If you’ve been looking at vehicles to tow horse trailers recently, you’ll know it’s a minefield working out what can tow, how much it can tow, and whether it’s any good at the job!
As a horse owner, there’s nothing more important than protecting your precious equine cargo, so it’s understandable how stressful the search can become. Not to mention the fact that logic can appear to go out the window, with some obvious contenders apparently unable to tow two horses, or particular trailers not big enough to carry the taller animals.
And even once you’ve found the right one, it’s important to make sure you’re complying with road laws, and maintaining both your vehicle and trailer.
Here at ChooseMyCar.com, we thought we’d carry some of the load (see what we did there?) and do the research for you. Read on to find our recommendations for the best vehicles and trailers to transport your horses and ponies, safely, smoothly, and legally – and top tips to keep it that way!
What are my options for horse trailers?
Gooseneck trailer
A gooseneck trailer is unusual in the UK due to various laws making it much more expensive than others. However, it offers great stability with more length, width, and weight. This is a great option for larger loads, but you will need the right vehicle.
Bumper pull trailer
A more affordable option, due to their smaller size. The smaller size also means it is easier to manoeuvre than a gooseneck trailer, but you won’t be able to transport as much due to its size and weight limit.
Living quarters trailer
This combines the convenience of a bumper pull hook-up with the luxuries of areas for sleeping, cooking, and bathing. However this adds a lot of weight to your trailer, as well as expense.
Best trailers
For larger horses – Ifor Williams 510
The Ifor Williams name is synonymous with good quality trailers, and the 510 has long been a favourite for travelling larger horses. With plenty of space for horses over 16.2hh, it’s a sensible choice that also doesn’t break the bank.
For sleeping over – Equitrek Night Treka
While many trailers offer a comfortable resting area for the horses, few are as kind to the humans that come with them! Not so the Night Treka. Offering a bench seat that converts into two beds, a table for meals, stainless steel sink with gas hob, and water carrier, it’s a great choice for those staying away at shows or for rides.
Value for money – Bateson Deauville
Batesons deliver high quality that’s easier on the pocket. The Deauville offers a lighter trailer (less than 900kg) with great build quality, roomy and airy interiors for the horses, up to 17.2hh. All at a reasonable price!
Best cars for horse trailers
All cars have a limit on what they can tow. The maximum towing weight should be listed in every vehicle’s handbook, or on the VIN plate. It’s vital that you carefully consider this, as the weight it states does not just refer to the trailer itself, but the weight of your horse/s, tack, and anything else you might need to carry.
If you exceed the weight, you’re breaking the law, and could also cause your car, trailer – and even your horse/s – damage. All the cars below have a towing capacity of 3,500 kg – meaning you should be able to two your trailer, tack, and two horses, all within the law.
ChooseMyCar.com’s recommended Top 4 cars for towing a horse trailer are:
- Land Rover discovery
- Audi Q7
- Mercedes Benz GLS
- Ssangyong Rexton
| Car type | Land rover discovery | Audi Q7 | Merc Benz GLS | SsangYong Rexton |
| Engine size | 1.5L – 3.0L | 3.0L – 4.0L | 2.9L – 4.0L | 2.2L |
| Brake Horse Power | 236-354 | 214-499 | 254-328 | 178-199 |
| MPG (combined) | 23-34 | 22.8-27.7 | 21.1-32.8 | 32.9-35.8 |
| Towing capacity | 3500kg (3.5t) | 3500kg (3.5t) | 3300kg (3.3t) | 3500kg (3.5t) |
Keep it safe
Tyre pressure. If you’re towing a horse or pony, it’s even more important to check you have the right tyre pressure on your car and trailer, as well as required equipment, such as your hitch, couple, breakaway brake battery, and safety chains.
Your driving style. You may want to do a test run with an empty trailer first to get used to towing your trailer. Once you are comfortable and the horse/s are on board, consider your speed, braking distance, uneven road surfaces, and travelling up or down hills.
Plan your journey. Ensure you leave enough time for your journey so you can drive sensibly, but also consider if you need to factor in a few stops to check on the horse’s wellbeing.
Are you insured? Check with your insurers if you are covered to tow a horse trailer, and make sure the horse trailer is insured too.
