As a first-time proud horse owner, you may well be happy and content to house your older horse in your private fields or within a local pasture. There are, however, many reasons, including for showing purposes, which require a horsebox, and here, to help, is a beginner’s guide to finding the right one for you and your animal.
Establish Your Key Priorities
The most important thing to focus upon is to work out the main reason for you buying a horsebox in the first place is to have clarity when it comes to what you can afford, how often you intend on using it, and, of course, how far you are intending to travel with it.
Some horseboxes offer a basic transportation facility for you and your horse, which is certainly going to be the best choice for shorter and less frequent journeys. Still, you may alternatively be looking for one that is fully equipped with sleeping facilities and a living area.
Furthermore, you need to check you are legally able and insured to drive the size of horsebox you are looking to purchase, as a standard driving license may serve to limit your choices.
Financing Your Horsebox
Obviously, when investing in a brand-new, all singing and dancing horsebox, you are going to be spending a significant amount of money. Unless you are fortunate enough to pay for the vehicle in cash, you will need to look for financing options.
Check out notable horsebox financiers, such as Auto Finance Online, who specialize in this area and will be more than happy to answer any questions or queries you have about and throughout the purchasing process.
In addition, established financing companies such as these will allow you to buy secondhand horseboxes.
Comfort For Your Horse
The size of your horsebox should, above all else, be based around the size of your horse, as you need to categorically ensure that your animal will be as content and comfortable as possible while traveling.
The core partition between the driving compartment and the horse’s space should be strong, durable, and secure. There should be as much ventilation as possible throughout the space, and no sharp corners or edges are inside.
Additionally, every time you use the horsebox, ensure you include enough straw and hay to make them feel safer and more relaxed and that there are no loose items that could hurt the animal when the horsebox is in motion.
Secondhand Horseboxes
Finally, if you are looking to buy a secondhand horsebox, there are several key elements to check ahead of purchase.
Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire vehicle, looking for any damp patches or signs of rotting, before checking each spring and ramp hinge are strong and in good condition and that there is no damage to the tires.
Do not forget the standard checks across the engine, too, and stay away from any horsebox that appears to be leaking oil or making excessive noise when in motion.