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NagMag March 2010

Good loader bad traveller – what can I do?

Sometimes a horse that loads first time into the horsebox can become very unsettled and restless once the journey is underway, Michelle Rothwell is the owner and operator of Hoofmove Horse Transport, based in Sussex, offering national horse transport and Michelle has a number of recommendations to address this issue and improve the horses travelling experience.

Some loading and travelling problems stem from poor loading and/or driving techniques. Too much haste and poor technique in loading horses can cause a horses stress levels to rise prior to a journey. A good consistent, quiet technique will help a horse overcome his aversion to travelling. A stressed horse, once loaded, can become distressed once the journey is underway, and exacerbated by poor driving technique.

First and foremost, look at the driver. Is it the other-half, roped in to drive to shows every couple of months? If so, beware, in Michelle’s personal opinion, non-horse owners do not generally put the horses comfort first when driving. Slow acceleration and deceleration and going very carefully and slowly around roundabouts and bends is essential to create an environment in the horsebox or trailer in which the nervous horse feels safe.

Michelle says “As a professional horse transporter, many so called “bad travellers” munch hay, quietly in the back of her horsebox without a care in the world and that is because very careful driving can start to rebuild confidence that poor driving technique in the past has dented”.

In severe cases, another consideration may be to look at the partition in the transport vehicle. A solid partition to the floor can be a big problem for some horses as they need to spread their legs to balance, some much more than others. Horses are “into-pressure” animals so it is instinctive for them to push back into whatever is pushing into them. If a horse can’t balance, he will lean into the partition, he will always lean into a turn. If the solid partition is on his left side and there is a solid wall on the right side, then when he leans into a left turn, hip bone against the left and feet scrambling to the right, his legs will in effect go up the wall and that’s when you see and hear all the thrashing around in the horsebox.

With a horse that reacts this way, a partition that does not reach down to the floor is a start. It would be an idea to use a partition with flexible width options, or if you don’t have this type of partition, remove the partition all together. In a trailer, travel the horse cross-tied without a partition with full width front and back bars so he can move his hindquarters and spread his back legs. Then begin taking regular, very steady journeys with him loose, on his own so he can rebuild his confidence and learns he can keep his balance.

Horses will almost always choose to travel rear facing and at an angle of 45 degrees in a horsebox as you will witness when watching a horse travel loose in a horsebox. Their heart rates are lower and they maintain their balance more easily when rear facing.

Over time, reduce the partition space until he is happy in a single stall space. Ensuring there is space at the bottom of the partition will ensure he maintains his new found balance and confidence in travelling.

Natural light, and windows to allow a horse to see out of the vehicle combined with good ventilation, and a well stacked hay net can all contribute to overcoming the horses’ fear of travelling. A calm companion or even a mirror can help a horse nervous about being alone when on the move. Most important of all is to perfect your loading and driving technique and watch your horses travelling worries fade away.

For more information visit www.hoofmove.co.uk or call Hoofmove Horse Transport 0845 062 0088 (local rate) 07958 701651 (mobile)

Pegasus August 2009

Hoofmove horse transport loading practice

Hoofmove, Sussex, based horse transporter, is offering a new service for individuals and groups - loading practice. The service is designed to help you learn how to load, secure and travel your horse effectively, calmly and safely.

The service includes:

Top of the range Theault horsebox.

Monty Roberts schooled driver/attendant.

Travelling/loading equipment including boots, bandages, poll guards and head collars (dually if wished).

View loading DVDs (Monty Roberts and Pat Parelli techniques).

Within a 15 mile radius of Brighton, half a day cost £75 and a full day costs £150.

Michelle Rothwell, hoofmove's owner/operator says: "...we hope that this will be very popular with yard managers and individual owners. We continually have requests from people not familiar with what is involved with transporting their horses".

Hoofmove also offer national horse transport from 90p per mile and an event and vet service.

For more information call 0845 062 0088 or visit www.hoofmove.co.uk/loading.php

Equi-Ads July 2009

Wedding on horseback

Hoofmove horse transport has undertaken a new kind of horse transport.

Hoofmove was tasked with the special delivery of Poppy a 26 year old Welsh Cob to her owner’s wedding ceremony. Sally Edwards, wanted all her family. Four legged also, to be included in this most important of days. Even Molly, Sally’s eight month old Labrador cross was included in the days festivities.

