Horsebox Driver Training
High quality training at convenient locations around the UK
THE EASY GUIDE TO HORSE TRANSPORT
OPTIONS IN THE UK
Horse transport in the UK is probably more complicated than it needs to be from a licencing perspective. However, it is what it is. We want to make it as easy as possible to understand what your requirements are if you regularly transport horses. In this easy guide to horse transport, we will discuss licencing, training and some of the practical aspects of towing horsebox trailers. If you have any further questions after reading this guide, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The place to begin is to discuss the difference between horsebox trailers and HGV horseboxes. The horsebox trailer is simply a large utility trailer with a roof on top and a built-in stall in the interior. In the eyes of the DVLA, if it is no different in practical terms than your standard utility trailer used for hauling equipment or furniture. The HGV horsebox is entirely different.
The HGV horsebox is a self-contained unit with both the engine and horse transport areas built on the same chassis. For purposes of clarification, consider it similar to a box lorry that has been modified to transport horses rather than static cargo. This difference dictates that most HGV horsebox operators need a special licence to account for the size and weight of their vehicles.
As a horse owner, the kind of vehicle you use for horse transport is entirely up to you. Most recreational horse owners are content with a horsebox trailer towed by an SUV or pickup truck.
Horse Transport Licensing Requirements
The most confusing thing for horse owners to understand is the licensing requirements. Unfortunately, we do not make things easy here in the UK. There are two different licences pertaining to horse transport activities: the operator’s licence and the driving licence.
The operator’s licence is similar to the kind of licence a logistics company would need to legally operate commercial vehicles on the road.
Horse owners DO NOT need an operator’s licence if they transport horses
under the following conditions:
- Horse transport is for recreational or hobby purposes only
- The owner/driver does not derive a significant portion of his or her income from transport
- Horse transport does not involve qualifying business operations
- The equipment owner does not hire himself or herself out to other hobbyists in need of horse transport.
Simply put, the government has created a distinction between recreational and commercial transport of horses. If what you do qualifies as a commercial enterprise, you will need both an operator’s licence and appropriate CPC certification. And operator’s licence is not required for hobbyists. As for the driving licence, it is dependent entirely on vehicle weight and class.
The current standards taken directly from the GOV.UK website are as follows:
Category C1
For use if driving any goods vehicle that is above 3.5t and below 7.5t in weight. If you gained your driving licence before 1997, you will automatically have this category on your licence. If you gained your driving licence after 1997, you will have to take a test. Note – if you gain your Cat ‘C’ you automatically get given your Cat ‘C1’, so it is advisable to take a full Cat ‘C’ course and get both categories for the price of one.
Category B+E
This licence allows you to tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass greater than 750 kg and a combined trailer/tow vehicle weight in excess of 3.5 tonnes. The combined weight cannot exceed 7.5 tonnes under this licence category. Your average horsebox trailer qualifies.
Category C Licences
There are four different Category C licences that apply to heavier vehicles. They are normally not needed when towing a horsebox trailer with a typical passenger vehicle. However, a Category C or C1 will probably be necessary for operating an HGV horsebox. Like Category B licences, the exact licence needed to operate an HGV horsebox will depend on vehicle weight.
“Alicia Scott has dealt with my application from the start
And she’s has been brill, all theory side of things …”
Practical Aspects of Horse Transport
It is clear that those engaged in horse transport of any kind will likely need some sort of special licence to do so legally. Our training covers those needs. But above and beyond licencing, there are practical aspects of horse transport that you need to know as a horse owner. Some of those things we cover in our training, others are learned from fellow horse owners and your own experience.
Another important practical aspect of horse transport is knowing how stressful transport can be to horses. Some animals just do not do well no matter how much care you take in transporting them. Experience and your fellow horse owners will help you understand the personality of your animals so that you can become better at horse transport.
As just one example, there are different types of horsebox trailers you can purchase. You may purchase a rear facing trailer while one of your friends has a front facing trailer. Or you may buy a larger horsebox with several stables and a side facing configuration. The thing to understand is that the horsebox trailer you choose will have an impact on how you transport your horses. So it pays to understand the different configurations and how these apply in your circumstances.
Horse transport is unique exercise very few people experience in their lifetimes. As a horse owner, you do what you do because you love everything about owning and enjoying your animals. When it comes to transport, we want to see you do it safely for both your benefit and theirs. The HGV Training Centre is here to provide industry-leading training that will enable you to earn your horsebox licence and do your horses proud every time you take them somewhere. Our training is convenient, fast, reliable, and affordable.
Additional Information on Horse Transportation
To help you learn more about transporting horses on UK roads we have listed below a number of our other articles related to driving and towing equestrian vehicles:
What Licence Do I Need To Drive a 3.5 Tonne Horsebox?
Find the Best Driver Training for HGV Horseboxes
Find the Best Horse Box Trailer Towing Courses in Your Area
Horse Lorry Types and UK Driving Licence Requirements
The Best Intensive Training Course on Horse Trailer Towing
The Easy Guide to Horse Transport Options in the UK
The Simple Low Cost Solution to Getting Your Horsebox Licence
How to Transport Horses Safely and Legally in the UK
What Are The Licence Requirements For Towing A Horse Trailer?
What You Need To Know About Towing Horse Trailers
Horsebox & HGV training in around LONDON
MORE ARTICLES
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