International endurance rider, Nicki Thorne, upgraded her transport last year when her husband, Andy, surprised her with an Equi-Trek Valiant.

Nicki frequently travels around the world to compete, and with temperatures hitting record levels aircon in the horse area was a must have in the new lorry.

Nicky explains: “The horses need to arrive in the best condition possible to minimise journey recovery time before they compete. Aircon is vital to keep them at a comfortable temperature to prevent sweating and therefore the loss of electrolytes.

“We compete all over the UK, Europe and further afield, so the Equi-Trek Valiant is the perfect lorry for the horses, and ideal for me and Andy to have a good night’s sleep and to relax and prepare meals. The horses travel really well backwards and arrive cool and relaxed, regardless of the temperature outside.”

The Valiant is a 5000kg horsebox designed for the competitive owner who requires a horsebox to carry two horses safely and economically combined with spacious overnight living accommodation.

The unique tri-axle layout provides a more spacious living area than can normally be achieved in this style of vehicle. The Valiant is fully equipped for overnight stays, complete with a comfortable L-shaped seating area which converts to a double bed, a fitted kitchen unit with sink and gas hob, plus a separate bathroom area.

The Valiant is powered by a HDI diesel engine which complies with the latest emission standards, giving effortless performance and outstanding economy. Aircon is a popular optional extra and the Valiant is also available with a Leisure Vehicle Pack which benefits the private owner in the following ways:

• No speed limiter – the vehicle is only restricted to national speed limit and can travel up to 70mph on the motorway. This is only advisable when travelling without horses.
• Can use the third lane of the motorway – this is particularly useful at times of traffic congestion in the middle lane, especially due to slow moving HGV’s. Operators can also safely overtake slow moving traffic in the centre lanes. This can reduce journey times and stress for the horse.
• No tachograph - vehicles that are for private use do not need a tachograph fitted.
• No MOT required for the first three years and thereafter the vehicle can be tested at a normal MOT testing centre and does not have to go to a DVSA testing station for a HGV.

Nicki has represented county and country numerous times at top level endurance competitions, including the European Championships in Holland and the Endurance World Championships. Currently competing four, Nicki is also bringing on a string of youngers which were bred at her stud in Argentina.

Welfare has always been a top priority for the Akala Stud horses, not only do they travel in luxury, but they also receive five-star care and enjoy their retirement back at the stud when they finish competing.

The Equi-Trek Elementary Gold and Silver Championships were hotly contested at the British Dressage Winter National Championships, held at Hartpury.

Dannie Morgan riding Kristina Rausing’s, Vive la Reinne VH was victorious in the Equi-Trek Elementary Gold to round off a hugely successful week, taking his fourth title at the championships.

The Southampton based rider praised the talented mare following a fantastic performance in a difficult test to finish on a score of 74.84%.

“She showed a lovely way of going today, I think the Elementary 59 is quite a tricky test for inexperienced horses because there’s lots of transitions. I was really pleased with her, she was slightly tired on the day, so it was amazing to get that score,” said Dannie.

Virginia De Senneville riding Claire Wyatt’s, Fire Kracka took the Equi-Trek Elementary Silver Winter Championship title on 71.20%, with the stallion certainly living up to his name.

The six-year-old has been a rising star on the circuit since 2022 and the win marks a step in the right direction as the duo look to rise up the ranks, following their success at the 2022 championship.

“I’m super proud of him, he gives his best every single time. As soon as I get on he’s so focused, he’s fully there and he never looks at anything,” said Virginia.

Photo Credit: © Kevin Sparrow Photography / British Dressage

Equi-Trek is looking to a sustainable future with the launch of the all-electric Evolution horsebox.

Probably the world’s first all-electric horsebox, the electric Evolution is built on a brand new 7,200kg Iveco electric chassis.

The all-electric Evolution boasts a jaw-dropping 189 mile range on a single charge, making it a serious option for professional riders and amateurs alike.

With a worldwide commitment to reducing greenhouse gas, diesel vehicles will soon become a thing of the past meaning companies like Equi-Trek will be embracing electric powered vehicles as the route to zero emissions travel.

The advantages of electric travel include being more environmentally friendly, lower maintenance costs and better performance.

The all-electric version of the Evolution will still include all the fantastic features of the standard lorry which is stalled to carry three horses or four ponies (subject to size and weight) as well as the exceptionally spacious living area that sleeps four people.

Equi-Trek CEO Tom Janion said: “As a company we are looking to get ahead of the game in manufacturing sustainable transport solutions for our customers. We hope that the introduction of the first all-electric vehicle to enter our range will prove a real game-changer.