Jenny was anxious about loading Poppy who has always been a reluctant loader. An hour and a half is the average time it has taken to load Poppy.
Armed with a bucket of feed, Poppy loaded first time on presentation to the low ramp of the Theault lorry which Hoofmove use. Twenty minutes later, the horsebox arrived at a lay-by some 300 metres down the road from Beechwood Hall in Cooksbridge, East Sussex where the ceremony between Sally and her groom Andy Miller was to take place. Secrecy was all, so we kept out of sight of the guests whilst Sally jumped on Poppy bareback. The proud father of Sally walked down the road holding Poppy who seemed to take the unusual festivities all in her stride.

The weather was perfect, warm but not too hot for all those in their glad rags. It suited the ceremony well which was performed outdoors, with Poppy standing by munching hay whilst the couple shared their vows in front of their close friends and loved ones. After the ceremony, Jenny returned with Poppy to the horsebox to be booted up and transported back to North Chailey. Ten minutes later the Hoofmove horsebox drove past a stunned father of the bride who could not believe we had already loaded Poppy. If you’d like to be taken for a ride on your wedding day, call Hoofmove.

For more ‘moving moments’ contact Hoofmove horse transport on 0845 062 0088 or go to www.hoofmove.co.uk

Horse & Hound March 6 2008

Ask Horse & Hound

Do horses travel better facing in a particular direction?

I am looking to replace my old lorry. I cannot afford to buy a new top spec lorry so am having one built but I am unsure which direction the horses should face - I've heard different things form different people.

Some say horse are better not travelling in the herringbone position but, if this is the case, why are most lorries made to travel horses this way? It will be two-horse lorry with a side ramp. RG, Bristol

MICHELLE Rothwell, owner of Sussex-based transport company hoofmove, says this is a much debated subject.

"I have tried various vehicles in my search for the safest and best way to transport horses", she says. "I found that horses travel best facing backwards, which is why we use Theault horseboxes, which have two rear-facing stalls".

Her findings are backed up by research done by Dr Natalie K Waran at the University of Edinburgh on the Effects of transporting horses either forwards or backwards on their behaviour and heart-rate, which was published in the Veterinary Record in 1996.

"The most indicative finding is that the average heart-rate was significantly lower when horses travelled facing backwards," says Michelle.

"They move around less, vocalise less and tend to hold their heads in a lower, more normal position. In this position there is less pressure on the fragile head and chest". Jane Gillie from Borders-based Eric Gillie Horse Transport, assisted in the research done by Dr Waran, and has 34 years' experience of shipping horses.

"Initially, we give all our horses the choice of facing forwards, straight across or herringbone," she says. Each horse needs to find its balance, but as long as you give them plenty of room, drive well and don't leave them in the box too long, they shouldn't travel badly."

Her advice for buying a new horsebox is first to find out in which direction your horse prefers to travel by taking out the partitions for a short distance and buy accordingly- preferably a vehicle that allows you to move the partitions around.

"I would say nine out of 10 of our horses prefer to stand herringbone than forward-facing", she says. "The reason you see so many rubbed tails when you travel them forward-facing is because they use their back ends to balance, when they should be using their head and necks."

Nicola Mellor from horsebox manufacturers Equi-Trek is also an advocate of rear-facing travel. "Research in both the UK and America has proven that horses that face away from the direction of travel arrive at their destination more relaxed and less stressed than those that travel forwards," she says.

Horse & Hound November 1 2007

Do I have to pay damages to a horse transport company?

I hired a small transport company to take my horse 13 miles to the vet for X-rays for a recurring lameness. For some reason , my mare travelled extremely badly and the fully licensed company is pursuing me for damages to its lorry. I have now received a bill for a substantial sum of money. Do I have to pay and am I covered by my own insurance? Surely the transport company's insurance policy should cover the costs?

WG, Warrington

To find the answer to this situation, H&H asked Jeremy Lawton from Shearwater Insurance for his advice.

"It all depends on the transport company's insurance company and the policy," he says.

