The ultimate guide to safe horse transport
As a horse lover, professional rider, or stable owner, you know better than anyone: the well-being of your horses always comes first. Whether you are on your way to a national competition, a long journey abroad, or the equine clinic; you want your horses to arrive fresh, relaxed, and safe.
Purchasing a horse truck is a significant investment. Do you choose a compact 2-horse truck (B-license) or a large horse truck with a luxury living area? In this blog, we list the most important criteria so you can make the right choice for both your horses and yourself.
1. Safety and comfort for the horse are top priority
The most critical part of the vehicle is, of course, the horse section. When purchasing, pay close attention to the following points:
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The layout (Breast bar vs. Stallion configuration): Horses that travel restlessly or young horses benefit from a stallion configuration (fully enclosed partitions). This prevents horses from trying to jump over a breast bar (in 2-horse trucks). If a horse does attempt to jump over the breast bar, it can cause severe panic. Roelofsen trucks feature a safety system where the breast bar can be released from the outside in a single action.
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Ventilation and climate control: A good horse truck is equipped with both mechanical ventilation (fans) and sufficient windows that can open (skylight, side windows, and a window in the rear door). Optimal air circulation prevents stress and respiratory problems. Additionally, our trucks can be fitted with a misting system and air conditioning.
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The floor and side walls: Always choose a durable, vibration-absorbing rubber floor with an anti-slip layer. It is also crucial that the ramp does not become slippery when it rains. The side walls must be equipped with strong kick protection. At Roelofsen, you never have to worry about this!
2. Payload and driving license: The reality of the 2-horse truck
One of the most critical aspects when purchasing a horse truck is the payload.
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The challenge of the B-license (up to 3,500 kg): A 2-horse truck on a B-license is incredibly popular due to its flexibility. However, after building a safe and sturdy truck with all the options—such as a stallion configuration—there is often only about 800 to 900 kg of net payload left. With some builders, it is even less. If you factor in two adult sport horses (averaging 600 kg each), two riders, saddles, feed, and a full tank of fuel, you will exceed the maximum limit of 3,500 kg.
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When to choose what? In practice, a B-license truck is ideal and safe when you structurally transport one horse (or two ponies), including all gear and equipment.
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C1 or C license as a safe alternative: Do you really want to hit the road with two adult horses and all your gear without worrying about weight? Then we at Roelofsen advise looking into a C1-license variant (a 4T, 4.4T, or 5.5T). This prevents stress on the road and ensures you always travel 100% safely and legally. In the Netherlands, an advantage of a C1 license is that you do not pay BPM (private vehicle tax). For private owners, a C1 license can also be more favorable after the abolition of the quarterly rate for motor vehicle tax, as you pay per kilometer driven.
3. Interior of the living area: Your home on the road
Are you often away at shows for several days with multiple horses? Then our large trucks with a living area are your haven. The possibilities at Roelofsen are endless, ranging from functional to high-end luxury. When configuring your living area, consider:
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Sleeping berths: How many sleeping berths do you need? And would you like a pop-up or pop-out for extra space?
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Conveniences: As soon as the truck is connected to the shore power at the showgrounds, you can enjoy all the comforts of home. Think of air conditioning, a fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, TV, and of course, Wi-Fi. You imagine what you need, and we will see how to make it a reality.
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Sanitary facilities: A compact or even luxurious bathroom with a shower and toilet significantly enhances your comfort during multi-day events.
Before diving into your search for a horse truck, make a list of how often you travel, how many horses you take with you, and what your specific wishes are. Based on that, we can perfectly guide you.
4. Durability and residual value
You don’t buy a horse truck for the short term, but for the long run. The build quality determines not only how safe you are on the road, but also what the truck will be worth over time. Roelofsen Horse Trucks are renowned for their extremely high residual value and durable materials (such as stainless steel and high-grade composites). This makes a custom-built truck a value-retaining investment rather than an expense.
Conclusion: Customization is key
No two riders and no two horses are the same. The perfect horse truck fits your specific discipline, the number of horses you transport, and the distances you cover.
Would you like to experience for yourself how a perfectly driving and horse-friendly truck feels?
