Tips for Safety in the Horsebox

Towing a horse box is incredibly different to any other kind of driving that you may be experienced in. To put it simply, you are transporting a generally highly strung and rather heavy animal while it stands up. You’re driving will have to balance the extra load and cater for your horse as s/he tries to maintain their own balance in a mobile state that is foreign.

Towing Vehicle
First and foremost, you will have to ensure that your vehicle is able to pull the weight of a horsebox and horse. Your vehicle manufacturer should have specifications for you that will let you know if your vehicle is up to the challenge. If you’re vehicle has no towbar, or an inadequate towbar, then you can have ones fitted and even custom-made.

Standard roadworthy checks are also necessary, including tyres and optimal pressure for the task at hand. Horsebox accidents are tragic and all of the necessary precautions must be taken to avoid them. Safety begins with your own vehicle!

Extra Weight
Having the additional weight of a horse in transit will dramatically change the distances between stopping as well as starting. It is important that you bear this in mind and drive accordingly with sufficient preparation time for stopping with a heavier load. The extra weight will also affect turning corners. Take corners slowly so that the extra weight doesn’t affect the balance of your vehicle, whilst remembering that you your horse is trying to balance his/herself as well.

Always Have Someone with Your Horse
Having someone in the back of your horsebox is a necessity as they will be able to soothe your horse if it is distressed, help them to balance themselves and also be able to alert you of anything is seriously amiss.

All Ready to Tow with No Towbar?
If you need a towbar fitted to your vehicle, contact the team at Steelite or visit their website for more information. Happy towing and safe travels for you and your ‘hoof-baby’!

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