The days are longer, the winter coats are starting to moult and the grass is trying its best to come through. Though it is time to clean out your yard, dust off your tack, and get you and your horse in shape for the upcoming season, there are a few things to check off your list before you drive off into the sunset in your horsebox.

Horseboxes need a spring once-over just as much of the rest of the yard, even if they have been stored inside over the dark months. All number of things can get into the workings of your trailer: leaves, rodent nests, dust, old hay and debris, all find their way into your horsebox like shavings to a woolly jumper!

For wooden-floored trailers, remove all rubber mats and inspect the floorboards for water damage caused by melting snow, horse urine or rain leaks. Check the soundness of the boards and if in any doubt at all, replace the damaged boards or the entire floor if necessary. This can save you money in the long run but more importantly maintains the safety of your horse.

Check any exposed electrical wires for nicks or rodent damage, mice and rats find the plastic coating on wires particularly appealing. Take the time to test all electric lights and signals by backing up onto your trailer before you actually hook up for your first road trip of the season, this gives you time to repair any damage or replace any bulbs well in advance of travel.

Thoroughly sweep out the floor and clean the rubber mats with a disinfectant, making sure they are thoroughly dry before putting back into the trailer. Open the windows after washing to allow for ventilation and help the drying process. If you clean your box using chemicals make sure you rinse it down thoroughly afterwards. Always check the ramps of your box to ensure that it is solid and in safe condition. Clean the ramp regularly and consider giving it a protective coating in the spring to protect it over the year ahead.

TYRE CHECK

Make sure to check the inflation of your car or jeep and horsebox tyres to ensure safe travel and to maximise fuel economy. They have a way of mysteriously becoming flat just as you need your box!

Spring weather can be so changeable - cold and rainy one day, warm and sunny the next - so use the good days to do the outside work on your horsebox. You can check for rust or general wear and tear, check any seals or points where water may be able to get in and if need be, give the box a lick of paint to seal it and to brighten it up for the new season or give it a power hose to breathe some life into it.

On the wetter days, give your horsebox a really good clear out as it will reduce your vehicle’s total weight; helping you to save on ever-increasing costly fuel and stay within the law. Weight is a significant factor with regards to fuel consumption. Having that tank full of water or lots of equipment and feed stored in your vehicle will only add to your fuel consumption and even risk your vehicle exceeding the legal gross plated weight. Have a spring clean of your vehicle and take out anything you won’t need or can do without, left in there from the previous season.

In addition, oil any old or rusty hinges to protect your horse (and you) against high-pitched squeaks and noises, a spray of lubricant usually does the trick. Spring is rife with moisture, so anything that can become squeaky does. Various products such as WD40 or silicone are available as sprays, and are designed to loosen and lubricate noisy metal connections. 

Other factors in the spring overhaul of your box include making sure your insurance and other documents are up to date and in place. Cover yourself for all eventualities by getting your horsebox insured. There are a number of companies who specialise in equine insurance, so cover yourself for accidents on the road, theft, damage or personal injury.

If you can afford it, an annual professional service of your horsebox is one of the best ways to keep it in tiptop condition and suitable for safe use on the road. Have the engine and brakes checked thoroughly to ensure it is safe. It is also a good idea to have items such as gas cookers or heaters that may be installed in your box, checked regularly.

With a well-cleaned and maintained horse box, you can set about your equestrian year confident in the knowledge that you have put in the work to ensure safe and comfortable travel for you and your horse.

Top tips from the experts…

Waterford’s Carmel Ryan, breeder of Carmena Z, Clover Flush, Royal Concorde, Dutch Treat and Vagabond Kind to name but a few, gives us her quick guide to Spring on the stud. 

Once Christmas is over, I think most peoples’ minds turn to thoughts of spring...

In this house, the main discussion is the selection of stallions for the coming season… this turns into an ongoing discussion with lots of mind changes!

As the season progresses...it’s on to the next job...

Grazing fields to be fertilised.

All animals to be vaccinated.

Worming next on the list.

Farrier high on list.

Finally...

Preparation of competition horses for the long season ahead.

My list looks quite short, but it doesn’t feel like that!