Horse trucks

Horse trucks are specialised vehicles designed for the safe and comfortable transport of horses. They are used by a wide range of operators, from private owners and local riding stables to professional equestrian sports teams competing internationally. While horse trailers are a common solution, many choose dedicated trucks for their superior stability, braking performance, and reduced stress on the animals during transit. These vehicles also offer integrated facilities, including tack rooms and living quarters, providing a self-contained base of operations for riders, grooms, and support staff at events.

The decision to buy horse trucks is often driven by the need for greater capacity, enhanced safety features like robust partitions and non-slip ramps, and the convenience of having an all-in-one transport and accommodation solution. For long-distance travel, the improved climate control and smoother ride of a truck chassis significantly contribute to the well-being of the horses, ensuring they arrive at their destination in optimal condition.

Types of Horse Trucks

Horse trucks are generally categorised by their size, horse capacity, and the level of accommodation they provide. The main types available on the market include:

• 2-horse boxes on light chassis: Built on light commercial vehicle platforms like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Iveco Daily, these trucks typically have a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes. They offer excellent maneuverability for private owners and small-scale operations, with basic comfort and sometimes a small tack room.
• Mid-size trucks with living area: Constructed on medium-duty chassis such as the Mercedes-Benz Atego or MAN TGL, these vehicles can transport 3 to 6 horses. They feature a distinct living area, often including a small kitchen, sleeping berths, and a bathroom, making them ideal for multi-day competitions.
• Large team trucks: Based on heavy-duty tractor units from Scania, Volvo, or DAF, these are the ultimate equestrian transport solution for professional teams, capable of carrying 6 to 12 horses. They boast expansive and often luxurious living quarters, sometimes with pop-out sections, providing comprehensive facilities for the entire crew.

Major European Manufacturers

The European horse truck market is served by specialised bodybuilders who construct the horse and living areas on chassis provided by major truck manufacturers. Each brand has a reputation for specific strengths.

Specialised bodybuilders include names like Roelofsen and AKX (Netherlands), STX and Stephex (Belgium), and Ketterer (Germany). These companies are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, innovative horse box layouts with features like stallion partitions, and luxurious living quarters. The choice of chassis is equally critical, with brands like Mercedes-Benz (Atego, Actros), Scania (P-series, R-series), MAN (TGL, TGM), and Volvo (FL, FH) being popular for their reliability, powerful engines, advanced safety systems, and extensive service networks across Europe.

New Horse Truck Prices

The investment required for a brand new vehicle varies significantly based on its size, chassis, and the specification of the living and horse areas. Quoted amounts are typically exclusive of VAT.

• Compact 2-horse boxes (up to 7.5t GVW): A new vehicle on a Mercedes-Benz Atego or Iveco Eurocargo chassis with a basic build will typically range from €120,000 to €200,000.
• Mid-size trucks (12-18t GVW): For a truck capable of carrying 4-6 horses with comfortable living quarters on a MAN TGM or Volvo FL chassis, the expected cost generally falls between €250,000 and €450,000.
• Large luxury trucks (over 18t GVW): High-end models for 6+ horses on a Scania S-series or Volvo FH chassis with luxury features like pop-outs and premium finishes can range from €500,000 to over €800,000.

Used Horse Truck Prices

The market for second-hand models offers a wide variety of options, with the valuation influenced by the chassis's age and mileage, the bodybuilder's reputation, and the overall condition of the vehicle. The state of the horse area flooring, ramps, and partitions, along with the functionality and finish of the living quarters, are critical value factors.

• Example 1 (Compact): A 2015 Renault Master 2-horse box with around 150,000 km and a well-maintained body can be found for between €40,000 and €55,000.
• Example 2 (Mid-size): A 2014 MAN TGL 12.250 with a 5-horse body and living area, showing approximately 400,000 km, could be listed from €95,000 to €130,000, depending on the bodybuilder and condition.
• Example 3 (Large): A 2017 Scania R450 with a high-end Roelofsen body for 8 horses and luxury living, with around 350,000 km, might command a value in the €280,000 to €370,000 range.

Factors Influencing Price

Several key elements determine the overall cost of these vehicles, whether new or used. Buyers should assess these factors carefully to ensure the vehicle meets their requirements and budget. The most significant variables include:

• Horse Capacity and Layout: The number of stalls, partition type (e.g., stallion configuration), and overall design of the horse compartment.
• Living Area Quality: The size, materials, appliances, and features of the living quarters, including pop-out sections, bathroom facilities, and sleeping capacity.
• Safety and Comfort Equipment: Features such as surveillance cameras in the horse area, climate control systems, quality of the loading ramp, and water supply.
• Chassis Condition: For used vehicles, the brand, model, age, mileage, and engine power of the truck chassis are crucial.
• Maintenance History: A fully documented service history for both the chassis and the bodywork adds significant value and provides peace of mind.

Where to Buy

When searching for a new or used horse truck for sale, an international marketplace like Truck1 provides access to a wide range of listings from dealers across the continent. The platform allows potential buyers to efficiently browse available horse trucks for sale in Europe by applying specific filters to narrow down the search. Users can filter by chassis manufacturer (e.g., Scania, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz), price range, year of manufacture, mileage, and horse capacity.

This functionality enables a direct comparison of different offers, specifications, and prices from various sellers. Each listing typically includes detailed photos of the horse area, living quarters, and chassis, along with technical specifications. After identifying a suitable vehicle, you can contact the dealer directly through the platform to ask further questions or arrange a viewing.

If you cannot find a listing that meets your specific requirements, you can submit a request to dealers using this form: I'm looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions