As riders are keen to get back out with their horses, a horse transport recovery provider has reported a large increase in breakdowns and is calling for owners to make sure they do essential checks before heading out with horses on board. H&H finds out more...

The current situation is a “perfect storm” for horsebox owners, according to one recovery provider, as huge numbers of lorries have been breaking down.

As competition has restarted after the coronavirus lockdown, PRP Rescue Services managing director Jon Phillips told H&H he has seen demand for recovery soar.

“It’s just gone crazy,” he said. “It’s been like we normally see in spring, but with a vengeance; everyone’s been breaking down.”

Mr Phillips said that after the enforced shutdown of activity, people have been keen to get back out, and that some may have done so without carrying out the necessary safety checks on their vehicles.

“They’ve just jumped in the lorry and gone out,” he said. “There have been silly things, like slightly flat tyres, or wiring that’s not wired up any more; all completely unnecessary things a mechanic would have picked up in a look over the vehicle.”

Mr Phillips, who also leads the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners said he understands that the vehicles’ idleness was unexpected, and then sport was restarted fairly quickly. But he urged owners to check vehicles thoroughly, or get them checked by a professional.

“Remember everything you do before you go out in the spring and please, please, do it again,” he said. “I’m sure readers have got back copies of H&H, or they can go on the website, or our website, for lists of what you need to check, or get your mechanic to.

“Also, remember to check floors and ramps; they’re the call-outs we hate the most.”

Mr Phillips added that some breakdowns may be caused by issues that would have been picked up in an MOT, had these not been extended while garages are closed.

“It’s a perfect storm for the horsebox owner,” he said.

MOTs will be compulsory again as of 1 August, but drivers are also reminded that with or without a test certificate, it is their responsibility to ensure the vehicles they drive are safe and comply with legal standards.

A DVSA spokesman told H&H: “The annual test is a once-a-year check that a vehicle is safe to drive. Drivers and operators still have a responsibility to ensure the vehicle remains safe between tests.”

British Horse Society (BHS) director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H the BHS advises pre-travel checks to include tyre pressure and condition, on lorries, trailers and towing vehicles, lights and fastenings.

“We would also advise that you take out quality breakdown cover specifically for equine recovery, otherwise a rescue, particularly from a major road, has the potential to be very expensive,” he said.

In the event of a motorway breakdown, horses must stay in the vehicle, while drivers and passengers are advised to wait on the embankment.

“Your safety, as well as that of your horse and other road users, is paramount, so wait for experts and do not attempt any repairs yourself,” Mr Hiscox said. “If your vehicle cannot be safely repaired at the roadside, a decision will be made by the Highways Authority or police as to the best course of action. This could be to close the motorway to unbox and reload your horse on to a rescue vehicle, or they may decide to tow your vehicle.”

The BHS has published a safety card titled “Are you sure it’s safe for me to travel?” For a copy, email safety@bhs.org.uk

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Do you know which checks you need to carry out on your horsebox or towing vehicle and trailer before starting a journey with your horse on board? Horse & Hound asks experts from the British Horse Society, Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners and the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency for their advice...

Owners are being reminded of the importance of frequent vehicle checks, having equine-specific breakdown cover and being prepared for unexpected delays — as more people prepare for the coming competition season.

 Before travelling, the British Horse Society (BHS) recommends owners follow the anagram FLOWERS: fuel, lights, oil, water, electrics, rubber and self — urging them to consider if they are fit to drive the towing vehicle or horsebox.

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H it is “vitally” important thorough vehicle checks are carried out before every journey, regardless of how frequently the horsebox, trailer or towing vehicle is used.

“It’s crucial all horsebox and trailer components are fit for purpose, including the main body, floor, ramp, tyres, brakes, lights and trailer hitch. The towing vehicle also needs to be fully checked,” he said. “It’s important trailers are professionally serviced at least once a year, ensuring all areas have been rigorously examined.

“The safety of owner, horse and those in vehicles around them is paramount, and we strongly advise all possible steps are taken to minimise the risk of a breakdown or incident. It’s also recommended owners take out quality breakdown cover specifically for equine recovery otherwise a rescue has the potential to be very expensive.”

Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners managing director Jon Phillips agreed breakdown cover is important and told H&H he recommends owners download the What3Words app, which provides three unique words for every three square metres of land to identify precise locations.

“We use it as a rescue centre, and it means if somebody breaks down on a motorway and is are not sure which junction they are near, it helps breakdown companies locate them faster,” he said.

