What are the most popular horsebox and horse trailer brands in the UK in 2026?
Horsebox Insurance and Horse Trailer insurance make up a significant part of our widely trusted Horse Insurance offering here at SEIB. SEIB’s Horsebox and Horse Trailer Insurance team has delved into our data to find out the most popular brands of horsebox and horse trailer in the UK.
By looking at our policy data from the past year, alongside broader market trends, we uncovered some fascinating insights—both into the leading coachbuilders of horseboxes and their preferred commercial chassis manufacturers through to the most frequently used horse trailer brands in the UK equestrian market.
The most popular horsebox brands
3.5 to 4.5-tonne Smaller Horseboxes
At the smaller end of the market, 3.5 to 4.5-tonne horseboxes are highly sought after by single-horse owners, amateur riders, and breeders, this is frequently because they can be driven on a standard UK Category B car licence. The most popular and highly rated brands amongst these smaller vehicles include Equi-Trek, ALX, Bloomfields, Marlborough, Foxy and John Oates.
While small horseboxes are built on a wide range of bases, Peugeot is the preferred chassis partner for Equi-Trek’s 3.5 to 4.5-tonne range – including their popular Atom and Eclipse models. Equi-Trek is one of the most frequently insured small horsebox brands among SEIB clients. Smaller models manufactured by Bloomfields including the Legacy, Professional and Pro Lite are likely to be built on a Renault chassis.
7 to 7.5-tonne Mid-Sized Horseboxes
Horseboxes within the mid-sized, 7 to 7.5-tonne group are frequently built on chassis manufactured by Ford, MAN and DAF. Popular horsebox brands within this weight range include Oakley, Sovereign, Whittaker, PRB Horseboxes, Equi-Trek and George Smith. Horseboxes in this category often appeal to competitive amateur riders that plan to attend stay away shows. A 7.5 tonne horsebox generally has a payload sufficient to carry two or three horses and their equipment. It is also likely to have living accommodation suitable for a comfortable weekend – or longer – away.
The undisputed gold-standard of luxury 7 – 7.5 tonne horseboxes has been set by Oakley with the Oakley Supreme which includes a high-end – luxury yacht style – interior including top-spec kitchen, advanced climate control and smart tech, alongside heavy-duty horse safety. It is necessary however to have a C1 Category driving licence to drive a 7.5 tonne horsebox. If you passed your driving test after January 1st 1997 you would need to pass medical, theory and practical tests to attain the C1 Category Licence. To learn more about what licence you need to drive certain size horseboxes and horse trailers, visit our blog: What licence do you need to drive a horsebox or tow a horse trailer?
12 to 26-tonne HGV Horseboxes
Horseboxes over 7.5 tonnes fall into the HGV Category and often range from around 12 to 26-tonnes. They require a Category C (Class 2) or Category C+E (Class 1) HGV licence to drive and are primarily used by professional riders, breeders or families traveling with up to six, or even eight, horses for multi-day competitions. Large HGV lorries are often built on Scania, Volvo, DAF and Mercedes chassis and popular brands again include Oakley, Whittaker, Equi-Trek and Lehel.
The most popular horse trailer brands
Horse trailers are a hugely popular means of horse travel in the UK. Drivers are permitted to tow standard horse trailers on a Category C car licence provided they have a suitable towing vehicle – for more information please see – What is the best car for towing a horse trailer?
Along with general market trends, the most common horse trailer brand, in terms of the most trailers insured by SEIB clients, is Ifor Williams Horse Trailers. Longstanding Ifor Williams models include the HB505 – the ‘single most popular trailer ever produced in the UK and Europe’ with over 50,000 produced and the larger HB510. These have now been superseded by the modern HB506 and HB511 models. The Ifor Williams Eventa range in which up to two horses can travel herringbone alongside built-in living accommodation is also proving to be a popular addition for horse owners.
Equi-Trek Trailers remain a popular horse trailer brand found widely used across the UK. These trailers are available both with and without living accommodation. Models without accommodation include the Apollo, Day-Trekka and Space-Trekka. Amongst SEIB customers the Show-Trekka and Night-Trekka, both with overnight living are the most popular models.
French Horse Trailer brand, Cheval Liberté is also increasingly popular in the UK with options for horses to travel either forward facing or herringbone. The Cheval Liberté range also includes options with and without living accommodation. Popular models amongst SEIB customers include the Cheval Liberté Touring and Maxi 2.
Bateson Trailers are another sought after brand in the UK. These low to the road, lightweight trailers have several innovative options including their ‘Boston’ doors which can be installed instead of a traditional trailer ramp – a small slide out ramp is used instead. Popular models include the Ascot and Deauville.
Other trailer brands used by our customers include everything from traditional Richardson Rice, Sinclair and Wessex trailers, European brands including Fautras and Bockman and lesser-known brands such as Henra, Sluis and Nugent.
Every horse, owner, and rider has unique transport requirements, and in the UK there are an extensive range of options to suit every situation.
Regardless of the setup you choose, it is vital to regularly service your vehicle to ensure it is fit for purpose and that you meet the requirements to travel your horse fully legally. This includes making sure you have: the correct driving licence; an appropriately rated vehicle if you are towing; road tax; a valid MOT, if applicable; and the correct insurance policy for your vehicle.
Although not a legal requirement, it is strongly advised that you should have comprehensive Horsebox or Horse Trailer breakdown cover in place before travelling your horse.
About SEIB
SEIB Insurance Brokers has been providing Horse Insurance for over 60 years. We provide a flexible range of policies to suit your needs, such as Horsebox Insurance, Horse Trailer Insurance and Breakdown Cover. Our experienced team of horse owners can help provide you with advice on what cover you might need.
