Maintaining your Horsebox
It may a wise move if you are planning on competing or travelling with your horse to invest in your own horsebox or trailer. It is possible to hire them, but generally this is a very sensible and worthwhile purchase, otherwise it would be very inconvenient to travel or even take your horse to a vet in the event of an emergency. Most good horse insurance providers will offer an option to include cover for your horse trailer or horsebox and you should compare horse insurance quotes according to whether type of cover is included.
If you have never driven a trailer on the back of your vehicle you should get some practice first before taking your horse on the road, it is very different from driving a car. You will also have to make sure you have all the relevant licenses needed to drive it. When you are on the road you should always remember that even though you are sitting comfortably, your horse is standing in transit. The horse cannot see where you are going or what is up ahead so this means your horse can't prepare for sudden movements. Drive carefully and try to remember to leave extra room when turning a corner. Avoid sudden braking and bear in mind when you are figuring out how much weight your vehicle can tow to add the weight of the horse into your calculations!
Your horsebox is like any other vehicle and will need regular maintenance. A short trip could easily turn into a nightmare if you break down while you are travelling with your horse. This could cause unnecessary distress for your horse, especially, if they are not a good passenger at the best of times.
An all-in-one horsebox will need tax and insurance just the same as a car. You will also want to make sure that you check the tyres, oil and lights often. After each use you should power wash the horsebox or trailer and if the interior floor is made out of wood make sure you check for signs of rotting.
You can buy a horsebox that is used or you can purchase a new one that is customised to your specifications. If your budget is generous you can even choose the furnishings right down to the upholstery in your living area. Safety though is the most important thing to consider; not only the safety of your horse but also yourself and others on the road.
You have to be diligent about regular checks and maintenance of your horsebox or trailer. There are specialist horsebox insurance policies which will vary between providers; it is a good idea to have things like roadside recovery and onward transport included in your budget. Most good equine insurers will have either a separate policy to cover your trailer, or provide this as an additional benefit to an existing horse insurance policy.
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