Buying a new or used horsebox

Buying the nearest fit can have implications that will stretch you to breaking point many times in the following year. There are few things worse than living with a compromise or outright poor build. I have highlighted below a few items worth considering and many that at first glance may not be too obvious.

Starting the hunt

Before you even look at the first horsebox, it is prudent to make a comprehensive list of your individual requirements. Getting something down on paper is always a good starting place. It is then a very good idea to split your list into priority ‘must have’ items and your more frivolous ‘that would be nice’ items. This helps prioritise the important bones of the horsebox. Having said all this, this approach only works as long as you can keep focus on the import facts and not become distracted by the first horsebox you see.
So, armed with said list and the best of intentions, it is time to start looking. Remembering at all times, the road to Hell has been paved with good intentions, or should that be, good intentions butter no parsnips! The fact is with ought straying from your overall goal, buying a new horsebox is a minefield and much worse than buying a new car. Outward appearance is the first thing customers see and can often influence a decision to buy. In reality, although outward shape and paintwork is important, the focus should be on safety and the construction of the horsebox first and colours, shapes and fittings should be secondary.

Once you have a handle on what horsebox you need, the very best protection to start your search is research and then finally a little more research. By all means check the websites, un-associated reviews and owner recommendations. Asking questions on forums and social media always helps. Finally, visit at least a few manufacturers and ask for a tour of the factory floor. Actually seeing the manufacturing process, cleanliness of the workshop and customers horseboxes in progress speaks volumes on quality and how they treat the goods entrusted to them.
You will find designs, shapes, quality, materials and safety features will vary vastly and it will still be a difficult undertaking just to find a horsebox with a payload capable of legally transporting your horses safely. More difficult still is finding something reliable and rugged with plenty of longevity to protect your considerable investment.

Please ask any questions below ...