What does it cost to buy a trailer or horsebox?
The cost of a horse trailer depends on the size of the trailor, its amenities, its age, and ultimately, your budget. If you have one or two horses that you will be transporting from time to time, you probably do not need a brand-new, state of the art horse trailer. Conversely, if you own several horses and transport them often to competitions or shows, you will need a larger trailer with capacity for several animals, their tack, feed, and perhaps a changing room for you.
Most horse trailers are built to haul lots of weight and as such are fairly durable. Used two-space trailers for sale are not difficult to find, and if you are not too particular as to their cosmetic appearance, you can easily buy one for $1000-$1500. Prior to laying down the loot, however, inspect the floor of the trailer, lifting the rubber mats to check that the floorboards are stout and will hold your horses’ weight safely. Also, check that the trailer’s tires are adequate, and see that all the door bolts and window latches are in good working order.
If you are in the market for a new three-horse or more slant trailer–in which the animals ride diagonally, separated by metal partitions–or fancier upgrades such as a trailor with accomodations for people, you will of course pay much more. New trailors range from around $8,000 to over $50,000, depending on capacity and gadgets.
Horseboxes are purpose-built or converted lorries or large vans, often with living quarters built in. They are only worth it if you are going to stay away with your pony, typically eventing, or you want to carry more than two large animals. This is expert territory, and well beyond the scope of these pages. Horse trailers may be double or single, and come in a range of sizes from “pony” up to full-sized “hunter”. (It is also possible to obtain three horse trailers, but they are rarely seen.) A new double trailer will be 2000 to 3000+ depending on its size and specification: if you can afford that then getting one is simple – just buy what you need. Some useful sites are: Richardson Rice trailers: http://www.trailers-uk.com Ifor Williams trailers: http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/horse.htm A general list of south west trailer manufacturers, repairers and agents: http://www.websouthwest.co.uk/horses/h_transport.htm If you want a second-hand one you will find trailers for sale in local paper
