If you’re a horse owner, then you’ve probably already considered buying either a horsebox or a horse trailer. Whether you need to take your horse to the vet, to a competition, or hunting, it’s a lot more practical, not to mention convenient, to have your own transportation.
So, what’s the difference between a horsebox and a horse trailer? Let’s take a closer look below.
What is a horsebox?
A horsebox is a lorry that is designed to transport horses. These are available in a wide range of different sizes and come in rear-facing, forward-facing, and herringbone options.
Horseboxes tend to be favored by professional riders as they look smarter than horse trailers and come with a living area for the owners. They can also accommodate more horses than a trailer.
What is a horse trailer?
A horse trailer is towed behind your car, which means you need to own a vehicle that is strong enough to match the weight of the trailer and the horse itself.
A horse trailer tends to be more popular with people who only own one horse as it offers sufficient comfort without being too expensive.
What are the pros and cons of each one?
Horsebox Pros:
- More professional-looking
- Can accommodate more horses
- Comes with a separate living area
- More space for the horses
- Steadier in high winds
Horsebox Cons:
- More expensive to buy
- More expensive to run
- You can’t drive away without your horsebox
Horse Trailer Pros:
- More affordable
- Cheaper to run
- You can park and drive away unencumbered
- Your trailer should be covered under your car insurance policy
Horse Trailer Cons:
- You need to have an appropriate car
- You can only accommodate a few horses
- Most trailers are not designed for overnight stays
- They can be hard to maneuver when driving
How much does a horsebox and horse trailer cost?
Whether you opt for a horsebox or a horse trailer, the initial outlay is significant. However, even if you don’t have the funds outright to buy either one of the above, there are several options available to you.
For example, you can look to Auto Finance Online who specialize in finance for purchasing horseboxes or horse trailers. There will be finance options available for everyone, even those with bad credit or a poor credit rating.
How to choose between a horsebox and a horse trailer
The choice between a horsebox and a horse trailer comes down to personal preference, your lifestyle, and the number of horses that you need to transport.
A horse trailer is undeniably cheaper, both in terms of the initial cost and ongoing expenditure. However, it does have limitations.
If you’re a professional rider and have a little bit more money to spend, or you own multiple horses and travel regularly, then a horsebox is probably the better option for you.
Some horse owners decide to buy both and then alternate between them depending on the occasion and the number of horses that they need to transport.
