Some Helpful Advice
Some important things for first time horsebox drivers
Plan Your Journey
When planning your journey, it is essential to prioritize your horse's comfort by choosing wider roads. While satellite navigation systems can be beneficial, they may occasionally direct you to narrow country lanes that can be challenging to navigate and pose a risk of damage to our horsebox.
By opting for major routes, you can ensure a smoother, more comfortable and safer travel experience for both you and your horse.
It is also useful to plan suitable places to stop en route to allow your horse time outside of the horsebox on a longer journey, too.
Equine Welfare
When planning longer journeys with your horse, it's essential to schedule regular stops. These breaks allow your horse to rest, stretch their legs, and hydrate, especially in warmer weather. To ensure the stall is well-ventilated, use the remotely-operated temperature control in the cab.
If high temperatures are expected, consider travelling early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler.
You might also want to consider using calming horse supplements for longer journeys.
And finally, always remember to travel with your Horse Passport. It is a legal requirement.
Advice For Drivers
The payload of our horsebox is around 1100kg in total. This means that the total weight it can legally and safely carry must be lower than this. Take into account weight of driver and passenger(s), your horse, fuel, hay, tack & equipment, too.
Distribute weight evenly and secure all your equipment. The heavier the total load, the more it will reflect in your ability to handle and control the horsebox, reduce acceleration and increase fuel consumption, too.
Always think ahead, accelerate slowly and smoothly, ensure you give yourself plenty of braking space between you and the car in front. Take care when going round corners, give yourself a little extra space and keep it smooth and slow.
Some people like to think of trying to drive with a fish bowl on the dashboard and not spilling any water from it. Use this approach and you should be fine and your horse will be much less concerned throughout the journey.
Remember that the speed limit for a 3.5T horsebox is 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on both dual carriageways AND motorways.
