Horsebox Safety Checks: What to Check Before Every Journey

Before setting off in a horsebox, take a few minutes to check that both the vehicle and the horse area are safe.

A valid MOT and regular servicing are important, but they don't guarantee that a new fault hasn't developed since the horsebox was last used. A pre-journey walkaround can help you spot problems such as:

• a damaged or underinflated tyre;
• a light that isn't working;
• a fluid leak;
• an insecure ramp or door;
• a loose partition;
• damage to the horsebox floor; or
• something loose inside the horse area.

GOV.UK recommends using the HGV daily walkaround checklist for horseboxes over 3,500kg and the van daily walkaround checklist for horseboxes of 3,500kg or less. Horsebox drivers should additionally check the internal stalls, partitions, breast bars and loading ramps.

The driver is responsible for making sure the vehicle is safe before setting off. If DVSA or the police find a serious safety problem, the vehicle can be prevented from continuing until the fault has been dealt with.

Horsebox safety checks at a glance

Before every journey, check:

When should I carry out horsebox safety checks?

Carry out your checks before setting off, ideally before loading your horse.

Checking the horse area while it's empty gives you more room to inspect the floor, partitions and ramp and means you can deal with a problem without leaving a horse standing inside the vehicle.

For a show, competition or longer journey, it's sensible to carry out a more thorough inspection the day before, followed by another walkaround before departure.

You should also remain alert during the journey. Stop somewhere safe and investigate if you notice:

• a dashboard warning light;
• an unusual noise;
• a change in steering or braking;
• excessive vibration;
• smoke or a burning smell;
• movement from a ramp, door or locker; or
• your horse becoming unusually unsettled.

Check the tyres

Horseboxes can spend long periods parked, so tyres need attention even when the vehicle hasn't covered many miles.

Check every tyre for:

• correct pressure;
• sufficient tread;
• cuts or cracking;
• bulges or lumps;
• uneven wear;
• objects embedded in the tread; and
• exposed wire or cord.

DVSA guidance says tyres should be correctly inflated, secure and free from serious damage.

Use the recommended tyre pressures for your vehicle and the load you're carrying. Don't rely solely on looking at the tyre – underinflation may not always be obvious.

If your horsebox has twin rear wheels, remember to inspect the inner tyre and check that nothing is trapped between the two tyres.

Does the age of a horsebox tyre matter?

Yes. A tyre can have plenty of tread but still have deteriorated with age or long periods standing.

Have a tyre professional inspect tyres that:

• show visible cracking;
• regularly lose pressure;
• have spent long periods in the same position;
• have an unknown age or history; or
• show unusual or uneven wear.

Don't forget the spare tyre if your horsebox carries one.

Check the wheels

Walk around the horsebox and check that:

• no wheel nuts are obviously loose or missing;
• wheel-nut indicators, where fitted, haven't moved;
• wheels aren't visibly cracked or damaged;
• wheel trims are secure; and
• nothing is trapped between twin wheels.

Look for signs that something may have loosened, such as movement of wheel-nut indicators or rust marks radiating from the fixing.

If anything looks wrong, have it properly checked before travelling.

Check all the lights

Turn on the lights and walk around the horsebox.

Check:

• headlights;
• sidelights;
• rear lights;
• indicators;
• hazard-warning lights;
• brake lights;
• reversing lights;
• number-plate lights; and
• side or high-level marker lights where fitted.

Make sure the lenses are clean, secure, undamaged and the correct colour.

You may need someone to help check the brake lights, or position the vehicle somewhere you can see their reflection.

DVSA's walkaround guidance requires lights, indicators and marker lights to work correctly.

Check fluid levels and look for leaks

Check the fluids specified in your vehicle handbook. Depending on the vehicle, these may include:

• engine oil;
• engine coolant;
• brake fluid;
• power-steering fluid;
• windscreen washer fluid;
• AdBlue; and
• fuel.

Look underneath the horsebox for fresh drips or puddles and around the engine and filler caps for signs of leaks.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions when checking or topping up fluids, and never remove a pressurised coolant cap while the engine is hot.

Check the cab

From the driving position, check that:

• the windscreen gives you a clear view and isn't seriously damaged;
• mirrors are clean, secure and correctly adjusted;
• cameras are working where fitted;
• wipers and washers work;
• dashboard warning lights operate correctly;
• the horn works;
• the steering feels normal;
• the service brake works correctly;
• the parking brake works;
• seat belts are secure and undamaged; and
• nothing is loose around the pedals.

