no outstanding finance on the box.
You don’t have the worry that it will be a ‘cut and shunt’ or crash-repaired vehicle.
Cons:
You’ll be paying top money for the box.
It will be very attractive to thieves.
Insurance costs for a new box may be higher and include some provisos (such as fitting immobilisers, alarms etc.)
Buying second-hand – the Pros and Cons
Pros:
A second-hand box will be considerably cheaper than a new one, so you get more for your money.
It will be cheaper to insure.
It will be less attractive to thieves.
There are no long-term finance fees to pay.
Cons:
You may end up with a sub-standard vehicle.
There may be outstanding finance on the box that could result in it being repossessed by a finance company if payments are not met.
At the very worst it could actually be dangerous to both you and your animal, especially if it’s a ‘cut and shunt’ (where two vehicles have been welded together.)
It has less value if you want to sell it on.
Top tips – things to look for when buying a second-hand horsebox
Towed boxes are usually custom-made specifically for horses, but motorised horseboxes may have had a previous life as an entirely different vehicle. A top tip from Juls Ekin at Alexanders Horseboxes is: “You need to look at the chassis the box is built on. What was it before the horsebox conversion, and does it have a history? You can find out by checking the chassis numbers to ensure the conversion hasn’t been built on an accident-damaged vehicle. Some insurance companies won’t provide cover, making them unsaleable, and leaving you stuck with an uninsurable and potentially dangerous vehicle.”
So if you’re looking for a second-hand horsebox, here are 10 top tips to help you:
Is there any outstanding finance on the vehicle? You can check by going to www.hpicheck.com and running an HPI check. This will also give you a background history on the vehicle, including any reported accidents or even if it has been written off by an insurance company before (this could make it uninsurable).
Check the make of the chassis. Names that have a reputation for building tough, long-lasting chassis include Mercedes, DAF, MAN and Iveco.
Don’t worry too much about ‘high mileage’ – most motorised horseboxes will be diesel engines and these are incredibly robust. Even a box that’s done over 100,000 miles already is still likely to have plenty of life left in it for at least another 100,000 miles!
If you’re not well versed in engine mechanics, take a friend who is. Alternatively, ask a professional commercial vehicle expert to give the box a once-over.
Check that the chassis and engine numbers on the vehicle correspond to those quoted on the paperwork. Where possible, ask to see a full service history.
Don’t underestimate the size of the vehicle you need – remember that the animal’s safety and comfort are paramount.
Check the condition of key elements of the box, such as the ramp, floor integrity. Also check for any rust or corrosion around joints in the chassis, the braking system and air lines, and electrics (including internal lighting).
Check the designated maximum payload of the box (this will be specified in an owner’s manual) and that you have the appropriate licence entitlement.
Don’t forget about living accommodation, especially if you intend to travel abroad or spend long periods attending events and shows.
Don’t be dazzled by a ‘pretty’ horsebox or a bargain price! The key elements are safety and practicality.
Top tips – things to look for when buying a new horsebox
New horseboxes are a very different buying experience, but even here there are aspects of the process that you need to consider carefully before you sign on the dotted line. Here are your top 10 tips for buying a new horsebox:
Set a budget and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to stretch yourself beyond your financial means, but don’t skimp on the size to stay in budget and still buy new. If you need a larger horsebox and cannot afford a brand new one, then you may have to settle for a second-hand model. So be flexible in your expectations.
Check the small print! If you’re signing a finance agreement, check it thoroughly before you commit.
Check the warranty. What does it cover? And is it a manufacturer’s or a retailer’s warranty? Some manufacturer’s warranty will be fully comprehensive, while others may have ‘get out clauses’ that could leave you with a hefty bill. Others may ask you to pay a percentage of repair costs up front, which again could be very expensive, especially for damage caused by the animal or mechanical issues.
If you are buying a motorised horsebox, check that you have the correct licence categories first before parting with your cash.
The weight of your lorry and whether you use it privately or as a commercial operation, has a major impact on how you can use it. You may need to apply for an operator’s licence if you use a vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tonnes (the maximum combined weight of vehicle and load) for carrying any kind of goods or livestock in connection with a business.
If you have the money then think about a few useful add-ons, such as a remote tyre pressure monitor in the cab, alarms and immobilisers.
Check that you will be able to get the correct insurance cover for you, your animals (in transit) and the vehicle. A must-have is breakdown cover that provides overnight or emergency stabling for your horses and hotel accommodation for you if you break down far from home.
Think about storage before you buy your vehicle, and make sure that the location is secure.
Always take a motorised vehicle for a test drive (this applies to second-hand vehicles too), to make sure you feel comfortable driving it. If you’re buying a hitched trailer and have never towed before, consider getting some professional training to ensure the safety of you, your horses, and other road users.
As with all major purchases, shop around! Check in respected publications like Horse and Hound for recommended outlets, and always try to buy the best quality horsebox you can afford. Remember, this isn’t just a purchase – it’s an investment. And a better quality box will have a greater resale value later on.
One final tip from the experts:
Always ensure that your essential kit includes a fire extinguisher. This can make a massive difference to the safety of both passengers and the animals in the event of a fire. Horses will instinctively panic if they smell smoke, so to keep the situation under control make sure you have a fire extinguisher (and that it’s checked regularly) on board at all times.
Contacts:
Looking to buy a horsebox? Here is a selection of companies to contact:
JSW Coachbuilders Ltd & JSW Trailers
Info@jswhorseboxes.co.uk
01609 772 449
Thorpe Horseboxes Ltd
www.thorpehorseboxes.com
01255 862411
Equihunter Horseboxes Ltd
www.equihunter.com
0790 481 8389
Oakland Coachbuilders Ltd
www.oaklandcoachbuilders.co.uk
01299 896754
Team Tristar (UK) Ltd
www.tristarhorseboxes.co.uk
01570 422250
Alexanders Horseboxes
www.alexandershorseboxes.co.uk
01423 325800
Resources:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/archives/how-to-buy-a-second-hand-horsebox-312341
http://www.bhs.org.uk/~/media/BHS/Files/PDF%20Documents/VOSA%20Horsebox%20Guide.ashx
http://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/blog/towing-the-line-rules-of-the-road-for-caravans-horseboxes-and-trailers
http://www.jswhorseboxes.co.uk/transport/horseboxes/custom-built-horseboxes
http://www.horsedeals.co.uk/horseboxes-and-trailers/2015/1/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-horsebox
http://datatag.co.uk/trailers.php
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