"A reputable company should have a comprehensive insurance policy to protect both parties against this kind of problem. Within this policy there should be cover that protects you as a client, and the transporter as a company when they are transporting other people's horses".

"In terms of the client, it would be advisable to make sure their horse is fully insured when in transport, and it is vital that this policy includes third-party public liability cover".

"If a friend is transporting your horse, you would be advised to instruct a solicitor to draw up a written contract to protect both parties should an incident occur".

"It is more than likely that this transport company is trying to avoid claiming against its own insurance, so whether you should pay up depends on whether you signed a contract or agreed to particular terms and conditions that suggest any damage caused is your responsibility," explains Jeremy.

"The best advice is to ensure you have adequate protection for your horse, as well as insisting on seeing a copy of the terms and conditions to make sure you are aware of your responsibility a the horse owner".

Michelle Rothwell, who runs her own horse transport business, Hoofmove, concurs: "We have very detailed terms and conditions which customers are bound by when they contract us to transport their horses. They outline in detail what would be the case under many varied circumstances, including damage done to the vehicle by the horse".

"Naturally, there is fair wear and tear during normal transport but that is different from extreme cases of damage which are, fortunately, quite rare".

"Hoofmove is insured for these instances but there is a significant excess fee to pay for each claim," she explains. "Therefore in our terms and conditions we do outline that the owner is responsible for damage done to the vehicle by their horse. As far as I am aware it is not uncommon for transporters to ask horse owners to pay for damage caused to their vehicle by horses".

Information Shearwater Insurance
Tel: 08700 767666
www.shearwater-insurance.co.uk Hoofmove
Tel: 0845 062 0088
www.hoofmove.co.uk

Horse & Hound August 9 2007

Michelle Rothwell (pictured below) left a successful career in the City to become owner/operator of Hoofmove, a Sussex-based horse transport business.

"Seven years ago, our local horse transporter closed down and one of my friends suggested I buy a horsebox to take them to shows. There was clearly a need in the local area, so I set up Hoofmove.

I had to do a lot of research first. You have to abide by many regulations to earn your authorisation from the Animal Transporter Authorisation body.

"My main source of income is property investment so I mortgaged one of my houses to purchase the first horsebox. It took three years before I made a living out of it. Your priority should be your horsebox - you need the right tools for the job.

"I started the company with a lower-grade horsebox, but soon upgraded to the two-stall Theault".

"The biggest obstacle has been the ever-increasing running costs, such as fuel, insurance and advertising. We're a two-man band now. My partner Andy deals with the paperwork, website and advertising, while I deal with the four-legged customers.

"The telephone rings 24/7 in this job and I don't know from one day to the next where I'll be going. You need help to look after your own horse because you never know when you'll get held up on the M25."

www.hoofmove.co.uk
0845 062 0088

Theault website www.theault.co.uk August 2007

Equi-Ads July 2007

Top tips for loading your horse

The show season is upon us so you may have plans for transporting your horse to events, the beach or for a fun ride. If you are new to loading your horse or your horse is going to be loaded into an unfamiliar horsebox, here is a list of some dos and don'ts for trouble free loading as recommended by hoofmove. Hoofmove offer fully insured and Defra approved national horse transport in a Theault lorry and have done so for over 7 years. These tips are based on Monty Roberts "The Man Who Listens To Horses" techniques as he provides an excellent guide to loading horses.

Take great care to provide a quality vehicle. Be diligent and make safety a priority.

Your horses comfort is the second consideration. Use a vehicle with the highest possible standards with fully padded and smooth surfaces throughout the vehicles interior.

The rear facing position during transport for your horse is better suited to the anatomy of the horse and so keeps stress levels down.

Transport equipment must be in good repair such as a non slip floor, good ventilation and the transporter must maintain the highest hygiene and safety standards as regulated by DEFRA.

Provide hay and water from home ideally so that your horse has his familiar fare.

Monty Roberts is a believer in partial partitions that do not go to the floor of the vehicle.

A low ramp is critically important to safety of the horse during loading and unloading.

Place the horsebox in an appropriate spot for loading with a surface that provides sufficient cushioning and traction such as soft grass, soil or sand.

If you have a reluctant loader use a wall or fence for one side of the vehicle and a portable panel or gate as a wing on the other side as this will help greatly in the loading process.