Mr Philips added owners must ensure they are prepared for a breakdown occurring by carrying sufficient hay and water as well as appropriate rugs.

“People don’t seem to learn — the number of people who ring us and say they have broken down and don’t have anything for their horses doesn’t improve. People need to think about their horses and what they would need if they were stranded.”

Gordon Thomson, head of vehicle testing policy for the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), told H&H the organisation is often concerned about the condition of horseboxes assessors see at MOT tests.

“The test is carried out once a year, but owners have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles throughout the year and be aware of checks they should do,” he said. “We are urging owners to make horsebox maintenance part of their regular weekly and monthly schedules.”

DVSA vehicle standards assessor Jim Bithell added that “too many” horseboxes are failed for faults that could be spotted and rectified with regular maintenance.

“Many of the defects are classified as dangerous, affecting steering, suspension or braking systems,” he said.

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If you’re looking at second-hand horseboxes for sale, but aren’t sure where to start, then we are here to help with advice on what to look out for and the right questions to ask, whether you’re buying from a private seller or from a horsebox dealer.

The advantage of buying from a manufacturer or dealer is that they may offer you a warranty on the lorry, even though it is second-hand, but you should check what this covers and how long it last for. Always ask for a written copy of the warranty for your records. Sales will also be covered by the Sales of Goods Act 1979, which offers added protection.

If you are buying from a private seller you have no protection so it would be wise to have any potential purchase checked by an independent horsebox specialist. This will mean spending a little more at the outset, but it could save you thousands in the long-term. And remember that a flashy paint job does not mean that the vehicle is mechanically or structurally sound.

In addition, you should check out the lorry’s history with an HPI check to ensure it hasn’t been written off or has any outstanding finance owing on the vehicle. A full service history is a great thing to have, and is helpful for checking if the mileage is accurate. As many horseboxes have had a life as a lorry before being converted to being a horsebox, a high mileage is not unusual and as long as it is supported with appropriate paperwork to show the vehicle has been well maintained this should not be a problem.

Other basic checks that you should always complete before agreeing to buy a horsebox include checking that the vehicle’s identification details (registration plate, vehicle type, colour, engine type and size, chassis number, etc) match its V5C (log book), the original of which should be available to view.

A lorry with a tilt cab is often more popular as they will be easier for a mechanic to maintain, but older tilt cabs can have a tendency to leak around the seal, so this is something to check. The electrics in the living should run from a separate leisure battery to avoid running down the main battery, and an isolator will prevent the battery from losing change when standing.

If you are looking for a lorry with living, then be honest with yourself about what is essential and what is nice to have. If you are planning to attend numerous stay away shows a year, then you may want living that includes a cooker, fridge, bathroom etc, as well as room to sleep, but remember that this all adds to the unladen weight of the lorry, which then reduces the amount of payload you have for your horses, kit and other essentials (see more below).

Remember to check whether the lorry is setup with hook up if you’re planning to attend stay away shows regularly. For lorries with gas, find out where the gas bottle is located and when the system was last checked by a qualified Gas Safe professional. If your lorry has gas, it is sensible to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in the living area, as well as

Understanding lorry weights

Before agreeing to purchase any horsebox, you need to be confident that the lorry, when fully loaded with your horse(s), kit, humans and a full fuel tank will not exceed its weight limit. When a horsebox is described as a 7.5T/5.5T/3.5T that is not the vehicle’s actual weight – or if it is, then you’ve got a problem because that means you can’t legally carry anything inside it.

The lorry without any cargo will weigh less than its maximum gross weight. The difference between its unladen weight and the max gross weight is described as the lorry’s payload. In order to workout how much weight a lorry can legally carry, you need to have it weighed on a public weighbridge. This will give you a certificate for the lorry’s unladen weight and you can then work out how many horses, humans and associated kit you can carry without exceeding the lorry’s legal limit.

It is worth noting that just because a horsebox is advertised as a three-horse box, with partitions and space for three horses, this does not necessarily mean the vehicle can legally carry three horses. This will depend on the weight of the horses and the payload of the vehicle.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has been targeting overweight vehicles, including horseboxes, for some time. If you are found to be driving a vehicle that is overweight, your insurance will be invalid and you may have to offload some weight before being allowed to proceed. You may also receive a fine, points on your licence, possibly a ban from driving or potentially risk even harsher sanctions if it is deemed that you have been driving dangerously.

