Travelling your horse safely: horsebox and trailer requirements

Selection and safety of the vehicle 

Whether using your own vehicle, hiring transport or using a professional transporter, you must ensure the vehicle is safe, legal – and suitable for your horse.  For more information on operator and vehicle requirements in the UK click here.  

Planning the route that will be taken, the time of day and where the best places to stop are all important elements of being prepared.  See our Travelling safely: is your horse fit to travel? advice page for further advice on preparing horses to travel.

Essential vehicle checks 

Before every journey, check: 

• Lights 

• Tyres 

• Flooring and horse area 

Vehicles should be regularly serviced and MOT’d where required. Responsibility lies with the owner – but if hiring or using a transporter, you should still carry out basic safety checks before loading your horse.  Ensure you have adequate breakdown cover (including horse recovery plans). Whether using your own transport, hiring a horsebox or trailer to drive yourself or using a transporter, you should check that the vehicle is safe to be on the road as well as for your horse to travel in.

Weight limits and payload 

Understanding your vehicle’s weight capacity and/or towing capacity is essential for road safety, horse safe and remaining within the law. Once you have identified the vehicles weight/tow capacity, you then need to calculate the total weight of what you are bringing with you. 

Consider the weight of: 

• Trailer (if towing) 

• Horse  

• Tack  

• Passengers (including children and dogs) 

• Fuel 

• Extras – like water and forage 

Many people unknowingly exceed their vehicles weight limits, which is unsafe and illegal – ideally use a weighbridge for accuracy. 

Space 

Horses need sufficient space to balance and travel comfortably.  In many vehicles it is possible to safely remove partitions or set them at varied distance to increase space. 

Guidance: 

• Minimum 20 cm space on each side 

• At least 75 cm above wither height 

Journey planning 

Plan the route in advance, taking into account journey duration, changes in temperature and weather, and have contingency options in place. Identify suitable, safe locations for rest, unloading (if required), feeding and watering.  Aim to keep journey times to a minimum but remember that horses will have a better experience on a smoother journey – so factor this into your plans.  Often minor roads are also poor quality so it may be better to go a slightly longer route if it means more miles on a better quality surface.   

On-the-day planning 

Check for any unplanned road closures and adjust your route if needs be.   

Unexpected weather and temperatures are hugely impact your horse’s welfare.  Find out more about how to manage your horse during hot weather – including transporting in hot weather on our Hot Weather Horse Care Tips advice page. 

Ensure your phone is charged so you can make contact with someone if you need help enroute. Share your planned route and estimated time of arrival (ETA) with someone and make sure they know what do to in case of an emergency.   

Monitoring your horse 

It is important to be able to regularly monitor your horse during the journey.  Consider installing a camera and watch for signs of stress or injury. 

Using a professional transporter 

If hiring a transporter, carry out due diligence. 

Check: 

• Experience and training 

• Insurance and what is covered (who is liable if your horse causes damage or if you horse becomes injured or unwell) 

• Certifications (e.g. certificates of competence) 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  It is a good idea to ask for testimonials from previous clients and remember the cheapest quote may not be the best option. 

Dr Barbara Padallino (University of Bologna) and World Horse Welfare’s Alana Chapman discuss further information on travelling horses safely and minimising the risks in our Welfare Wednesday Webinar. 

Last updated: 17/7/2026. Advice collated by the World Horse Welfare research and education team and externally reviewed by Dr Barbara Padalino, DVM, PhD, DipECAWBM(AWSEL)