Owning a horsebox can open up a whole new world of possibilities for horse owners. As well as being able to transport your own horse to shows and events as you please, you’ll be able to freely move your animal between stables and fields, take it on horse riding holidays and more. You’ll also have the option of making a little extra money on the side by hiring out your horsebox to other horse owners. Before you do any of that though, you actually have to buy the horsebox in the first place. There are a number of places where you can do that, and it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each before buying.
Here we break down some of the main places to buy a horsebox from, and examine the ins and outs of going down each route.
Direct from supplier/ manufacturer
In buying a horsebox, you may choose to go direct to the source and buy from the manufacturer. On the one hand you may be able to get a good price by doing so, but it’s also worth bearing in mind that by going to a specific manufacturer you are narrowing down your choice significantly. If you’ve got a particular brand that you’re keen on though, this may be a good solution though, and you can usually be sure of the reliability of the vehicle you’re buying. When buying direct from the manufacturer, it may be a good idea to seek out reviews and opinions on the model you’re thinking of purchasing via the internet first.
Online automotive retail sites
You’ll usually find a wider choice of horseboxes available on websites that sell such vehicles online. Often you’ll find new and used horseboxes for sale on these sites, as well as a range of more general vehicles. When using such sites, be sure that you are dealing with a reputable website by checking for reviews and other information elsewhere online.
Auction and ad-based websites
Sites like Horsemart, Preloved and Ebay can be a good place to get a used vehicle, and will generally offer a wide selection of motorised horseboxes and horse trailers suitable for a range of purposes. Once again, you should be careful when purchasing from a third party online, as there are horsebox scammers out there. Be aware that if a deal seems too good to be true, it often is.
Bricks and mortar dealerships
If you’re someone who likes to be able to see, touch and examine what you’re buying, going into an actual vehicle dealership is probably the best option for you. You’ll also have the opportunity to take it for a test drive, but prices may be a little higher due to the increased running costs of these more traditional commercial outlets.
Private sales
If you live in an area where there are plenty of horse owners, you may well be able to get a second hand horsebox from a private owner locally. Check out the classified adverts in the local newspapers, supermarket noticeboards and other local sources of information. As with online sellers, be careful when responding to such adverts, and be sure to take along a qualified mechanic with you to check the vehicle when you go to have a look at it.
Wherever you choose to buy your horsebox from, don’t forget you’ll also need to purchase horsebox insurance. And for that, you can come straight to Park Insurance, experts in horsebox insurance and other equestrian insurance products. Get in touch to discuss your needs, or for any general advice you need about purchasing horsebox insurance.