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Safety and your Horsebox
Category: Safety
Published on 23/05/2010 by EssexHorseboxHire.co.uk

Boo and her horsebox (click for larger)

Lets face it, we ask a lot from our horses, we expect them to do things

that are completely unnatural to them. We hope that they do not run
for home when that scary plastic bag attacks us from the hedge, we ask
them to stand perfectly still while we wave buzzing clippers around
their head, and one of the most alien things we ask of them is to
climb aboard a noisy metal box which moves.
 
Now we do not have a magic wand (or magic carrot stick!) and whilst
we cannot guarantee your horse will desire to become a seasoned
jetsetter, you can, by considering a few points, ensure that your
horse's journey is less stressful, more comfortable and an experience
that will build his confidence.
 
Horseboxes need to be built/adapted to specifically carry equines, and
below are some of the points worth considering when choosing a
horsebox or hiring a self drive horsebox.
 
Does the box have the suspension capable of carrying the weight of the
load? Ensure you know the weight of your horse and gear (including
yourself) and add this to the unladen weight of the box to ensure you
do not exceed maximum capacity. The hire company or manufacturer will
have guidelines to help you with this.
 
Consider the materials and standard of horse area: Horses need to be
able to balance themselves whilst in transit. Horses are
into-pressure animals which means they will instinctively lean into
pressure rather than away from it. Whilst traveling your horse this
means that he will spread his legs to balance and lean into the walls
and partition of the horsebox, particularly when going around corners!
 Ensure that the horsebox interior is fit for purpose. Check that the
partition and breast bar is padded and that there is good quality
rubber matting. This will make the journey more comfortable for your
equine friend whilst he tries to find his balance. Sufficient
ventilation is also critical to maintaining ambient conditions for
travel. Horses' temperature can fluctuate quite rapidly and excessive
sweating can lead to chills. Ensure there are windows that open and
preferably a roof vent.
 
Stall position. Herringbone or rear-facing? Research in both the UK
and USA suggest that traveling horses in a rear-facing direction
significantly reduces stress and allows the horse to balance more
easily. Here at Essex Horsebox Hire have found this to be the case
in our years of experience, and it was for this reason that our
horsebox of choice to provide a quality service to you and your equine
is the Equi-Trek Sonic 3.5 ton.
 
Separate changing/living area: As reported in Horse & Hound magazine
(19th November 2009) there have been a number of accidents reported
involving horses climbing over the breast bar into the living area of
the smaller 2 stall horseboxes. To avoid such an accident it is worth
considering a horsebox where the living area is separated by a full
height partition. This is standard in the Equi-Trek Sonic, therefore
eliminating the temptation for your horse to escape via the jockey
door!
 
Cleanliness: If you are hiring a horsebox disinfection in between
customers is vital in ensuring the health of your horse and reduce
spread of potentially contagious conditions. Ensure that this is
included and do not be afraid to ask the hire company which product
they use and their method of cleaning.
 
Driver confidence: Ensure you are behind the wheel of a vehicle you
feel confident driving and you are aware of how to operate the ramp,
partition, breastplate and other functions. You should expect to have
a thorough walk around and to be shown all the necessary features of
the horsebox you are using. The Essex Horsebox Hire Sonic has CCTV to
watch your horse and a reversing camera to make your life a bit
easier. The more confident you are in the vehicle you are using, the
more enjoyable the journey for everyone.
 
Horsebox Insurance and Equine Breakdown Recovery: When hiring a
horsebox expect the horsebox to have insurance cover and ensure you
are given the details of the equine breakdown recovery service used by
your provider. You should be given details of how to contact them and
what to do if the worst should happen. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR HAVE
YOUR HORSE INSURED AND YOUR HORSE PASSPORT IS WITH YOU WHEN
TRAVELLING. It is your responsibility as the horse owner to have your
horse insured.
 
As a responsible owner it is advisable to have appropriate travel
boots or bandages, tail bandage and poll guard on your horse before
loading. Depending upon the season it may also be prudent for your
horse to wear a travel/sweat rug.
 
Loading: Take your time. Make sure that everything you need is on
the horsebox before you try and load your horse. The ramp of the
Equi-Trek Sonic is full size, with thick rubber matting making it more
inviting to your horse and is spring assisted making it easier on your
arms! If you are unsure how your horse will load or you know you need
help then try and address this before that necessary journey. You
never know when you may need to load your horse, be it an emergency
vet appointment or an in impromptu invitation to a show by someone at
your yard.
 
Kate at EssexHorseboxHire.co.uk can help you with any problems. We
offer a half day hire to either simply familiarise your horse with our
horsebox, or by appointment Kate can also visit your yard and assist
you with any loading issues. With preparation, the correct equipment
and trust we can help you overcome most obstacles.
 
Website: www.EssexHorseboxHire.co.uk
Contact Number: 07917 134798
Email: info@essexhoresboxhire.co.uk

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