“Although the initial cost is undoubtedly more expensive than our diesel model the operating costs are considerably lower making the electric Evolution a real investment for the future.”

The all-electric Equi-Trek Evolution is the must-have horsebox for anyone with an environmental conscience that is looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Equi-Trek sales team will hit the road in the next few months visiting shows and events up and down the country with the trade stand.

If this is the year that you are looking to buy a horsebox or trailer, visiting the trade stand provides a great opportunity to view the current range of horseboxes and trailers.

The team will be on hand to answer any questions to ensure you choose the right vehicle or trailer to suit your requirements. Whether you are looking for an easy to drive horsebox that can be driven on a car license, a vehicle with a touch of luxury or a trailer with overnight accommodation, Equi-Trek has a transport solution for you.

Visit the Equi-Trek trade stand at the following shows with more events being added soon:

• National Equine Show – 4^th – 5th March
• British Dressage Winter Champs – 19^th – 23^rd April
• Badminton Horse Trials – 4^th – 8^th May
• Royal Windsor Horse Show – 11th – 14th May
• Chatsworth Horse Trials – 12^th – 14^th May
• Bramham Horse Trials – 8^th – 11^th June
• Royal Cheshire Country Show – 20^th – 21^st June
• Hickstead Derby Meeting – 22^nd – 25^th June
• Great Yorkshire Show – 11^th – 14^th July
• Royal International Hickstead – 25^th – 30^th July
• Blair Castle Horse Trials – 24^th – 27^th August
• Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing – 4^th – 6^th August
• Burghley Horse Trials – 31^st August – 3^rd September
• Chatsworth Country Fair – 1^st – 3^rd September
• National Dressage Championships – 14^th – 17^th September

Alison Sweetman from Preston was thrilled to be announced as the lucky winner of a brand new Equi-Trek Apollo trailer, having entered a competition on the Equi-Trek trade stand at The Great Yorkshire Show.

Horses have been a massive part of Alison’s life since she begged her parents for a riding lesson at the age of five and enjoyed her teenage years riding her own pony before going off to university, which meant she had to sell her pony.

As life became busy Alison took a break from riding but her passion for horses was still as strong as ever and seven years ago a special horse came into her life.

Alison and Victor, a stunning a 17.3hh bay Shire X with four white socks enjoy many hours of happy hacking with friends as well as taking part in pleasure rides and schooling clinics.

Every year Alison and Victor also like to go on a riding holiday with their equine friends so are very much looking forward to travelling in style next summer in their very own Equi-Trek Apollo.

Said Allison: “When you enter these competition’s you never expect to win so I was over the moon when the marketing team from Equi-Trek contacted me to give me the good news.

“Having our own transport will mean we can do so much more, so I am already planning the diary for next year.”

The Equi-Trek Apollo trailer is an aerodynamic trailer with a spacious and light horse area that offers enough headroom to accommodate horses up to 18hh.

It features aluminium flooring and lightweight ramps that are finished with a durable rubber, as well as closing fixtures that glide securely in place and a window on each side for excellent ventilation. The removable breast bars can even be collapsed from the outside in case of an emergency.

Equi-Trek is now offering ‘Flexi-Tow’ on Apollo horse trailers to give customers ultimate flexibility for just £200 plus vat a month on a rolling contract requiring only one month’s notice to cancel.

Yes, it is that simple, you get a brand-new horse trailer for as long as you want it, for a simple monthly fee and nothing more than one month’s commitment that includes the following:

• Lifetime warranty
• All servicing and maintenance costs (excluding tyres)
• Insurance (Ts&Cs apply)

In the uncertain times we now live in, Flexi-Tow has been introduced to provide customers with peace of mind that should their circumstances change they are not tied into a long-term hire or finance contract.

Not only that but the trailer is covered under warranty for the full duration as well as all servicing costs. The only additions you would have to pay for is damage up to a limit of £1,000.00 plus vat.

Unrivalled for its strength and performance, the Apollo has a spacious and light horse area with exceptional headroom to accommodate horses up to 18hh. Horses travel forward facing and are unloaded with ease using the extra wide front ramp.

Featuring aluminium flooring and ramps with a durable rubber finish, the hard-wearing trailer maintains the popular Equi-Trek aesthetic to ensure that the Apollo stands out.

Both the rear and front ramp are easy to operate thanks to their lightweight design and the closing fixtures that glide securely into place. The Apollo has removable breast bars which can also be collapsed from the outside of the trailer in case of an emergency, a strong central partition and removable breech bars. The back portion of the partition can be moved for loading giving the horse a wide and inviting space to move into.