When your horse negotiates the ramp and enters the horsebox, keep your adrenaline levels down. Ideally loading procedures should be practiced on a day when there is no need to travel. The most crucial part of loading a horse is that it is done in a cool, calm and tranquil way so as to achieve a willing loader.

These tips are provided by Michelle, hoofmoves' owner/operator who is undergoing training to complete Monty Roberts Preliminary Certificate of Horsemanship as she believes his methods are invaluable in her work transporting horses all over the country. For more information go to www.hoofmove.co.uk or call 0845 0620088

West Sussex Gazette March 2007

Michelle learns secrets of man who listens to horses

Michelle Rothwell of the well known Sussex based horse transporter Hoofmove worked with the legendary "Real Life Horse Whisperer", Monty Roberts, and his UK protege Kelly Marks, at Hadlow College, Kent recently.

The Monty Roberts Horses in my Life Tour took him to Tonbridge to deal with the neighbourhood's trickiest equines.

Known as "The Man Who Listens to Horses", Monty has gained international renown by developing a method of communicating with horses using their natural body language and a technique he calls "Join-Up".

Founded on a consistent set of principles, communication, and trust, Monty's methods assert that violence is never the answer.

Hoofmove transported a beautiful mare, Ebony Star, to Monty's show and was the "can't shoe" candidate for the demonstration.

All behavioural problems were welcomed - can't box, can't ride, can't shoe, difficult to mount - and a lovely youngster was present for starting too.

On arrival at the College with Ebony Star in Hoofmove's brand new Theault lorry, Michelle, hoofmove's owner/operator, was thrilled to be met by Californian Monty Roberts.

The large five horse lorry they intended using for the demo to load the two unloadable horses (one of which was sedated to transport to the event and the other was hacked there) was too large to fit in the entrance of the indoor arena.

Michelle was delighted to offer her brand new and compact Theault horsebox for use in loading the "can't box" horses. And so began one of the most entertaining and informative days in the life of a horse transporter.

Monty took five different cases of problematic horses. He used his joining up method and his Dually Halter (training halter designed by Monty) which involves making a connection with the horse on both a physical and physiological level and establishing a bond of trust with the horse.

Monty (71) spent time in the arena with each horse, all the while explaining his techniques to the 1000-strong audience.

Monty dealt with a youngster that had never been saddled or broken in and without so much a neigh, had a saddle and rider on board within half an hour.

Then a horse that bucked ferociously when mounted and ridden, with the aid of Monty's buck stopper, was soon thinking twice about acting the bucking bronco!

Ebony Star, who booted anyone who touched her legs, in no time was standing quiet as a lamb having her feet picked up.

The depth and breadth of Monty's knowledge came to bear when the finale of the show was to load the two horses which refused point blank to enter a horsebox.
Firstly, it was Kelly Marks who loaded a large grey within just a few minutes.

Then Monty with the huge bay who was hacked to the event, took advantage of the very low ramp, of the lorry and after just a few minutes, the unloadable horse was loading himself.

The bay is standing loose in the horsebox of his own free will.

Hoofmove hopes to work with Monty when he returns to the UK again in October 2007.

Next time Monty will be back in the saddle having lost 4 and a half stone since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Monty and Kelly are the most effective specialists in understanding horse psychology and behaviour and finding workable solutions for the benefit of both horses and their owners.

For more information contact www.hoofmove.co.uk or 0845 062 0088

Or go to www.montryroberts.com and www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk

Hoofbeat Magazine December 2006

Hooves move for less in 2007

For January and February 2007, hoofmove are offering 10% off the cost of all horse transport journeys. Hoofmove offer national horse transport, fully insured and Defra approved. Using a state of the art Theault lorry, which is the best two stall horsebox in Europe, hoofmove can carry two horses up to 17.2hh and four passengers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The very low ramp, spacious and padded interior, rear facing position, excellent ventilation control, combined with constant monitoring of the horses, satellite navigation and cruise control, enable hoofmove to make each journey as safe and smooth as possible.

Just present hoofmoves' driver with an original copy of this article on the day of transport to receive 10% off the cost of your journey, regardless of journey length, including shows and vet trips.

