JUDY REYNOLDS
What do you drive on a day-to-day basis and why did you chose this vehicle?
I drive a Mercedes ML 250. The majority of our shorter trips are with a two-horse trailer and we need something that can pull the trailer comfortably. For the longer trips, we have a six-horse Roelofsen truck built on a 410 horsepower Mercedes Actros.
I’ve had the truck now for 14 years and it’s been brilliant. Roelofsen make good sturdy trucks and my one is in as good a shape as it was when I first got it. The 410 horsepower chassis is also brilliant! Even when climbing the Alps, we never come across a hill we can’t easily handle.
What do you travel your horses in?
Depends on the weather really. Today we’re on the way to Amsterdam for the World Cup qualifier and it’s -3°C outside. I have two Horseware Deluxe Coolers on JP. These are great because they are very cosy and warm. If he does start to overheat, the Deluxe Coolers are excellent for wicking any sweat away from the body.
In warmer weather, I use the Horseware Waffle Coolers. I always travel my horses in a leather headcollar, leather headcollars will break if necessary. Most of the time they will also have Horseware Rambo travel boots on. They’re nice and easy to use, I’m not mad on travel boots with too many straps on them. I have one horse who really doesn’t like hind travel boots, so she travels with only overreach boots on behind.
It really is key to understand your horses’ likes, needs and preferences and to find a practical solution to suit. I never travel them with a tail bandage on. If I do have one that sits on the back wall a lot, I’ll use a tail guard.
Fresh air circulation is also very important for me. I would always have a window open in front and behind the horses. Because of this I very rarely travel them naked. Cold backs must be avoided! They’ll always have a hay net when on their way as well.
What are the most important things you consider when choosing what your horses travel in?
The most important things for me are correct temperature, fresh air and hay. More important than all of these is your driving style. Sympathetic driving ensures that they get where they’re going safely and that they‘ll be happy to load again the next time.
Do you always buy your vehicles (for you and your horse) from the same place?
Up until now yes, through my dad’s business he has a very good relationship with Mercedes. They do a great job looking after us and Joe always gets the best price! I’m very happy with Roelofsen as well. The quality of the build and the levels of service they provide make them hard to beat in my eyes.
What would your dream car be?
My dream car would be one of either the Audi R8 or a Porsche 911 4S. I don’t think either comes with a tow hitch as an option though unfortunately! In terms of the horses, I really want to get a nice two-horse truck. They’re so handy and more importantly, Patrick would be able to drive it too!
GORDON ELLIOTT
What do you drive on a day-to-day basis and why did you chose this vehicle?
I drive a BMW on a regular basis, I have a BMW as it is comfortable and reliable.
What do you travel your horses in?
We travel our horses in Volvo and Man lorries.
What are the most important things you consider when choosing what your horses travel in?
The safety and comfort of our staff and horses.
Do you always buy your vehicles (for you and your horse) from the same place?
Yes, we try to stick to the same place.
What would your dream car be?
A BMW.
ADO MCGUINNESS
What do you drive on a day-to-day basis and why did you chose this vehicle?
Every day I drive a Mubsubishi l200 jeep because it is cheap to run.
What do you travel your horses in?
A new two-stall Renault or a Man five-horse lorry.
What are the most important things you consider when choosing what your horses travel in?
The most important thing is to make sure you have a good driver who drives slowly and carefully and takes their time. The box must be safe with good solid partitions.
Do you always buy your vehicles (for you and your horse) from the same place?
No, I buy them wherever I can get the best possible vehicle.
What would your dream car be?
A landcruiser jeep or a
Mercedes.
CIAN O’CONNOR
What do you drive on a day-to-day basis and why did you chose this vehicle?
I drive an Audi SQ 7, which I love. I have always driven Audi’s, they’re all very similar. They have good GPS and plenty of room for my two children. Whenever I’m home, my wife and I argue over who gets to drive it!
What do you travel your horses in?
Our horses travel in a Roelofsen Horse Truck. This truck has space for six horses and has a spacious and luxury living area with two separate sleeping places and a bathroom.
I have chosen a Roelofsen Horse Truck because I want the best for my horses. Roelofsen means quality, comfort and safety. During travelling, it’s very quiet and still in the horse compartment, as well as having good ventilation and a soft floor. Also the big side ramp and the luxury partitions with artificial leather give loading and travelling an extra dimension.
The horse area in Cian O'Connor's truck is specially designed so that the horses have plenty of space and a good air flow
What are the most important things you consider when choosing what your horses travel in?
For me, it’s very important that my horses arrive fit and ready to perform on the shows and return home safely and feeling well. This is actually what you train them for every day. I think it’s very important not to underestimate the transport part.
Not only do my horses need to have the best, I also want to have a happy groom. Sometimes they travel and live more in the trucks than they are at home. So it’s very important that there is enough space and comfort.
Do you always buy your vehicles (for you and your horse) from the same place?
At the moment, I have two Roelofsen Horse Trucks. Now I can’t imagine myself without one. This year we will get also a two-horse truck to be more flexible, because you can drive these trucks with a small driving license.
What would your dream car be?
Porsche Panamera.
CAMILLA SPEIRS
Do you drive somewhere with your horses every day?
We always seem to drive somewhere each day - whether it’s to the gallops, or schooling or to the veterinary clinic.
What do you travel your horses in?
I drive a Scania 18 tonne five-horse truck built by Platinum in the UK and I also have a two-horse truck built by Boss who are also in the UK.
Do you always buy your vehicles (for you and your horse) from the same place?
No
What are the most important things you consider when choosing what your horses travel in?
Safety and sturdiness!
Horses seem to be great at breaking all things valuable, so it’s important that the horse area of both lorries are durable and functional.
Also that there is a lot if space and tack lockers for my gear when we head off to internationals!
What would your dream car be?
Audi A7