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At Gable Business Finance, we understand the unique needs of equestrian businesses, such as horse transporter companies requiring finance and individuals seeking to fund their transport solution. Whether you’re looking to buy a new or used horsebox, convert a vehicle, or invest in a business-spec transport vehicle, our specialist horsebox finance offering gives you flexibility, competitive rates and expert support every step of the way.
“Horsebox finance” refers to a range of asset finance, hire purchase or guaranteed finance products specifically tailored to the purchase of vehicles configured to transport horses. These may be small two-stall boxes or larger lorries with living accommodation, multi-stall capacity, and dedicated equine features. At Gable Business Finance, we offer this finance for new, used or second-hand horseboxes — whether purchased from a dealer or a private individual.
It is helpful to understand that there are two main types of body-style when it comes to horseboxes:
The finance requirements, age profiles, valuation and residual values may differ between conversions and coach-builds, and our specialist brokers are familiar with both types and work closely with funders who understand the equine transport market.
We pride ourselves on being the UK’s leading provider of horsebox finance, and continue to develop great horsebox funding options for our valued customers. Our experienced team of specialist brokers understand the horsebox finance industry and work closely with customers to arrange the best asset finance, hire purchase or guaranteed horsebox finance, helping you to buy the horsebox you want at a monthly rate you can afford. We can assist start up equine businesses, equine vets to supporting britain’s professional riders with tailored horsebox finance solutions.
Whether you are buying from a dealer or from a private individual, financing a horsebox couldn’t be easier. We can approve funding for both and offer competitive rates and flexible terms to suit your needs. We even work with Racehorse Trainers in the UK arranging business finance for specialised racehorse trainer horseboxes.
We provide horsebox finance for commercial businesses, including horsebox finance packages for UK Livery Yards. Whether you’re looking to finance a small single-stall horsebox for your weekend trips out or wish to transport six horses in your line of business. We also work with and arrange finance for horsebox hire companies looking to expand their fleet of horseboxes and trailers. In addion we support finance applications from specialist equine vets & veterinary acquiring horseboxes in the UK.
By choosing Gable, you preserve cash for operational costs, enable business growth, improve productivity and efficiency. We also offer refinance options — including balloon payment refinancing and equity release where appropriate.
We arrange finance for all types of horseboxes — whether towed or motorised. That means:
Even the smallest, most basic unit can set you back thousands of pounds, so it’s a purchase you make after a lot of careful consideration. That’s where we step in to help with the funding side as well as advice on choice.
If you’re coming to the end of your Horsebox finance agreement, you may be wondering what your options are. Many people choose to simply hand the horsebox back but if you’re still loving your horsebox, you may want to consider keeping it. However, this means paying off the large horsebox balloon payment which many can’t afford to do. This is where refinancing a horsebox balloon payment comes in handy and the equine finance specialists at Gable Business Finance are here for you! We can help you refinance a horseox balloon payment, so you can keep on driving the horsebox that you and your horses love! We have a select lending panel who are able to offer you the refinancing of a horsebox balloon payment.
Some horsebox suppliers require payment through the manufacturing process of your bespoke new horsebox. When this is within a 90-day period, we refer to this process as Stage Payments. The specialist equine finance experts at Gable work with several specialist lenders who will step in to make these payments on your behalf – providing you the benefit of leaving your cashflow intact.
Horsebox stage payments are often required by suppliers providing a bespoke designed horsebox or for horsebox that needs building and is on a long lead time. A stage payment facility will pay your horsebox supplier the payments they require on their due dates eg 30% on order, 30% on fitout, 30% on delivery and 10% 30 days after the hosebox has been re-inspected after customer testing. Horsebox staged payments are a great way to get your dream horsebox on schedule and protecting your cash flow and the suppliers..
Once the horsebox is delivered and operating to your satisfaction we will pay the final invoice amount. Usually the finance agreement will commence at the time of the first stage payment.
When purchasing a horsebox, aside from the finance, you need to consider the vehicle specification and suitability. Here are some important points:
You should also consider the chassis manufacturer and body make. Here are some of the typical names you’ll see:
Citroën, DAF, Fiat, Ford, Isuzu, Iveco, Leyland, Leyland DAF, MAN, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Scania, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, others.
Alexanders, Ascot, Bloomfields, Bockmann, Cooke, Elite, Empire, EQ, Equicruiser, Equimark, Equi-Trek, Foxy, George Smith, Highcross, Hybred, I.C.E, Ifor Williams, Lehel, Malborough, Maudesley, Oakley, Olympia, Olympic, PRB, Regent, Signature, Solitaire, STX, Seeker, Thorpe, Trevett & Smith, Whittaker, other.
Below are three illustrative case studies that demonstrate how businesses have used horsebox finance effectively. While these are not clients of Gable (for confidentiality), they reflect real scenarios seen in the UK market.
A horse riding school in the South West decided to upgrade from a trailer to a small rigid horsebox for transport of a single veteran horse. They selected a used 3.5 tonne conversion (single stall, minimal living space). Through a horsebox finance provider they borrowed approximately £22,000, on an 84-month term with a balloon at the end to reduce monthly cost. Their new monthly payment was manageable and allowed them to free up capital that would otherwise have been tied into a large deposit. The vehicle immediately improved their transport flexibility and enabled them to offer their students additional off-site riding opportunities.
