Horsebox OR Horse Trailer? How To Make The Right Choice

Any horse owner will know that a horse will need to be transported from time to time. Whether it’s for a competition, to go to a vet or sometimes just to ride further afield – there are many events where you might need to transport your horse.

When it comes to horse transportation, you’ve got two main options – a horsebox or a horse trailer. Each mode of transport has its pros and cons, but which is the right one for you?

Horsebox versus horse trailer – what’s the difference?

Horsebox

A horsebox is a type of lorry that is designed to transport horses. They can vary in size, but most horseboxes are designed to carry at least two horses. The largest horseboxes may even contain a bedroom and living areas to support those travelling.

Horse trailer

A horse trailer, meanwhile, is a type of trailer that is attached to a vehicle via a towbar. Trailers are usually designed to hold a single horse or two smaller horses or ponies as long as the weight doesn’t cause a problem. Horse trailers are often preferred by horse owners who don’t need to transport their horses very far or very often.

What are the pros and cons of horseboxes and trailers?

Horseboxes and horse trailers each have their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the key differences could help you make up your mind about which type of vehicle is best for you and your needs.

Horsebox

Pros

• Provides a larger storage area to accommodate horses and luggage, and even provides accommodation for the owners.
• Easy to drive and park
• No additional vehicles required
• Considered a more fuel-efficient option
• Drivers with a B Category driving licence can drive a 3.5t horsebox without additional tests or licences.

Cons

• Can be expensive due to their size
• Incurs typical vehicle costs such as fuel, road tax, MOT, etc.
• Needs to be able to be parked and stored somewhere
• Any horsebox over 3.5t requires HGV training, medical checks and the completion of additional driving tests, which can add to the initial expense.

Horse trailer

Pros

• Lower cost than a horsebox
• Easy and affordable to maintain
• No road tax or other typical vehicle costs required
• Can attach to a vehicle easily
• Formal trailer driving qualification is no longer required 
• Easy to store

Cons

• Not suitable to attach to all types of cars, which might require a vehicle upgrade
• Parking poses a challenge
• Trailers can be difficult to manoeuvre 
• No additional storage space

The decision of whether to choose a horsebox or horse trailer will depend on you and your unique circumstances. While a trailer can be an easier and more affordable option due to its size and lack of licence requirements, a horsebox provides a lot of useful features, and can be used for longer journeys where overnight stays may be required.

Costs

Cost can be the most significant factor when choosing the right transportation for your horse. You will need to consider the running costs of both vehicles and whether you can afford to maintain them past the initial purchase cost.

A horsebox is another vehicle to maintain that comes with your typical vehicle running costs, while a trailer may come with some high fuel costs due to the added weight of your vehicle.

You should take the frequency and length of your journeys into account to help you make the best decision for your needs. For example, if you show your horse often or need to transport them around the country, a horsebox may be worth the long-time investment for ease and convenience. 

Insuring your horsebox or trailer

In addition to the purchase cost and other running costs such as fuel, you will also need to insure your horsebox or trailer.

Insurance is a legal requirement for horseboxes, just like any other motorised vehicle on the road. While a horse trailer may not necessarily need its own insurance, you may find that a trailer isn’t covered by your normal car or vehicle insurance, and could cause a problem if you were involved in an accident.

Having horsebox or trailer insurance can give you peace of mind that if something were to happen to your vehicle, it would be covered. 

Contact us for a horsebox or trailer finance quote today

If you’re looking for reliable, affordable horsebox or trailer finance, get in touch today. At Auto Finance Online, we provide flexible finance options that can make your purchase more affordable, helping you choose the best vehicle for your needs.

Learn more about our horsebox/trailer finance or contact us for a no-obligation quote that won’t impact your credit score.