Ultimate Buying Guide to Horse Trailers

If you own a horse, you’ll be aware that there is a fair amount of travelling involved. But before you can hit the road, you will need to find the right set of wheels – that is, a safe and reliable horse trailer. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to find some of the best horse trailers in the UK. Luckily for you, this guide will give you all the best tips and tricks when it comes to buying a trailer that meets both your personal needs and ideal budget. 

At Auto Finance, we understand that purchasing a horse trailer is a significant investment, much like buying a vehicle. That’s why we’ve made horsebox finance easy – sit back and relax while we do all the hard work for you. 

Ready to find your ideal horse trailer? Let’s get into it… 

Types of horse trailers 

Just like other vehicles, horse trailers are available in a wide variety of styles and configurations. In the UK, the most common types of horse trailers are single and double. Single trailers are pretty lightweight and suitable for transporting one horse, while double trailers can accommodate two horses and are sometimes equipped with storage. Herringbone trailers are also a popular choice.

Single trailers – Designed for carrying one horse and are typically lighter and more compact. They can be quite easy to tow, and are a good option for horse owners who only need to transport one horse at a time. 

Double trailers – These trailers are a little larger and can carry two horses at a time. They often have a separate area for tack and equipment storage. 

Herringbone trailers – These trailers have a diagonal or ‘herringbone’ layout, where the horses are stood at an angle. They’re much more suitable for larger or multiple horses, and the diagonal arrangement allows the horses to spread their legs and find a natural balance during transport. 

Things to look for in a horse trailer 

When trying to find a horse trailer for you, there are plenty of important things to think about. First and foremost, you want your horse to feel safe and secure while travelling. One bad travelling experience early on can affect how your horse travels for the rest of their lives, so try not to leave any training until the last minute. 

Here are some things to look out for when selecting your horse trailer: 

• Floor – Inspect the floor for soundness, and pay special attention to the edges where the floor meets the horse trailer walls.
• Ramps – Pay attention to hinges for signs of wear and tear, and make sure that the ramps are easy to lift and secure.
• Brakes – Test the hand brake to ensure it engages, and ask for a test tow so that you can make sure it stops when towing the vehicle. 
• Roof – Check the roof carefully for any signs of leaking, which could turn to rot. Check that any ventilation lights or windows are in working order and not leaking. 
• Tyres – Ensure that all tyres are in good condition and that there is a serviceable spare tyre. Uneven wear could be a sign of horse trailer imbalance or suspension problems. 
• Balance – Park the horse trailer on a flat surface and view from all angles. It should sit level – any leaning or imbalance may indicate suspension problems. 
• Hitching – Raise and lower the horse trailer using the jockey wheel to ensure that it is in working order. 

Horse trailers are also plated to carry a legal weight, and there are hefty fines if you are caught exceeding those limits, as well as serious safety issues. Remember, it’s not just the weight of the horses you need to consider, but any additional equipment such as tack. 

As you will be towing the trailer, you will need to consider the legal towing capacity of your vehicle. So, make sure that the vehicle you intend to use can legally (as well as physically) pull a fully loaded trailer. Failure to do so could result in a fine as well as having to fit a new clutch. 

Some of the best towing vehicles for horse trailers include strong, capable SUVS and pickup trucks, such as: 

• Land Rover Discovery
• Audi Q7
• Kia Sorento
• Ford Ranger
• Toyota Hilux

Try to opt for a vehicle that offers a balance of towing capacity, stability, and potential off-road capabilities. 

Some of the best horse trailers in the UK 

Now that you know what to look out for in a horse trailer, it’s time to discover some of the best horse trailer brands in the UK at the moment. Remember to consider factors like the size of your horse, the need for overnight accommodation, ventilation, and loading style before investing. 

Ifor Williams 

Arguably one of the most popular and widely recognised horse trailer brands in the UK, Ifor Williams has a long-standing reputation for building robust, durable, and reliable trailers. Their trailers often feature aluminium construction over a galvanised steel chassis. 

Cheval Liberté 

This European brand has gained significant popularity in the UK due to its modern designs, lightweight construction, and excellent suspension systems. Cheval Liberté trailers often feature front and rear ramps and focus on providing optimum comfort for your horse. 

Equi-Trek

Another well-respected UK manufacturer known for producing lightweight yet strong trailers is Equi-Trek. Known mostly for their innovative designs, they focus on maximising space and horse comfort. They’ve even got designs with separate track areas or overnight living quarters. 

Other important things to consider 

Here are a couple of other things to consider when finding a horse trailer suitable for you:  

• The number of horses you will be moving
• Whether you need to take extra kit 
• How easy is it to get on and off – are the ramps nice and steady?
• Whether the trailer has padding to protect the contact between the horse and trailer
• If it has good suspension 
• How comfortable your horses are with travelling 
• Check your driving licence to ensure you are legally allowed to tow the size and weight of the trailer you want to buy – for more information about licence laws, check out our blog: What Licence Do You Need to Drive a Motorhome? 

Travel safely with an Auto Finance loan 

Hopefully, this guide has taught you everything you need to know when it comes to finding some of the best horse trailers in the UK. Investing in a horse trailer is a significant step for any horse owner, and we recommend that you take some time to research and understand what it actually is that you need.

If you’re on the hunt for horsebox finance, you’re in the right place. Buying a horsebox outright can be costly, which is what may have led you to seek out affordable horsebox finance solutions. Check out our budget calculator, which will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow and pay back over the number of years you require the vehicle. 

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