Using the discount, you will benefit from hoofmoves professional and caring service. Each horse is treated with care and patience so loads are never shared. Contact hoofmove on 0845 062 0088 or 07958 701651 or via www.hoofmove.co.uk

Local Rider Magazine December 2006

Hoofmove Horse Transport Sale

Hoofmove a fully insured national horse transporter is celebrating the festive season by offering a 10% discount on all journeys in January and February 2007. Just present an original copy of this article to the driver on the day of the transport to receive 10% off the total price of the journey.

The special offer is to introduce new customers to hoofmoves state of the art Theault lorry. The Theault horsebox was built in Avranches, France in their hi-tech factory with aeronautical quality fabrications. Luxurious and safe, it has a very low ramp, padded interior, rear facing position, constant monitoring, excellent ventilation control, satellite navigation and cruise control and can carry two horses up to 17.2hh. The five seater cab means that not only does the horse benefit from the safe, secure and very smooth ride but the passengers do too.

This offer applies to all journeys whether it is for a relocation, visit to the vet, horse sales, a show, stud work or for a beach ride. Hoofmove operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week and do not share loads. Personal service and care of your horse is of paramount importance to us. Contact hoofmove on 0845 062 0088 or via www.hoofmove.co.uk

Hoofbeat Magazine October 2006

Hoofmove - Luxury Horse Transport

Hoofmove is the first national horse transporter based in the South to have a brand new Theault horsebox. The new vehicle is the most advanced two stall horsebox in Europe. Hoofmove is very satisfied with the luxury it offers and its plethora of safety equipment and five seater cab. It makes moving horses as comfortable as possible for both horse and rider.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hoofmove can transport two horses up to 17.2hh nationwide, fully insured and Defra approved. The very low ramp, spacious and padded interior, rear facing position, combined with CCTV to constantly monitor horses, satellite navigation and cruise control, enable hoofmove to make each horses journey as smooth as possible.

Professionalism, personal service and care for each horse, coupled with the latest technology in their Theault horsebox means hoofmove is the premiere transporter in the South. So whether for a relocation, a visit to the vets, a show, stud work or beach rides, your horse is conveyed safely and in comfort. No shared loads, so you can pick and choose the dates and times that suit you best. Contact hoofmove on 0845 062 0088 or via www.hoofmove.co.uk

Pegasus Magazine October 2006

Hoofmove - Horse Chauffeur

Hoofmove is the first national horse transporter based in the South to have a brand new Theault horsebox. The new vehicle is the most advanced two stall horsebox in Europe. Hoofmove is very satisfied with the luxury it offers and its plethora of safety equipment and five seater cab. It makes moving horses as comfortable as possible for both horse and rider.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hoofmove can transport two horses up to 17.2hh nationwide, fully insured and Defra approved. The very low ramp, spacious and padded interior, rear facing position, combined with CCTV to constantly monitor horses, satellite navigation and cruise control, enable hoofmove to make each horses journey as smooth as possible.

Professionalism, personal service and care for each horse, coupled with the latest technology in their Theault horsebox means hoofmove is the premiere transporter in the South. So whether for a relocation, a visit to the vets, a show, stud work or beach rides, your horse is conveyed safely and in comfort. No shared loads, so you can pick and choose the dates and times that suit you best. Contact hoofmove on 0845 062 0088 or via www.hoofmove.co.uk

Local Rider Magazine October 2006

Hoofmove Horse Transport

Hoofmove is the first national horse transporter based in the South to have a brand new Theault horsebox. The new vehicle is the most advanced two stall horsebox in Europe. Michelle, the owner/operator is very satisfied with the luxury it offers and its plethora of safety equipment and five seater cab. It makes moving horses as comfortable as possible for both horse and rider.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hoofmove can transport two horses up to 17.2hh nationwide, fully insured and Defra approved. The very low ramp, spacious and padded interior, rear facing position, combined with constant monitoring of the horses, satellite navigation and cruise control; enable hoofmove to make each horses journey as smooth as possible.

