If you run an equestrian business, have a passion for polo or horse racing, or own horses yourself, transportation is a major welfare consideration.
Part of this is a matter of legality; there are animal welfare laws concerning the transportation of horses, and you must use a vehicle designed to avoid causing “injury and suffering”.
This should not be new to any horse owner, but it does mean that choosing the right horse trailer matters a lot, and there is a reason why we supply a wide range to suit every owner and every need.
We are the primary distributor for Ifor Williams in Yorkshire, and since they produce more horse trailers than any other company in the United Kingdom, here are some top tips for choosing the right trailer for your needs.
Think About How Much You Plan To Carry
The first and most crucial step when it comes to choosing a trailer is to think about carrying capacity, something so important that it is affixed to the chassis of your trailer.
To calculate the carrying capacity, subtract the maximum gross weight of your trailer from its unladen weight to get its overall capacity
For example, the incredibly versatile HBX range has carrying capacities that range from 880kg for the single-horse HBX403 to 1755kg for the double-horse HBX511, with an extended capacity suitable for horses up to 17.2hh (70 inches) each.
The standard HB511 is not far from this mark either with its 1700kg capacity for storing two horses in its partitioned space.
It is important to note that the carrying capacity includes everything that you need, not just the horse. If you need to carry additional equipment in the trailer as opposed to the boot of your towing vehicle, make sure to factor that into your trailer decision.
At the uppermost end is the Eventa L, which has a similar carrying capacity, but also has additional space for your living needs as well as the horse’s.
Check Your Driving License
Something that is essential to keep in mind is not only the size of the trailer needed for your horse, but also what you are legally allowed to drive.
The maximum authorised mass (MAM) that you are allowed to drive includes not only the horse trailer’s gross weight but also the towing vehicle’s as well.
Exactly how much you can carry depends on when you passed your driving test, as the two sets of rules diverge somewhat.
Before 1997, someone with a standard driving license could tow a vehicle with a combined MAM of 8,250kg. After this, the rules were changed so that you can drive a car with an MAM of up to 3,500kg with a trailer rated for an additional 3,500kg.
This is what makes the Eventa range perfectly sized; with a gross maximum weight of 3,500kg, it can be towed by someone using a suitable towing vehicle that holds a category BE license.
If you need to tow more horses or have significantly more equipment to carry than this, you may need to apply for a category C1+E license.
Look Into Loading Options
An important part of choosing the right trailer is ensuring that your horse can get into and out of it comfortably, and different trailers provide a variety of options.
The Eventa range has a rear loading ramp, which fits with the trailer’s versatile and safe herringbone angle, whilst the HB511 and HBX trailers have a rear ramp as standard, as well as left and right front ramp options completely with stable-style top doors.
Every step of a horse’s journey in a trailer should be as comfortable and safe as possible, and the more options available, the less stressful the loading experience will be.
Check Which Direction Your Horse Likes To Travel
Most trailers, including the double-horse HBX options, tend to be designed around a horse travelling forwards in the same direction as the towing vehicle. This is why the large front windows are at the front rather than the back; it makes the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
However, much like people, horses are different, and when you travel to enough events and appointments, you start to get a feeling for which way the horse prefers to ride in the trailer.
Some prefer to face forward, others would rather face backwards, whilst many more prefer a diagonal herringbone setup. It all depends on what they are used to and what they enjoy.
Check Which Features And Extras You Need
The big question when it comes to trailers is whether it is just for your horses or whether you need additional living space as well.
In the case of the latter, the spacious, comfortable Eventa range is ideal, whilst the HB and HBX trailers are designed to be lightweight, aerodynamic and built around the needs of your horses.
Look into storage options as well, such as lockers, tack boxes and awnings.