A transport company specialising in eventing required a large coach-built 6-stall truck with living accommodation for the driver/trainer and two crew. They purchased a 7.5 tonne Mercedes-chassis body by a premium equine body-builder. Using finance, they borrowed in excess of £120,000 (including living space specification) and spread repayment over 10 years, with a balloon payment of ~40 % at the end. The lower monthly payments meant the business could invest in other equestrian support services, while the new vehicle allowed them to expand into a national circuit of shows, increasing their turnover by over 30% in the first year.
A start-up business offering hire of horseboxes decided to upgrade from 2-stall trailers to a motorised 3-stall conversion with living area so they could rent for weekend stays and events. They arranged finance from £5,000 upwards (starting from a modest budget) and structured the term over 5 years with minimal deposit. Their monthly payments were aligned with the projected hire income so cash flow remained positive. After 18 months the rental income covered the payment and the business eventually refinanced the balloon payment and used the equity to purchase a second vehicle.
These case studies illustrate how horsebox finance can serve a range of needs — from hobbyist users, through to commercial businesses — and how structuring the deal properly can support growth rather than act as a burden.
A: Yes, absolutely. At Gable Business Finance we can arrange finance whether you are buying from a dealer or a private seller. Our brokers are used to handling the paperwork and valuations required for private-sale purchases and can guide you through the process so it’s just as easy as buying from a dealer.
A: Yes — we offer finance on new, used or second-hand horseboxes. The age and condition of the box will affect terms, the funder’s acceptance criteria and possibly the interest rate, but we have access to funders who specialise in equine transport assets and can often support older vehicles.
A: A conversion is when an existing vehicle is adapted to become a horsebox (e.g., van or truck converted with stalls, tack room etc). A coach-build is a purpose-built body manufactured for equine transport and mounted on a dedicated chassis. Coach-builds often command higher purchase prices, may have more specialised features (living accommodation, slide-outs, luxury interiors) and may carry different residual values. Knowing the difference helps when assessing value, insurance and financing structure.
Q4. How much can I borrow and what are the typical terms?
A: At Gable we offer borrowing from £5,000 upwards. Typical terms are 2 to 8 years, but we can arrange terms up to 10 years in certain cases. Balloons of up to 65% are also available, meaning you can structure a lower monthly payment and deal with a final larger payment at the end. Deposit may not always be required (though a deposit may improve your rate). Terms depend on your status, business usage, credit, and value of the asset.
A: We will consider new start businesses and those with weaker credit profiles. Each case is assessed on its own merits and, because we specialise in equine transport, we understand the sector and can work with lenders who appreciate the unique nature of horsebox assets. It may mean slightly higher rates or additional documentation, but you are not automatically excluded.
A: If you buy a horsebox through a business, it becomes an asset on your balance sheet and the repayments may be tax-deductible as a business expense (depending on your business structure and usage). It can help preserve working capital, as opposed to paying a large cash sum upfront. However, you must ensure usage aligns with HMRC rules (especially if the vehicle is used for personal/non-business use). For example, HMRC has warned about the misuse of high-value horseboxes as company expenses or benefits in kind. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
A: Yes — when you purchase large motorised horseboxes for commercial use, you may need to consider driver licensing (C1, C, HGV) and operator licensing. For example, if you transport horses for hire or reward using a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, you may fall into the goods vehicle operator licensing rules. It’s important to check the vehicle’s gross weight, your business use, and ensure you fulfil any legal obligations.
A: Yes — we offer refinance options, including balloon refinances and equity release where the value of the asset and business allows. If you find after a period that your repayments are higher than desired, or you wish to upgrade, we can talk through the options for restructuring your finance agreement.
A: Before you sign to purchase, check the following:
A: As with any asset finance agreement, if you stop making payments, the funder may repossess the asset. Because a horsebox is a specialised vehicle, its resale value may differ significantly from standard commercial vehicles; ensure you are confident in your business plan or personal usage, and that you maintain the asset properly. We will walk you through the documentation, responsibilities, maintenance expectations and residual value considerations.
A: Yes — we can arrange finance for trailers and towed horsebox units as well as rigid motorised horseboxes. We have access to lenders who cover both classes of asset.
A: Unfortunately, yes. The horsebox market has seen scams – fake sellers, clocked horseboxes, poorly built conversions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} Always check the vehicle thoroughly, insist on seeing it, and ensure finance is arranged with a reputable broker like us so you are not caught out.
If you’re ready to explore horsebox finance, here’s how it works with Gable Business Finance:
If you have any questions, want to get indicative monthly payments, or wish to run a potential purchase past our team, please do get in touch or call us on [insert phone number]. We’re here to help you make the right decision.
Investing in a horsebox is a significant decision, whether you’re using it for leisure or commercial purposes. With the right specification, appropriate financing and expert support, you can secure a vehicle that meets your needs today and supports your ambitions for tomorrow.
At Gable Business Finance we specialise in horsebox and equestrian finance. Our flexible, tailored packages, competitive rates and understanding of the equine transport sector make us the ideal partner for your next purchase. Let’s discuss how we can help you today.