Professionalism, personal service and care for each horse, coupled with the latest technology in their Theault horsebox means hoofmove is the premiere transporter in the South. So whether for a relocation, a visit to the vets, a show, stud work or beach rides, your horse is conveyed safely and in comfort. No shared loads, so you can pick and choose the dates and times that suit you best. Contact hoofmove on 0845 062 0088 or via www.hoofmove.co.uk

Hoofbeat Magazine September 2006

Hoofmove Horse Transport

When choosing your horse transporter you want to look for professionalism, complemented by a quality vehicle. Hoofmove is run by people who spend much of their time with horses and know well the transport requirements for stud farms, racing and competitions stables as well as the individual horse owner. Horses require a lot of passion and effort so hoofmove searched for and found the best transport conditions for them. That is why hoofmove are starting the autumn season with a brand new Theault horsebox. As a fully insured, national horse transporter hoofmove chose the best two horse transport vehicle which is safe, durable and reliable.

Theault manufacture over 250 vehicles per year for customers worldwide and with 50 years of specialising in two horse transportation, they offer the best possible vehicle choice for hoofmove. With the latest technology utilising materials developed by the aeronautical industry, the Theault allows hoofmove to offer unparalleled safety and comfort for horses and passengers.

It is the definition of luxury with a plethora of safety equipment, including a very low ramp for easier loading, and a back door which is wide and low to be used in case of an emergency as a second exit for horses. The horse area is fully lined and padded and the sliding rail partition allows for maximum flexibility, turning two stalls into one. Horses travel in the rear facing position which is the best way as proven by a study at the University of California. The weight of the horses is distributed between the axles which combined with cruise control and reinforced suspension, provide horses with the smoothest possible ride. The 4 opening windows, electric extractor fan and 3 roof ventilators allow for excellent temperature control. Hoofmove aim to offer comfort for both horses and people which the 5 seater cab allows. It also has a large window to watch the horses and has driver and passenger airbags, satellite navigation and CCTV.

With over 5 years experience, hoofmove not only offer the best safety and comfort for horses, but also never share loads. This means journey times are kept to a minimum as there are never any other pick ups of drop offs and it also means that each horse is treated with great care and patience.

Hoofmove offer paralleled safety, service and above all quality horse transportation seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Pegasus Magazine March 2006

Hoofmove celebrates 5th birthday

Hoofmove a fully insured, national horse transporter is pleased to celebrate its 5th anniversary. Hoofmove is operating in its 5th year with a new, innovative, coach built horsebox, a Renault Master Marlborough Hunter. The new lorry can carry 2x17.2hh, has CCTV and satellite navigation and best of all offers a safe, secure and very smooth ride for the horses. The fabulously low ramp facilitates trouble free loading.

Five years ago Michelle Rothwell launched hoofmove after friends where she rides complained of a lack of quality horse transport in the Sussex area. It was quite a change from Michelle's previous work in the City in emerging markets but it had been a dream move as she had always wanted to work with horses.

Having transported more than a 1000 horses and with five years experience and a top of the range lorry, hoofmove is proud to offer luxury horse transport at budget prices and looks forward to the next five years.

Contact hoofmove 24/7 on 0845 062 0088 or via www.hoofmove.co.uk

West Sussex Gazette March 2006

Hoofbeat Magazine February 2006

Hoofmove

Hoofmove a fully insured, national horse transporter are delighted to start 2006 with a range of improved safety features in its new, state of the art coach built lorry.

Travel boots, head collars and hay nets are now available for use. CCTV means horses are constantly monitored in transit, whilst the GPS navigation frees up the driver to concentrate on driving as smoothly and carefully as is possible to ensure the horses have the best journey possible. Michelle, hoofmoves' main driver and rider herself, is very patient with her four legged customers. Drinking water is carried on board, as is an equine first aid kit and as hoofmove is a member of Equestrian Support Services, all eventualities are covered.

So whether for a show, a visit to the vets or moving home, your horse is conveyed, safely and in comfort. No loads are shared, so you can pick and choose the dates and times that suit you best.

Contact hoofmove 24/7 on 0845 062 0088 or via www.hoofmove.co.uk

Pegasus Magazine August 2005

Hoofmove - Horse Transporter

Hoofmove a fully insured, national horse transporter starts the summer season with a brand new, coach built horsebox, a Renault Master Marlborough Hunter. Michelle, Hoofmoves main driver who is also a keen rider herself, is delighted with the new lorry which can readily accommodate 2x 17.2hh.

