Travelling from A to B - Transporting horses

If you own or are planning to buy a horse or pony, transportation is another cost you need to consider.

How much access you will need to transportation will largely depend on the activities you plan to undertake with your horse. Most transportation is to reach competition locations. If you are not intending to compete regularly your needs will be minimal. Transport may also be required to take your horse to training sessions and occasionally for riding holidays. You should also have a contingency in place in case your horse needs to be moved for veterinary treatment.

Care of the horse whilst travelling

It is important that the travelling environment meets the horse's needs:

• Sound, non-slip flooring
• Sufficient space/headroom
• Right temperature - warm in winter/cool in summer
• Good ventilation, but not draughty
• Minimal disturbance

Protective equipment should also be used:

• Legs: either travel bandages plus knee and hock boots or leg protectors
• Tail: tail guard and (if appropriate) tail bandage
• Head: poll guard (optional)


Rugs: requirement will depend on a number of factors including temperature on day of travel, type of horse (and whether a good traveller). Many horses sweat whilst travelling, so a sweat sheet should be considered (can be worn on its' own or under other rugs).

Transport options

Own transport - trailers and horse boxes

Transport services - transportation companies or self-hire

Own transport - trailers and horseboxes

Horseboxes

Vary from basic to luxurious with prices to match (from a few thousand pounds to over one hundred thousand pounds).

As well as the annual MOT check, it is advisable to book a safety check every six months to ensure everything is in good order. For more information on the annual check click here.

It is advisable to invest in a specific horsebox breakdown and recovery policy, to make sure you and your horse aren't stranded if you breakdown.

You must ensure you have the correct driving licence to drive a horsebox. In the UK, if you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997 you will have to apply to upgrade your licence to drive a larger vehicle.

Trailers

A trailer can be a cheaper option, particularly if you only have one or two horses. However, you will need to ensure you have a suitable car for towing your trailer, usually with a minimum 2.5 litre engine, which could lead to additional costs.

If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997 you may have to take an additional test before you can tow a horse trailer. For more information click here.

For a guide on how to reverse a trailer click here.

Transport Services

If you don't need to transport your horse regularly then using a transport company or hiring a self-drive horsebox could be a more cost effective option than purchasing your own vehicle.

Self-drive horsebox hire usually includes insurance and breakdown cover.