Why Hire A Horsebox

Supplied by Trevelyan for "Local Rider Magazine"

If you read an article our expectation is that at the end of it you are going to learn something or at least the author has a sense of humour and constructs something interesting. So given this subject matter our aim is to leave you with enough information to learn about horsebox hire or just giggle as you visualise this story.

It starts with a horse that hates travelling, loads perfectly, turns on a dime and eats his hay but as soon as you get moving he kicks every panel possible and does some serious damage. With a horse like this you quickly realise that borrowing a horsebox is not an option. When we reach our destination and we unload him he usually leaps from the top of the ramp to the bottom, a wonderful sight to see, if not slightly erratic. So when I asked friends can I borrow your box, they run screaming keys in pockets, from the yard.

This and other exciting experiences with horses led to us researching horseboxes, initially, with a plan to purchase and eventually to establish Trevelyan Self Drive Horsebox Hire.

We discovered this; horseboxes which horse and rider travel well in are expensive. Having one sat on your driveway is not cost effective and depreciation soon eats away at your precious investment.

So why hire?

This is what some our customers say:

I hire because I prefer to know my costs annually. My own horsebox gave me too many surprises financially and now I know my costs annually but still get to drive around in a far superior horsebox.

We use our trailer for the short trips and enjoy the luxury of full living for a number of events each year.

We enjoy the luxury of a super horsebox at a fraction of the cost... a wonderful experience and a great idea.

So what should you consider when hiring a horsebox?

Have you ever thought of hiring a horsebox.if not, we have and its almost impossible so here are a few tips to consider of when thinking of buying or hiring:

1. Roadworthiness:

Ask questions like: What is the mileage on the vehicle, who built it and when?

Trevelyan answer: We only use new build vehicles and all vehicles begin its service with us with mileage no higher than 60,000 miles on second-hand chassis.

Ask this question: How regularly do you service the vehicle?

Trevelyan answer:Every 6 - 8 weeks and we retain full service reports on each vehicle for our clients to check or if requested, have copies.

Ask this question: When you check and change the tyres, lights, brakes, oil and water?

Trevelyan answer: We check the tyre pressure after every hire, during the service period and fit new tyres as advised by our mechanics. Brakes, lights, oil and water are checked weekly.

Ask this question: Do you have roadside recovery?

Trevelyan answer: All our vehicles have 24 hour Roadside Relay to ensure if the unforeseen happens you get to your destination or return home, safely with your horses. This is provided at no extra cost and is included within the daily hire fee.

2. Stall Contruction:

Ask questions like: What is the floor surface covered with and does each stall have ventilation?

Trevelyan answer: 2 1/2 inch rubber matting covers the floor, the walls surrounding each stall, partitions are partially padded and fully adjustably with a window providing full ventilation for each individual horse.

Ask this question: What orientation will the horses travel whilst in transit?

Trevelyan answer: We only use rear-view and horizontal stalls, as this causes the horse the minimum amount of stress. Each partition is solid and runs to the floor to enable each horse to maintain the "buttress" position which offers the horse stability in transit.

Ask this question: How does the ramp open?

Trevelyan answer: All our ramps are spring loaded for ease of use; each ramp opens to the floor with only a small step onto the ramp.

3. Sanitation:

Ask questions like: What disinfectant is used to sanitise the horsebox?

Trevelyan answer: We use Vet Guard as it's the product used by Vets to sanitise equipment and stabling and protects against many infections that horses transmit. Vet Guard is expensive however vital to the health of your horse.

4. Insurance Cover:

Ask questions like: What cover do you have and with whom, are there any restrictions?

Trevelyan answer: We hold fully comprehensive insurance for people with a driving licence with a maximum of 2 minor offences, aged between 25 & 75 yrs old. We do not charge extra for additional mileage as its unlimited under a Trevelyan Hire Agreement.

Please note: Always ask for a copy of the terms and conditions prior to hire. Read them carefully and fully appreciate your liabilities prior to hire, seek professional advice for further peace of mind.

Trevelyan also offers an easy to read manual to guide each of our clients through the use of the vehicle, from turning on the central heating to refuelling. We provide emergency numbers and a mobile number to contact us 24hrs daily.

This basic information will provide you with a foundation to make a judgement on the investment a company has made into operating a horsebox hire business, if any of these are missing then assess your decision prior to parting with your money. It's when the things go wrong that you need help and proper preparation is paramount when transporting horses.

At Trevelyan we also offer our clients memberships. These allow our clients to hire horseboxes for a set number of days per year at a reduced rate. The benefits allow the member to book events and days throughout the year non-consecutively and enjoy the luxury of staying overnight at an event in comfort and warmth. All members are offered the opportunity to remain a member with Trevelyan for a period of eight years or eight memberships, after which Trevelyan give them a horsebox*. If you would like to discuss this amazing opportunity contact Trevelyan or view our website, we look forward to hearing from you!

*terms and conditions apply.

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