hoofmove horse transport

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(sussex) 0845 062 0088 (mobile) 07958 701651

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many horses can you move?

Two at a time. We use a brand new Renault Master Theault coach built horsebox based on a 3.5 ton vehicle that can carry a maximum of two horses simultaneously. There is also some space for tack and up to four passengers.

2. How large a horse can you move?

17.2hh. We have also moved a number of Falabella horses which usually are not much larger than 33". The headroom is 2250mm (7'4½"). Please see horse box specifications page for further information.

3. Can you move a mare and foal?

Yes, our Theault horsebox has a totally flexibly mounted partition so the is ideal for mare and foal transport. The lorry is padded on all sides and over head. Below the padding the sides are fully lined with rubber. Foal grids can be fitted when transporting foals.

4. How do you calculate mileage?

We use Microsoft Autoroute and calculate mileage from Brighton (BN2 9SN) to collection point, to destination point and back to Brighton. In the case of a show we add an extra leg to the journey. We do not add VAT.

5. What does your show service entail?

We collect you and your horse(s) from your point of embarkation and deliver you to your show, we return you when the show is over. Waiting time is charged at £15.00 p/h during the show. Cost is calculated as above with the additional waiting time and extra journey leg. The horsebox remains at the event so you can tie your horse to the box and use it's facilities for the duration of your stay. The driver, Michelle, is available to act as groom for you during the event too, should you wish.

6. What about insurance?

We are fully insured to drive and transport your horse (Q9. Authorisation to transport animals under Council Regulation (EC) No1/2005).

7. How safe is your box?

The Theault box we use is the only 2 stall box on the market which has a crash tested bulkhead. It also has an EU safety approved 5-seat cab. Our box is engineered to prevent some of the more worrying incidents as reported in the Horse and Hound. Needless to say we feel it is the best and safest horsebox on the road. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have.

8. Do you share loads?

No. Rather, not without prior agreement and then, rarely. We operate a horse taxi service, unlike many of our competitors whom operate much more like a coach service with multiple pick ups and drop offs. Hoofmove is not a budget transport service. Our lorry carries only your horse/horses so costs will obviously be much higher than they would be for shared horse transport however our journeys will be shorter and far greater care taken.

9. When is waiting time charged?

Waiting time is charged at £15.00 p/h. It is charged in ¼ hour segments. It is charged whenever loading/unloading takes longer than 30 minutes for each operation. We advise owners to have the horse prepared at the agreed time so we can proceed swiftly and cause your horse the least distress possible.

10. Do you have a valid Authorisation Certificate which entitles you to transport horses?

Yes we are a fully authorised horse transporter. Our Animal Transporter Authorisation number is UK/REIGA/T1/00026831. This is a United Kingdom Animal Transporter Authorisation for Type 1 Authorisations (valid for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours). This authorisation entitles hoofmove to transport all species of live vertebrate animals.

11. Are you a green business?

As a transport business, we would have to say no. However we believe we use the best, and most efficient, 3.5 ton horsebox on the market, the engine is low noise and low emissions, 229 CO₂ g/km, - equivalent to a BMW 3 series . We comply with London's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and comply with Euro 4/5 emissions legislation. We dispose responsibly of our waste, plan our routes to minimise our journey times and clean our box with DEFRA approved chemical cleaners.

12. Do you hire self-drive horseboxes?

No. We no longer hire horse trailers. We recommend GA Commercials in Pevensey 01323 763617, East Sussex if you are seeking trailer hire.

13. Do you transport internationally?

Not at present (DEFRA General Authorisation specifies each horse journey must not exceed 8 hours without a 24 hour rest period) but we are currently investigating how we can operate EU wide by October 2010. We have no plans, at present, to operate outside of the EU.

14. What about horsebox hygiene?

After each use we thoroughly clean and disinfect the vehicle with Antec Virkon S according to industry regulations, to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity. Please inform hoofmove prior to the commencement of the journey of any special requirements.

15. Where I keep my horse is quite inaccessible, will you be able to access the yard?

Our two horse horsebox is small and nippy so can access the smallest and more difficult to reach places and the lorry has satellite navigation too.

16. How is my horse monitored during the journey?

The horse area is clearly visible from the driving cab so your horse will be monitored constantly throughout the journey. We closely monitor hay and water intake. If possible we like to carry some of the water that your horse is used to. We find that horses in transit are much more likely to drink properly when the have a supply of familiar water.

17. How long have you been transporting horses?

Hoofmove is now one of the longest serving horse transporter in the South of England. Established in 2000, hoofmove has transported thousands of horses nationwide and in safety.