These all form part of the DVSA walkaround checks.

What should I check on an HGV horsebox with air brakes?

If your horsebox uses an air-braking system, allow the air pressure to build properly and check that the warning system operates correctly.

Listen for possible air leaks and don't set off with a brake or low-air-pressure warning showing.

For larger horseboxes, also check that any vehicle-height indicator in the cab shows the correct height, particularly if equipment or fittings have been added to the roof. DVSA includes the in-cab height marker in its HGV walkaround requirements.

Check the bodywork and doors

Walk around the outside of the horsebox and check that:

• cab and living-area doors close securely;
• horse-area doors are properly fastened;
• tack lockers and storage doors are secured;
• body panels aren't loose;
• steps are firm;
• mudguards and spray flaps are secure;
• number plates are clean and readable; and
• nothing is hanging loose underneath the vehicle.

Look for new damage, sharp edges or anything that could become detached while driving.

Check the horsebox floor

The floor is one of the most important horsebox-specific checks.

Look and feel for:

• cracks;
• soft or uneven areas;
• movement underfoot;
• damaged or lifting matting;
• excessive moisture;
• rot or corrosion;
• sharp edges; and
• loose fixings.

A visual check before travelling is important, but it isn't enough on its own.

The floor should also be thoroughly inspected at regular intervals, including underneath removable matting or floor plates. GOV.UK specifically advises horsebox owners to inspect the floor and check underneath matting or plates.

Don't transport a horse if you're uncertain about the strength or condition of the floor. Have it inspected by a suitably qualified horsebox specialist.

Check the ramp

Before loading, inspect the ramp's:

• hinges;
• pins and fixings;
• springs, cables or gas struts;
• side gates or barriers;
• surface;
• grip strips or battens;
• edges and seals; and
• handles, bolts and catches.

Make sure it:

• opens and closes correctly;
• doesn't drop unexpectedly;
• provides a secure, non-slip surface;
• sits firmly when lowered;
• locks securely when raised; and
• has no dangerous sharp or damaged areas.

Test the ramp before loading your horse rather than discovering a problem when the horse is halfway on.

GOV.UK specifically includes loading ramps among the horsebox components that should be checked.

Check the partitions, breast bars and breeching bars

Check that each partition and bar is:

• correctly fitted;
• secure at both ends;
• appropriate for the horse you're carrying;
• free from dangerous sharp edges;
• not badly bent or damaged; and
• capable of being released in an emergency.

Check pins, bolts, catches and quick-release fittings.

Partitions should not be able to swing loose while you're travelling, and removable bars need to be properly secured in their fittings.

GOV.UK specifically tells horsebox drivers to check internal stalls, partitions and breast bars.

Check the walls, roof and fittings

Inspect the horse area for:

• loose panels;
• protruding screws;
• sharp edges;
• damaged padding;
• broken windows;
• loose roof vents;
• damaged tie rings;
• hanging wires;
• unsecured storage; and
• anything else the horse could injure itself on.

Windows and vents should be secure while still providing suitable ventilation.

Remove or secure loose objects before loading. Tack, buckets, tools, chairs and other equipment shouldn't be able to enter the horse area during braking or cornering.

Check the ventilation

Before loading, make sure:

• roof vents and windows operate as intended;
• ventilation openings aren't blocked;
• fans work where fitted;
• the horse area isn't excessively hot; and
• exhaust fumes aren't entering the horse area.

The amount of ventilation needed will vary with the weather, journey length and number of horses being carried.

Animal-welfare rules require vehicles to be designed, maintained and operated so that animals aren't caused injury or unnecessary suffering.

Check your horse is fit to travel

Vehicle safety isn't the only consideration. The horse must also be fit for the journey.

Don't simply load and travel as normal if your horse:

• is injured;
• appears unwell;
• is struggling to walk;
• is showing signs of colic;
• is unusually distressed; or
• has recently undergone treatment that could affect its ability to travel.

If you're unsure whether your horse is fit to travel, seek veterinary advice.

Current animal-welfare guidance requires anyone transporting animals to make sure they're fit to travel and to use a vehicle and loading facilities that avoid injury and suffering.

Once loaded, make sure your horse has appropriate space to stand and balance safely.

Secure tack and equipment

Everything carried in the horsebox needs to be secure.

Check that:

• saddles and bridles are safely stored;
• cupboards and drawers are latched;
• water containers cannot roll or tip;
• chairs, tables and wheelbarrows are secured;
• feed and bedding cannot move into the horse area;
• gas bottles, where carried, are properly secured; and
• heavy equipment is stored safely.