So when you are viewing a horsebox ask if the seller has a recent weighbridge certificate for the vehicle, and if not we would recommend that you organise to have the vehicle weighed before agreeing to purchase.

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Expert tips: viewing horseboxes for sale

Jon Phillips from the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners offers these helpful tips on what to look out for when viewing horseboxes for sale.

Mechanical checks

• Look for rust, damp patches and any signs of rotting, including on the ramp and floor of the horse area
• Check that the ramp woodwork, hinges and springs are all in good condition and that the ramp can be lifted by one person.
• Check there are no oil leaks from the engine and that the oil light doesn’t come on when the engine is started.
• Make sure the lighting in the living and horse area run from a separate battery to the main vehicle battery.
• Check there is no damage to the tyres and the tread levels are legal.
• In the cab, check the gauges, lights, indicators, wipers, horn and warning lights.
• Check the keys provided fit and work in all the appropriate locks

Road test

• When you arrive check whether the engine is cold, so you can see whether it starts easily
• A road test is strongly advised so that you can get a feel for the lorry and the driving position. Driving the lorry will give you a chance to notice any major faults.

Professional pre-purchase inspection

• If possible try to arrange a professional pre-purchase inspection. Jon recalls a lady telling the examiner that all she could find wrong with her new horsebox was some fraying rubber around the driver’s door. The inspection showed, among other things, that the body was attached to the chassis with just two bolts.

To find out more about the legal implications of buying and driving horse transport, download VOSA’s Guide for Horsebox and Trailer Owners or call the VOSA helpline (tel: 0300 123 9000).

With so many things to consider, it’s worth taking your time over buying a horsebox. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into agreeing a purchase simply to snap up what looks to be a good deal. And remember that old adage that if something seems to good to be true, then it probably is!

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With the first real heatwave of the summer hitting the UK this week, owners are being served an urgent reminder to make sure they have enough water on board when transporting their horses.

Temperatures across parts of Britain expected to reach over 30 degrees for a fifth consecutive day today (21 June) and the forecast for the weekend remains hot and dry.

While ensuring your lorry is not overloaded, a call has been made not to skimp on the water.

Claire Barker, of breakdown cover provider The Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners, said that over the last couple of weeks they have had some very distressed customers at the roadside feeling “utterly helpless” as they realise they can’t keep their horses comfortable while waiting for help.

“Planning for unexpected delays is so important when travelling with horses — they are particularly vulnerable as they are completely dependent upon their owners whilst shut in a lorry or trailer,” she told H&H.

“Horses are amazing creatures and their trusting nature allows us to put them into this situation. This trust should not be abused.”

Claire put a thermometer in her horsebox yesterday morning (Tuesday, 20 June) to measure how the temperature can rise.

After three hours, the temperature had risen by 10 degrees to 33ºC by lunchtime.

With hot horses on board and parked on the edge of a road, this temperature could well climb much higher.

“I think people set off anticipating there is not going to be a problem,” she added.

“Especially in this weather you need to be prepared for the fact that there might be a delay.

“We have had people who have not taken water with them because they are going for a ‘quick trip’ and where they are going will have water on tap.

“Even if you break down half an hour from home, if your water is not accessible, you could have a problem.

She added that making sure your water is at hand is very important and recommended having a couple of containers of emergency water that can be easily reached.

“If you break down on the side of the M4, for example, and your tap is on the traffic side, how are you going to access it then?” she said.

“Some people doing a short journey don’t think they need it — and you can’t think that, you just don’t know.

“If you are stuck, the temperature in that lorry is going to be rising so quickly.

“Our average response time is just under an hour. If we can’t repair it, they will have to wait for a recovery vehicle and horse transport.

“People need to appreciate that as well as whatever they are doing, when the weather is good the roads are busier. Our contractors are all fantastic, but this affects their response times.”

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She added that those who are lucky enough to have cooling systems for the horse area in their horseboxes should remember that these may not work if the vehicle breaks down.

“I would ask people to think: ‘is this journey really necessary? Is it essential to be out in your lorry when it is 30 degrees outside?

“If travelling is essential, could they go early in the morning or if they are at an event, could they wait a while and travel back in the evening when it is cooler?”

H&H vet Karen Coumbe agreed having water is important, but warned that horses can be fussy about drinking especially if they are unfamiliar with the taste of water from a plastic container.

“Ideally you might consider getting them accustomed to it in advance or some people add things like apple juice to change the taste,” she said.

