Concern after failings by horsebox breakdown assistance
A mum who was stranded on the side of the road with her young daughter in a broken-down lorry has criticised her breakdown provider for not coming to her aid.
Kirsty Boardman had her six-year-old child and a pony on board when her horsebox (not pictured) broke down on a junction off the M62 on 17 September.
Ms Boardman had breakdown assistance cover, brokered by Anthony D Evans and provided by Autohome Assistance, which included collection of horses by a horse transporter. But when she called for help, she was told she would have to arrange emergency transport herself.
A joint statement from both companies states they are “working to improve their service”.
Ms Boardman arranged for someone else to come with a horsebox and contacted the Highways Agency, which put a rolling roadblock in place while the pony was transferred to the other lorry.
“I am gravely concerned about the service offered that Autohome cannot provide, leaving people in a dangerous position,” she said.
“I’m a single mother with a six-year-old daughter — I only have ponies for her. If I’m out it’s going to be me by myself, my daughter and one or two ponies.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“When I took out the cover, I had to be certain the service would get all of us home safely.”
H&H has spoken to other owners who have had similar experiences with Autohome Assistance and Anthony D Evans.
A statement from Anthony D Evans on behalf of the two companies said they have been working together since 1990 and provide assistance to more than 3,000 horsebox owners each year.
“We are continually working alongside Autohome to improve their service and have recently increased the number of horse transporters within their network,” said the statement.
“We aim to provide a high level of service to our customers and their horses. Unfortunately we are unable to comment on individual cases, however are fully aware of situations which may not have met these high standards.”
This is an extract from a news story in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound (19 October) — out now — pick up a copy today to read the full story
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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.