Horsebox vs trailer?

[dominochase]

Up until very recently I had only traveled horses in a horsebox, but about a month ago my friend drove us to a local show with her trailer. It was a completely new experience for me and it got me thinking. I've always disregarded trailers and labeled them as "more dangerous" than a horsebox, but I could never afford to buy a lorry myself, let alone afford to run it!

I own a 4x4 and could afford a trailer. Maybe this is a better route to take for me. I was wondering whether anyone else had opinions either way?

[hessy]

well, if you want to go places and you cant justify or afford a lorry you just have to put up with having a trailer (if you can even afford a trailer) - i think its as simple as that. i dont think trailers are dangerous if you drive carefully and make sure they are carefully maintained and looked after.

there is the argument that some horses travel better in lorries than trailers but if you need to get from A to B then that wouldnt really come into my consideration - they will just be stuck in and took to wherever i want to go!

[dominochase]

Thanks Hessy. Travelling with the trailer the other day didn't feel dangerous! It was very odd. I think maybe a trailer could be the right option for me. My horse didn't seem to care either way.

[Archie]

I think both traveling options are good, it's just down to personal preference. I would love to own one of those single horse trailers if I could afford it. I wouldn't say any option is any more dangerous than the other though so long as it's well maintained, it's surely down to the capability of the driver and being aware of other's around you, I've seen some idiots driving 7.5 tonne lorries so I wouldn't say they were any safer!!

Plus I actually think it's a good idea to make sure your horse travels well in a box and a trailer incase of an emergency where maybe a trailer is your only option but your horse will only travel in a box.

[ponyprincess]

I agree with Archie. I think it is really important they will travel in both. Personally I prefer horseboxes and would like one of those two horse mini-horseboxes... maybe one day when I'm a millionaire.

[dominochase]

Thanks guys. I'm off to look into the cost of buying a trailer, and then if that is affordable I'll be off to find some lessons!

[Dingbat]

I've always been a horsebox fan, but when one of the horses on the yard broke it's leg, the gentle slope of the ramp was a god-send. I hate to think what we'd have done otherwise as she had to have surgery and would never have made it onto a lorry.

[dominochase]

I'd never even thought about the implications for injured horses, that is a very good point Dingbat.

[Absolute_shambles]

Trailer definitely!
Why bother with the hassle of plating, insurance etc with a box. AND they come overladen with 'living', why does anyone need 'living'?!

You buy a cup of tea and a roll from the bacon ambulance onsite and you only stay as long as your class anyway. People have this fear of trailers, I don.t know why.

[CookieComeTrue]

I find that if you're serious about going to shows a horsebox is best as most have living accomodation. Trailers are good for getting to places as well as shows, and are a lot cheaper. Personally I'd prefer to travel my horses in a horsebox as mine has partitions with a slightly taller head so they can't nip eachother. Most trailers don't.