It has CCTV for constant monitoring during transit and GPS navigation to locate the most remote places. The horses face and travel backwards which according to Veterinary Record research (1996) decreases stress and lowers heart rates. As a result, the horses performance when it arrives at its destination is less likely to be compromised.

The low ramp facilitates easy loading, this is ideal for mare and foal transport as well as trips to shows, relocations and the Vets.

The Argus Wednesday August 4 2004

Illustrator trots out new style

Judge Dredd illustrator Sean Longcroft has been commissioned to produce a series of postcards for a horse-transportation firm.

He was approached by hoofmove, based in Richmond Place, Brighton, to create the humorous postcards, which can be sent by post or email.

The Brighton-based artist usually earns a crust working for British comic 2000AD and the Judge Dredd magazine but said the switch was welcome.

He said "The hoofmove postcards provided a nice change. There were no radioactive dinosaurs, spaceships or ray guns but they were just as challenging."

Hoofmove founder Michelle Rothwell said: "The cards have gone down a storm, especially at the summer shows."

Equi-Ads Magazine June 2004

Sussex based Horse Transporters Hoofmove are pleased to announce they are now operating with a new two horse lorry.

The vehicle based on a Renault Master chassis is capable of carrying two 17.2hh horses and offers plenty of comfort and space for riders and horses alike. Michelle Rothwell of Hoofmove commented;

"...we chose a Renault Master as it has an extremely low floor facilitating trouble free loading and it is large enough for big horses whilst being small enough to reach even the most inaccessible of farms, stables etc."

"... we are hoping that this will enable us to offer a better service to our existing customers as well as attracting those that prefer to move their horses in a lorry rather than a trailer".

Prices for horse transport remain at 80p per mile, with special rates for shows, vet trips and other Equestrian events.

Hoofbeat Magazine February 2004

Hoofmove has launched its new website (www.hoofmove.co.uk) after trading successfully for two years transporting horses nationally. Operating from New Barn Farm in East Sussex, hoofmove offers 24 hour, 7 days a week, national horse transport. Michelle Rothwell began hoofmove after giving up working in the City in emerging markets, the impetus for hoofmove came from a friend's complaint that there were no quality, inexpensive horse transporters to take them to shows.

Now hoofmove offers reliable transport using Ifor Williams trailers which can carry 2x16.2hh. Michelle is awaiting delivery of a coachbuilt, two horse horsebox which can carry 2x18hh. The choice of transport vehicle enables the horse owner to choose that which suits their horses needs best whether travelling to shows, hunting, veterinary trips or to a new home.

Hoofmove recommend when choosing a horse transporter, that you consider these few points:

1. The transporter uses a suitable vehicle i.e. hoofmove use Ifor Williams trailers, the industry standard, and tows using a powerful 4x4 (so you're not stranded up to your knees in mud at your local show!).

2. If the transport vehicle is a basic grade one and under 3.5 tonnes in weight, the maximum journey length should not exceed 8 hours - otherwise the horse must be stabled and rested for 24 hours before recommencing the journey.

3. If the vehicle does exceed 3.5 tonnes, the transporter should be DEFRA approved and licenced.

4. Small is beautiful. Horses find travelling stressful. The less time in transit the better. Watchout for large operators, some of whom can transport up to 15 horses at a time. Delays are inevitable and your horse will be in transit for much longer than necessary. The greater the number of horses in transit, the more health and safety issues to consider too. Hoofmove does not offer shared loads so your pick up time is guaranteed and your horses journey time is as short as it can safely be.

5. Look out for a safe, considerate operator. When towing with a trailer, the speed limit is 30mph on all roads with street lighting; 50mph on single carriageways unless otherwise stated; 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Towing vehicles cannot use the right hand lane on a motorway.

6. The horse transporter should be a member of a horse rescue scheme in the event of a roadside emergency. Hoofmove is part of the Equestrian Support Services, rescue service network.

7. An upfront pricing policy is crucial. Hoofmove uses up to date technology to calculate accurately proposed journeys so the price quoted, is the price paid,with no hidden extras.

For further information contact hoofmove on 0845 062 0088 or 07958 701651. Happy travelling in 2004.

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