Horsebox towing makeshift trailer with five horses on board stopped by police
A horsebox towing a makeshift trailer with a combined total of five horses on board was pulled over by police, having been spotted on one of the UK’s busiest motorways.
Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit spotted the contraption on the M1 last Thursday (2 September), sharing pictures of the get-up on social media with the hashtag “#wow”.
Images appear to show a van-style horsebox towing a flatbed trailer, which had the body of another old horsebox or trailer strapped on top.
Police said there were four horses in the front vehicle and one in the rear trailer.
Officers pulled the driver over, and a safer vehicle was called to take the party on their way.
“M1. No, an old horsebox, rachet-strapped to the bed of a trailer, is not acceptable — even more so with a total of five horses being transported. Plus a massive oil leak and an expired licence,” tweeted the Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit Twitter account.
“Not a quick job but seized, alternative transport sorted and road safety improved.”
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
A Derbyshire police spokesman told H&H that the driver was reported for traffic offences.
M1. No, an old horse box, rachet strapped to the bed of a trailer is not acceptable – even more so with a total of 5 horses being transported. Plus a massive oil leak and an expired licence. Not a quick job but seized, alternative transport sorted and road safety improved. #Wow pic.twitter.com/BqxbMmuSnpM1. No, an old horse box, rachet strapped to the bed of a trailer is not acceptable – even more so with a total of 5 horses being transported. Plus a massive oil leak and an expired licence. Not a quick job but seized, alternative transport sorted and road safety improved. #Wow pic.twitter.com/BqxbMmuSnp— Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit (@DerbyshireRPU) September 2, 2021— Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit (@DerbyshireRPU) September 2, 2021
You might also be interested in:
Staying safe after a horsebox breakdown: advice for those unsure what to do
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
What to do if you haven’t used your horsebox for a while: your essential checklist
14 travel tips to ensure a smooth journey with your horse wherever you’re going
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
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.