Available for collection from Sheffield, Epworth, Bury St Edmunds or Worcester, to secure your Apollo on the Flexi-Tow deal simply pay an initial rental of £200 plus vat on order and your first month’s hire fee of £200 plus vat on collection.

You will then pay the monthly fee on a rolling basis and can give your one month notice at any point after the first 30 days.

For full Ts&Cs or to order your Apollo now on Flexi-Tow please contact your local Equi-Trek hire centre:

 Equi-Trek Lincolnshire 

Tel: 01724 706900

hire@lincolnshiretrailers.co.uk

Equi-Trek Suffolk 

Tel: 01284 387000

hire@suffolktrailers.co.uk

Equi-Trek Three Counties

Tel: 01684 311811

hello@threecountiestrailers.co.uk

Equi-Trek South Yorkshire

Tel: 0114 288 4411

hire@hire-trek.com

Did you know that you no longer need to take a test to tow a horse trailer?

This change to the law, combined with the cost of living rising at an unprecedented rate, has led to horsebox and trailer manufacturer, Equi-Trek, seeing a huge increase in the demand for trailers.

Years ago most horse owners dreamed of owning a horsebox with living accommodation so that they could stay away at shows and have plenty of room for all of their kit.

Fast-forward to 2022 and the standard of trailers that are now available are often much better options as they have excellent overnight accommodation, generous payloads and can be significantly cheaper to purchase, run and maintain.

Most 3.5 tonne horseboxes don’t have living accommodation or adequate payload to transport two large horses. However, there are several Equi-Trek trailers available that do and they also come without the expense of tax and MOTs.

Managing Director, Tom Janion said: “The standard of living in our trailers is excellent so many owners now find it much more affordable not to run a horsebox when there are trailers that have everything they need, including a bathroom, kitchen area and bed.

“Since the law on towing changed in December 2021people can now legally tow without having to take a test which has also been a further incentive for people to swap their horsebox for a trailer. We always recommend training before people start towing on the road if they have no previous experience.” 

The Equi-Trek range of trailers leads the way when it comes to choice and innovation. From the new lightweight, spacious and wood free Apollo to the luxury Star-Treka with exceptional living accommodation, there is a transport solution to suit every owner’s needs and budget.

Another popular trailer is the Space-Treka III which carries up to three horses or four ponies (depending on size and weight) whilst remaining compact and easy to tow. It also has a totally separate tack and changing area that provides ample space for equipment.

Equi-Trek trailers offer market leading payloads due to their design which utilises superior strength lightweight panels and aluminium flooring. Their ability to efficiently and cost effectively design for parameters such as space utilisation, comfort and light-weighting has become a key market differentiator.

Equine welfare is the top priority for Equi-Trek which is why the trailers are spacious and provide a comfortable experience for travelling horses, whether that is rear-facing, herringbone or forward-facing. 

Advantages of Transporting Horses in a Rear Facing Position and Loading from the Side.

Equi-Trek's patented side loading ramps on trailers and rear facing travel across the range is being continuously proven to be preferential to traditional forward facing methods.

The loading and orientation of a horse within a transportation vehicle has been identified as a potential source of stress to both animal and handler. The use of a side door eases the loading of an animal into a vehicle. Rather than having the horse face a small, dark opening, which they may perceive as scary, they walk into a light airy space.

In the rear facing position, the horse's head is not constantly carried in an elevated position and the horse may use its head and neck to balance more effectively. It may also be advantageous that the forelegs are placed in the rear of the vehicle where they may adapt to the swaying motions of braking and acceleration more readily than the hind legs.

This "buttress" posture adaptation is commonly exhibited during grazing, whereby the shoulder provides better lateral support than the rear legs. Often, the rear legs engage in a side stepping action when responding to lateral pressure, such as experienced in a trailer navigating a sharp corner.

A study examining the response to travelling forwards or backwards during a one hour journey showed a significant decrease in heart rate in the horses travelling backwards.

These horses also tended to rest more often on their rumps in maintaining their balance. The forward facing horses held their heads in a higher than average position and also moved more frequently due to difficulty in balancing.

Interestingly, the forward facing horses vocalised more frequently. Heart rates increased at loading and unloading, and decreased during the journey as the horses became accustomed to the motion of transport.

The authors concluded that the forward orientation may be more physically demanding due to efforts implemented to maintain balance.

Above taken from:-Physiology, Balance, and Management of Horses During Transportation by Dr. Carolyn Stull, Extension Animal Welfare Specialist, University of CaliforniaEffects of transporting horses facing either forwards or backwards on their behaviour and heart rate by Dr Natalie K Waran, Institute of Ecology & Resource Management, University of Edinburgh