A loose object can injure a horse or person and can move during braking or cornering.
DVSA guidance requires loads and equipment to be appropriately secured so that they aren't likely to move.

Check the horsebox weight and payload

Before travelling, make sure the horsebox remains within:

• its Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM);
• its front axle limit; and
• its rear axle limit.

The total weight includes:

• horses;
• driver and passengers;
• tack;
• feed and bedding;
• water;
• fuel;
• show equipment; and
• everything stored in the living area.

Don't assume that a horsebox with two stalls automatically has enough legal payload for two horses.

If you're unsure how to calculate your available carrying capacity, our guide to horsebox size, payload and weight explains MAM, payload and axle weights and how to work out what your horsebox can legally carry.

GOV.UK requires horsebox users to stay within their vehicle's weight limits and avoid overloading.

What should I check before a show or longer journey?

As well as carrying out your normal vehicle checks, confirm that:

• your planned route is suitable for the horsebox's height and size;
• you have enough fuel and AdBlue where required;
• your MOT or annual test is valid;
• your insurance is valid;
• you hold the correct driving licence;
• your breakdown cover is suitable;
• recovery includes the horses;
• you have the horse's passport;
• you have enough water and forage;
• your phone is charged; and
• you have important contact numbers.

GOV.UK specifically advises horsebox owners to check that their breakdown cover includes the vehicle/trailer and recovery of the horses, and confirms that appropriate horse passports and transport documents need to be carried.

For a longer journey, also think about:

• rest stops;
• weather conditions;
• possible traffic delays;
• ventilation;
• how you'll monitor your horse; and
• what you'll do if you break down.

If the journey is being made in connection with an economic activity, additional animal-transport requirements can apply, including transporter authorisation and certificates of competence depending on the journey.

Should I record my horsebox safety checks?

Keeping a simple checklist can help you carry out the same checks consistently and spot recurring faults.

For a privately used horsebox, you might keep a checklist in the cab or on your phone.

For vehicles operated under a commercial system, defect reporting and record-keeping requirements can be more formal. DVSA guidance says defects should be recorded and reported through the appropriate operator system.

If you're transporting horses commercially, our guide to becoming a professional horse transporter explains the wider vehicle, driver and animal-transport requirements that may apply.

What should I do if I find a fault?

Don't travel simply because you're running late, have already entered a competition or have a horse loaded.

If a fault could affect the:

• steering;
• brakes;
• tyres or wheels;
• lights;
• floor;
• ramp;
• doors;
• partitions; or
• safe containment of the horse,

don't use the horsebox until the problem has been properly assessed and repaired.

A minor-looking fault can become much more serious once the vehicle is loaded and moving.

Is a horsebox safety check a replacement for servicing or an MOT?

No.

A walkaround check helps identify problems that are visible before a journey. It does not replace:

regular servicing;
planned maintenance;
professional floor inspections;
tyre and brake inspections; or
the MOT or HGV annual test.

GOV.UK recommends having horseboxes regularly checked and serviced by a qualified mechanic in addition to carrying out routine safety checks.

Our guide to horsebox MOT and plating requirements explains which annual test your horsebox needs, when plating applies and how MOTs and servicing differ.

Quick horsebox safety checklist

Before setting off, ask yourself:

• Are the tyres correctly inflated and free from damage?
• Are the wheels and wheel nuts secure?
• Do all the lights and indicators work?
• Are fluid levels correct and are there any leaks?
• Are the windscreen, mirrors and cameras clear?
• Do the brakes and steering feel normal?
• Are all doors and lockers secure?
• Is the horsebox floor sound?
• Is the ramp safe and securely fastened?
• Are the partitions and bars secure?
• Is the horse area free from dangerous edges and loose items?
• Is all equipment safely stored?
• Is the horsebox within its MAM and axle limits?
• Is my horse fit to travel?
• Do I have the documents I need for this journey?

Don't set off until any safety-related problem has been resolved.

Find horsebox HGV training near you

If your horsebox has a MAM above 3,500kg and you don't already have the required driving entitlement, you will normally need Category C1 or Category C.

Our guide to what horsebox you can drive on your licence explains which entitlement you need for different horsebox weights.

You can then use Horsemart's HGV training-centre directory to find a suitable training provider.

This guide covers vehicle checks in England, Scotland and Wales. Different guidance can apply in Northern Ireland. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and seek professional advice if you're unsure whether your horsebox is safe to use.