18. Can I travel in the horsebox too?

Yes, we positively encourage owners to accompany the driver in the horsebox as the driver usually transports alone unless via specific arrangement in advance. Seating is available for four, in addition to the driver. If you don't want to travel in the horsebox, we do also encourage owners to lead or follow the horsebox during transit.

19. Do you do 24 hour emergency call out?

Yes, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to cater for those last minute moves or emergency visits to the vets. We carry on board an equine first aid kit and human first aid kit to cater for all eventualities. We also work with Equestrian Support Services, the horsebox and horse trailer breakdown and recovery service.

20. Is there a cancellation fee?

Any contract cancelled within 24 hours of departure will pay 50% of costs. Any contract cancelled within 12 hours of departure may be charged full amount of costs.

21. Do you accept payment by paypal?

Yes. Payments are to be made to payments@hoofmove.co.uk or follow our link on our payments page. We also accept cash, bank transfers, debit/credit cards and cheques payable to 'hoofmove'.

22. How long in advance do I need to book?

We offer a 24 hour emergency call out service, however for normal transport we recommend booking a few days in advance to ensure you get the date and time that suits you best.

23. What information do you need when making a booking?

We need you name, address, phone numbers, horse name, size, age, description, and full postal address of the pick-up and drop off points.

24. Is my horse meant to travel with his/her passport?

A new EU regulation requires that passports must accompany horses when they travel. Please see our passports page for more information.

25. Can my horses wardrobe travel with him?

Yes, rugs, bridles, saddles and any other tack and feed bins can be transported with your horse.

26. How do horses find travelling facing backwards?

The horses travel well rear facing and according to Veterinary Record research (1996) it decreases stress and lowers heart rates; consequently the horse's performance on arrival is less likely to be compromised.

27. What do I need to do to prepare for transporting my horse?

Your horse should be ready for loading at the time which you arrange for the horsebox to arrive. Your tack/gear should be ready for loading too and a haynet with your horses usual hay/haylage though we can arrange for this should you wish. Put the travel boots, tail bandage or poll guard on your horse prior to the horseboxes arrival if you wish for your horse to travel in them. Have your horses passport present to travel with your horse.

28. Should I put travel boots on my horse for transportation?

This is entirely up to you. If your horse is unaccustomed to the travelling gear, it is well worth practicing putting them on your horse, several times well in advance of the date of travel.

29. Can I borrow/hire travelling boots for hoofmove?

Yes, we have travelling boots and bandages, tail guards, over reach boots, headcollars, leadropes, haynets, all available for use by our customers.

30. I have never travelled my horse before, is there any preparation I should do?

Yes. Ideally you want to introduce your horse to a horsebox well in advance of the travel date. Adequate ground work on your part will ensure a more comfortable journey for your horse.

31. My horse won't load into a horsebox, can you help?

Our patient, stress free approach can help with young, nervous or untrained horses . Michelle hoofmove's owner/operator is currently undergoing several courses with Intelligent Horsemanship Limited in association with Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks. The Monty Roberts technique is founded on a consistent set of principles, communication and trust and assets that violence is never the answer. These methods are be invaluable in dealing with the more difficult to load horse. Please see our loading practise page.

32. Do you do loading and travel training packages?

Yes, if you have an inexperienced horse, we can come to your yard and let you spend time allowing your horse to become accustomed to loading so building his or her confidence. We can also arrange for a Recommended Associate of Intelligent Horsemanship to liaise with hoofmove to create a travelling training package that will help with the most reluctant loaders. Recommended Associates use Monty Roberts methods and are specialists in training and understanding horses, ponies, both young and 'horses with problems'. Using established principles of psychology and equine behaviour together with years of experience this way of training has become increasingly popular. Sympathetic to both horses and people, Recommended Associates have helped horses and horse owners achieve a better understanding and achieve there full potential. Please see our loading practise page.

33. I haven't been to a show before can you help?

Yes, we are happy to help with tacking up and acting as groom for you at the event should you wish as well as keep an eye on your horse whilst you go and check out the competition! Michelle is also an experienced reader of dressage tests if you would like a reader for your test.

34. Can you take me on a beach ride?

Yes certainly. They are lots of fun and a great idea for a birthday or Christmas present for a friend. A beach or pleasure ride package can be arranged in advance so all you have to do is hand over the "Travel Gift Package" to the lucky one and they can book the date and time that suits them best. Please our beach rides page. Being based in coastal Brighton we are well sited for numerous beach riding spots.

35. How many animals have you moved?

In our time trading, with have moved over 6500 horses, 2 alpacas, 2 sheep, 3 falabellas and 10 miniature donkeys. We have never had an animal needing veterinary treatment post transport, and we have never had a fatality.

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