If you wish to compete regularly with your horse then you will require a means to transport both horse and tack. It is all too easy to be seduced by a fabulous motorised horse box that you don't really need or to invest in something to small in an attempt to save your pennies. There is much to consider when choosing your trailer if you are to make a good decision for both you and your horse. Here are some things to consider when looking for the right horse trailer.
Know the Rules of the Road
Before you invest in any horse trailer you must know the laws governing trailers and motorised horse boxes. If you are looking to tow a trailer then you need access to a vehicle suitable for towing it fully loaded and the appropriate driving licence for towing the load. For certain loads and to drive motorised horse boxes you may need to pass a practical driving test. Consult the current driving regulations and your car's handbook before making an investment in a trailer. You should also ensure that you understand the speed limits which you must adhere to. If you intend to travel internationally then you also have to think about whether you wish to use the tunnel or the ferry services and which vehicle would therefore be the most convenient choice.
Usage
Think about how often you will use your trailer and how far you will have to travel. If you will be staying relatively close to home and travelling infrequently then don't be unnecessarily extravagant. On the other hand, if you are going to be travelling often and over longer distances then storage space for tack, a changing area and even living quarters could prove to be extremely useful.
Storage
Do remember that whichever horse box you choose, you will have to keep it somewhere secure. The larger the trailer or vehicle, the more difficult it will be to source an appropriate site.
Comfort and Safety
Your trailer must accommodate your horse or horses in safety and comfort. Measure and weigh your horses to determine which vehicles are suitable for their size. The right horse trailer must offer enough space for each animal and must also be suitable to carry your horses' total weight together with the weight of any tack and equipment which will be store on board.
Budget
There is nothing to be gained from overextending your finances and paying for features that you don't need. The more extravagant the trailer the higher the purchase price will be and the more expensive it will be to store if you don't have the space at your own property. Larger vehicles are also more costly to insure. You should also take running costs into account. Fuel bills quickly mount up and your trailer will require maintenance, servicing and repair. The right horse trailer for your circumstances is one which safely accommodates your horse and which you can legally tow or drive. It is a model which is large enough to transport everything you need but which you can also afford to purchase and run.