Monday, 4 January 2010

Horseboxes For Sale: Helpful Hints

By Don Rogers

For horse owners, an important accessory to have is the horsebox. There are many types of horseboxes for sale. Horseboxes can be vital for almost every horse owner, especially when traveling to the vet. These trailers can also be useful for traveling to competitions or moving. There are two main types of carriages, the horsebox and the trailer.

The horsebox is more of an all in one type lorry or truck that contains quarters for the horse and owner alongside. The trailer is simple an add on and gets hitched to the pulling vehicle. Horsebox sized vary depending on the manufacturer and style. Some horseboxes are designed to carry a number of horses at once. They can also be enhanced with various accoutrements on the interior and exterior.

The uninitiated drivers can have a difficult time maneuvering horseboxes, at times. The first priority before traveling with a horsebox should be to obtain the valid licenses and permits for the locality. Often times, these can change and it is important to remain cognizant of legal requirements. Also, drivers should feel comfortable driving horseboxes and, if necessary, take a few practice trips to get some experience. The main reason for this is not only driver safety, but also the safety of the horse. Horses are always in a standing position during transit and sudden changes in direction or speed can affect the horse's balance.

Proper horsebox maintenance is also an important consideration. If the trailer or box gets disconnected or breaks down, it can be a traumatic experience for the horse and driver alike. It is recommended that one plan for emergencies when transporting any live animals. Routine checks for tire pressure, mounts, door latches, and other mechanical parts is also a good idea. Similar to autos, oil and light checks should also be conducted periodically.

The interior floor of the horsebox is often overlooked. Neglecting to monitor the structure can and has resulted in many horse fatalities. For instance, many horses have fallen through decrepit floors during transit due to neglect. The optimal way to maintain floor durability is to periodically clean the interior of the horsebox. In many horseboxes, the entire bedding can be removed for cleaning. This can help uncover any structural damage. Additionally, wood floors should be checked for corrosion or rotting.

Insurance is always a good safeguard to have, in case of accidents or other incidents. Manufacturers and retailers often provide some level of coverage or guarantee. Secondary market horseboxes, on the other hand, generally lack any such coverage. Depending on the auto policy, some car insurance coverage does provide extended coverage for additional loads. It is best to review existing policies and obtain the necessary coverage that suits your needs.

Horses are expensive and one should purchase a horsebox that fits their budget. In the secondary market, bargain hunters can have a field day. Most good purchases are usually from word of mouth or hearsay. Furthermore, the internet can be invaluable when looking for bargains. For those with bigger budgets, the sky is the limit as to their extravagance. Many manufacturers, in fact, are willing to custom design horseboxes to meets anyone's specifications.

Many horses are not good travelers and issues with a horseboxes can be unsettling both psychologically and physically. The safety of the owner and the horse should be first and foremost considerations. Since carrying a horse in tow is not a natural event for horses, it is recommended that the owner build up the travel time by taking smaller frequent trips before planning any longer excursions.

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