“But again test it before you travel — the old cliché that you can take a horse to water but you cannot make them drink applies.”

She recommends planning in advance to travel in a cooler part of the day and urged owners to make sure that their horseboxes or trailers are fully roadworthy before setting off.

She also reminded owners not to put rugs on horses travelling in warmer weather and to never leave horses standing in trailers or horseboxes parked in the sun.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Horsebox owners dishonestly claiming vehicles as company expenses could be being investigated for tax evasion by HMRC, warns national accountancy group, UHY Hacker Young.

The company believes that HMRC suspects some farmers and rural business owners of buying horseboxes through their company — either falsely claiming the cost as a business expense for tax purposes, or failing to declare their personal use of the horsebox and paying tax on it as a “benefit in kind”.

But when H&H spoke to the HMRC it refuted the claims.

“There is no HMRC crackdown on the use of horseboxes by farmers,” said Patrick O’Brian, a spokesman for HMRC.

However, UHY Hacker Young said the HMRC’s powerful new computer system, Connect, means that officials can identify discrepancies between an individual or company’s official tax records and information from multiple third-party sources.

The company said HMRC uses DVLA databases and even Google Street View to monitor the lifestyles of suspected tax evaders.

“Underpaid tax relating to horseboxes is a drop in the ocean, but HMRC seems to be focusing attention in this area because they can now be such valuable assets,” said Charles Homan, partner at UHY Hacker Young.

“Without the correct documentation, even owners of horseboxes who have done nothing wrong could find themselves on the receiving end of a lengthy and uncomfortable tax investigation,” he added.

He said “it is vital” farmers or rural business keep records “to demonstrate that any vehicle purchased through a company is being used legitimately, and not simply providing them with an impressive way to get to their local point-to-point.”

Also, some horsebox owners may not realise that tax charges apply on income from the sale of a vehicle, warns Mr Homan.

“Where an individual is selling regularly online or making a significant profit on items, income or capital gains tax charges may apply,” he said.

“Similarly, companies need to report proceeds from the sale of an asset like a horsebox, for capital allowances and corporation tax purposes.

“HMRC is taking a much tougher stance on this form of tax evasion. Individuals and businesses must ensure that income from all sources is declared properly,” he warned.

Jon Phillips, who runs the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners, added: “Horsebox owners who are running a lorry on their company must be able to prove it is beneficial to the turnover of their business, or they may face investigations by HMRC.

“They must be able to prove there is no personal gain from running a lorry on the business.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 22 January 2015

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If you’re looking to invest in horse transport to get out and about, but only have a small budget, buying a second-hand horse trailer may seem a good option.

But you also need to take into consideration the cost of running a suitable towing vehicle, particularly if this is going to be your main car for day-to-day driving.

Before you start looking at horse trailers for sale, check the towing capacity of your vehicle and that your driving licence covers you for towing. Only individuals who passed their driving test before 1 January 1997 are allowed to tow a horse trailer without taking an additional test*.

When buying a second-hand trailer, you need to give it a thorough inspection to ensure it is safe to use, especially if it has been left standing on wet ground a long period of time.

And you should do everything in your powers to ensure you are not buying a stolen trailer. If you do, you may end up with no trailer and no money to purchase a replacement.

Buying a second-hand horse trailer

Jon Phillips from The Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners offers potential buyers the following tips to help make their purchase a successful one:

Avoid stolen trailers

• Trailers don’t need registration documents like cars and other vehicles, but they are security marked with unique serial numbers to stop theft
• Either ensure the serial number is the same as the number stamped on the chassis, or with Ifor Williams trailers call the company with the chassis code to confirm its identity
• Make sure that the seller has proof of ownership and that the manufacturer’s plate has not been tampered with
• Insist on viewing and buying the trailer from a company or home address rather than a carpark, lay-by or service station

Mechanical checks

• Check the floor and ramp for any areas that are rotton. This applies to both wood and metal materials
• Make sure that the ramp hinges and balance springs are working OK and that the rampcan be easily managed by one person
• Check that the socket connecting the car and trailer’s lights has not been corroded and it is working properly
• Check the pressure of the tyres, that they are not damaged and that the spare wheel is in good condition
• Make sure the hinges, balance springs and tow hitch have been fully greased
• Be suspicious of a recently re-sprayed trailer. It could be a distraction from a more significant problem

Road test the trailer

• Hitch up and take it for a test drive to check that it tows evenly
• Ask when the trailer was last serviced and whether the seller has any paperwork to support that

* The towing law states that drivers who passed their test since 1 January 1997 are not allowed to tow without taking an additional test if the combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle exceeds 3,500kg. Most two-horse trailers being towed by a suitable vehicle will exceed this weight. Find out more.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The prospect of hitching up, reversing a trailer and the fear of a breakdown can be enough to bring first-time towers out in a cold sweat. Andrea Oakes helps banish those trailer-driving demons with some top tips

1. Hitching-up — if the process becomes a bugbear, it might be worth investing in a hitching aid, such as a rear-view camera.

