Top tips: buying a horsebox

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You are here: Home / Articles / Horse care

Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor

2 January, 2008

CHECK the horsebox company out, says Claire Williams from the British Equestrian Trade Association. Look it up on Companies House (www.companieshouse.gov.uk). Is it listed in the phone book? Get a personal recommendation, ask to speak to previous customers.

BEFORE you leave a deposit, John Morecroft of trade association Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association (VBRA) advises you ask for a signed order explaining what you are purchasing, and in the event of the company going out of business, how the deposit is protected. Also, get a copy of the build details and ask the company to explain how to use the vehicle.

THE Office of Fair Trading (OFT) says: "If you leave a deposit, get a receipt showing the company name and address."

"WITHOLD registration documents if you ask someone to sell your lorry," says DC Mark Vickers. "Someone can always apply for replacement documents, but it is a deterrent."

MAKE certain you have written confirmation of any agreement to buy or sell a horsebox and confirm when the arrangement will finish. Be clear about when the payment is due, says BETA.

IF you choose to buy or sell privately, the OFT says the general rule should be "buyer beware". It suggests taking a witness with you to view the goods and be party to any verbal agreement. If you're buying a horsebox, ask for a written description of the goods.

This information was first published in Horse & Hound (28 December, '07)