Horse transport in the UK is probably more complicated than it needs to be from a licencing perspective. However, it is what it is. We want to make it as easy as possible to understand what your requirements are if you regularly transport horses. In this easy guide to horse transport, we will discuss licencing, training and some of the practical aspects of towing horsebox trailers. If you have any further questions after reading this guide, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The place to begin is to discuss the difference between horsebox trailers and HGV horseboxes. The horsebox trailer is simply a large utility trailer with a roof on top and a built-in stall in the interior. In the eyes of the DVLA, if it is no different in practical terms than your standard utility trailer used for hauling equipment or furniture. The HGV horsebox is entirely different.
The HGV horsebox is a self-contained unit with both the engine and horse transport areas built on the same chassis. For purposes of clarification, consider it similar to a box lorry that has been modified to transport horses rather than static cargo. This difference dictates that most HGV horsebox operators need a special licence to account for the size and weight of their vehicles.
As a horse owner, the kind of vehicle you use for horse transport is entirely up to you. Most recreational horse owners are content with a horsebox trailer towed by an SUV or pickup truck.
Horse Transport Licencing Requirements
The most confusing thing for horse owners to understand are the licencing requirements. Unfortunately, we do not make things easy here in the UK. There are two different licences pertaining to horse transport activities: the operator’s licence and the driving licence.
The operator’s licence is similar to the kind of licence a logistics company would need to legally operate commercial vehicles on the road.
Horse owners DO NOT need an operator’s licence if they transport horses
under the following conditions:
- Horse transport is for recreational or hobby purposes only
- The owner/driver does not derive a significant portion of his or her income from transport
- Horse transport does not involve qualifying business operations
- The equipment owner does not hire himself or herself out to other hobbyists in need of horse transport.
Simply put, the government has created a distinction between recreational and commercial transport of horses. If what you do qualifies as a commercial enterprise, you will need both an operator’s licence and appropriate CPC certification. And operator’s licence is not required for hobbyists. As for the driving licence, it is dependent entirely on vehicle weight and class.