2. Practise without the horses — until you’re happy with how the trailer handles in motion, it’s probably a good idea to leave the horses at home and practise driving it empty.

3. Spacial awareness — because most trailers are wider than the towing vehicle, judging the correct road position can be challenging. While you need to allow enough kerbside space so the trailer is not bouncing along the pavement, you don’t want to be dangerously close to the centre white lines. Jon Phillips at the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners (OHTO) recommends using your wing mirrors to gauge positioning, fitting mirror extensions if you can’t see past the trailer sides.

4. Losing control — if trailer snaking occurs, resist the temptation to correct it with the steering wheel. “Hold the wheel straight and brake gently until the trailer comes back under control,” says Jon. “Don’t try to accelerate through it — the snaking might get worse before it gets better.”

5. Going uphill — engines work hard climbing hills, so be vigilant for overheating on an undulating road. Select a low gear for the descent and use the engine as a brake to maintain control.

6. Reversing — “Slow and steady is the rule,” advises Jon, who adds that there is no substitute for practice — preferably in a big empty field or car park.

7. Be prepared — keep relevant contact numbers, a hi-viz jacket and a warning triangle within easy reach, inside your towing vehicle, and don’t leave home without appropriate breakdown cover. Membership of a dedicated rescue scheme, such as the OHTO or Equine Rescue Services, is vital.

8. Breakdown — in the event of a breakdown switch your hazard warning lights on and try to pull over in as safe a place as possible — a lay-by, preferably, or the hard shoulder if you are on a motorway. Turn off the vehicle ignition and apply the handbrake before donning your hi-viz jacket and setting up your warning triangle 50m behind the trailer. Then call your recovery service, letting them know that you have horses on board. Check the horses and offer them feed and hay, but remember that unloading them is highly dangerous on a busy road and illegal on a motorway. Contact the police first if this becomes necessary.

9. And finally… — “The most important thing about driving with a trailer is to anticipate what’s ahead,” says Jon. “When fully loaded, the vehicle will not stop as quickly as you are used to. You also need more space, so dominate the road — don’t be afraid to assert your right of way.”

Find out more

The Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners www.ohto.co.uk

Towing Solutions www.towing-solutions.co.uk

Equine Rescue Services www.equinerescue.co.uk

Read the full article about towing safely in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (23 October 2014)

Take a look at our expert advice on buying a second-hand trailer

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners (OHTO) has launched a new set of “eco-memberships” of its horsebox breakdown service for equestrian competitors who do not travel as far.

Jon Phillips, managing director of the OHTO, said: “The current economic climate and the constant rise in diesel prices are proving to be very demanding on the UK horse owner.

“Apart from one-off attendance at their championship shows, many competitors are cutting down on the distances they travel each week.

“The new memberships are designed for the competitor attending local shows and competitions of up to 100miles radius of their home address whilst still allowing them to attend up to three major shows or events any distance from home.”

Packages range from £125 for a 3.5 ton vehicle to £155 for a 7.5 ton.

Jon recently received the British Horse Society Sefton Award for services to the cause of equestrian safety.

For more information, contact 01488 657651, www.ohto.co.uk or www.prprescue.com

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners (OHTO) has launched a new eco-membership that aims to reduce costs for people travelling short distances with their horses.

The membership, which covers journeys of up to 100 miles radius from the member’s home, is designed for people taking part in local competitions.

With costs of £130 for a 3.5 tonne vehicle, up to £155 for a 7.5 tonne vehicle, this amounts to a saving of up to £79 off the cost of full membership.

“At OHTO we are becoming aware that many of our members are cutting down on the distances they travel due to increased vehicle running costs so eco-memberships are a good step forward,” said Jon Phillips, managing director of OHTO.

The OHTO provide a specialist breakdown service for equestrian vehicles, aimed at providing rapid roadside assistance and financial support to members in the event of problems with their transport.

See www.ohto.co.uk.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now