For one horse or as many as ten, trailer or self-propelled unit, with integrated living, tack room and the whole works, or quite simple – there is a wide range of options for transporting horses. In the past few years, a lot has happened in the market. Customers can get to know the latest trends and models at EQUITANA 2013 from 16 to 24 March.
SAS Distrivan Van Fautras from France, for instance, has developed a system which makes it easier for people travelling alone to load their horses. A special mechanism allows locking the rear bar from inside the trailer. This year Fautras presents the 2.5–ton version of its vans, weighing in at 500 kilograms more than the previous trailers. “This allows transportig larger and heavier horses”, explains Jean Leonard Fautras. Besides, the Fautras trailers have gone one better in terms of design and comfort. Instead of one window, they now have for two more light inside.
With trailers, the trend goes towards aerodynamic design, according to Rainer Doennebrink of Blomert. In his experience, on the one hand customers are increasingly going for high-quality materials. Aluminium or full polyester trailers are popular, due to their long service life and easy maintenance. “On the other hand, people are looking for a modern, streamlined design to help them save fuel.” In view of current fuel prices, this is an important selling point. Angular designs have therefore gone out of fashion. At EQUITANA, Blomert will present two entirely new models, one made from aluminium, one from polyester. It will be a good place for such premieres, Doennebrink feels: “EQUITANA is a flagship trade fair with an international audience.”
And also with international exhibitors such as Theault from France. André Roos who works for their German distributor Hagstedt explains that, in his experience, the trend is towards twin horseboxes. “Their advantage over trailers lies in being able to simply fold down the ramp and drive off. No more hitching, no awkward reverse manoeuvring.” This is especially useful for a quick trip to the vet. Another advantage is the shorter travelling time since the speed limits for trailers do not apply to horseboxes. Besides, a category B licence is sufficient to drive a horsebox, whereas both pulling a trailer and driving a truck requires taking a separate test.
For all those who prefer a product “Made in Germany”, EHC German Coachbuilders GmbH is the right address. Here, nothing is ready-made; everything is produced individually to the customer’s specifications, and it’s produced in Germany. Managing Director Axel Halt auf der Heide explains: “Anything is possible. We build HGV with a length of up to twelve metres, holding up to ten horses.” Halt auf der Heide knows that different customers have different needs – “If we build a vehicle for a Middle East customer, everything has to be fully air-conditioned. Competition riders are looking for comfortable living space for themselves or the groom. And in trotting or racing, the largest possible number of horses must be accommodated on the vehicle, and there must be seating for interested owners.” At this point he cannot tell what products EHC German Coachbuilders will present at EQUITANA. “It depends on what we have completed. If we wanted to present a cross-section of all that is possible, we’d have to book the entire hall“, he chuckles. So it will boil down to a number of representative products. Customers can then explain about their individual requirements in a personal discussion.
Böckmann will exhibit at EQUITANA on an area of more than 1000 square metres. The family business from Lastrup plans to present 30 horse trailers and five HGV, which makes it one of the giants among exhibitors. Competition for the Oldenburg enterprise comes from altogether 14 other companies, among them long-established firms like Humbaur and Thiel. EQUITANA is the only event to present such a wide choice. Everybody is sure to find the right travel companion here!
For any further information please contact:
Dr. Mike Seidensticker
Press Spokesman
Tel.: +49 211 90191-128
Email: mike.seidensticker@reedexpo.de