Presumably, if you have clicked on this article, then you are already the proud owner of at least one horse and, as such, you are fully aware that owing horses is certainly not a hobby, or indeed a profession to enter into when you are strapped for cash.
When wanting to move your horse, either on short journeys on the regular, or else from one state to another, then you will need to invest in a quality horsebox. So, with this in mind, continue reading to discover a concise guide for first-time horsebox buyers.
Ask Yourself the Key Questions
First and foremost, you need to have a think as to the exact needs you want the horsebox to fulfil, and indeed, whether you are interested in buying a brand-new one or secondhand, with both having their separate advantages.
Such key questions should include, at the very least, the following:
- Does it need to be aesthetically pleasing for events and horse shows?
- Where will it be stored overnight?
- Will you ever need to travel abroad?
- Would a motorized or towed box be best for you?
- Does your driving license cover a horsebox?
Your Budget
Not only do you need to set a budget for the horsebox itself, but you also need to learn that the type of horsebox you choose will majorly affect the amount of insurance you will pay.
When it comes to financing the box itself, checking out Auto Finance Online will mean that you could look into borrowing a set amount of money to pay for your horsebox, and decide your terms on how much and over how long you will pay it back.
As previously touched upon, secondhand horseboxes are, in the main, significantly cheaper than those bought straight off the forecourt, and if you are considering a secondhand option, then make sure you look for the following things:
- Evidence of leakage on the sides
- Corrosion and rust
- The mileage of the horsebox
- The size and space within the living area
- The weight of the ramp
Bringing Your Horsebox Home
Unfortunately, especially in more rural areas of the country, theft of horseboxes and other related equipment is particularly high, and as a result, you need to be extra vigilant when it comes to storing and securing your new horsebox. Additionally, during the current unstable economic climate, it is even more likely that an unsecured horsebox would be stolen, due to the high resale value.
With that being said, the main things to remember when storing and securing your horsebox include investing in a durable and sturdy lock, and then locking the box itself in a barn or other outhouse for extra protection, and fitting an alarm.
Other important things to know when storing your horsebox are adding a micro transponder onto the inside wall so it has a brand-new data tag and also fitting an immobilizer, which will not only add extra security but could also help to bring down your insurance.
