they really can’t replace the space offered by a truck bed for hauling hay and other equipment. The cost of a brand new two-horse van is compara-
ble to the purchase price of a good truck and trailer. For someone in need of both, a horse van is a good option. For someone who already has a truck and wants a new trailer, buying a horse van might seem far too expensive and less utilitarian—since it is, after all, a single-use vehicle. Many people love their trucks, and part of their appeal is all the different things they can be used for.
Gas or Diesel Even though the standard Equi-Trek and STX vans are gas-powered, Equi-Trek offers a diesel option, and STX will soon provide that option as well. Currently there are few options for the larger capac-
ity horse trucks (called horse lorries in the U.K.) that can accommodate more than two horses at a time. Plans are on the horizon for lorries, which can accommodate a more commercial number of horses, to be introduced in the U.S. However, the larger four to nine-horse lorries are priced in a completely different bracket when compared to the two-horse van, and this becomes a serious business investment. A loaded Ford Equi-Trek van can get 14 miles per gallon of gas and be cheaper to maintain than a big
pickup truck but, as far as fuel and maintenance costs, it’s not an apples to apples comparison—especially between diesel trucks and gas-powered vans.
Conclusion In the case of emergencies on the road, being stuck with a full horse van isn’t much different than being stuck with a full trailer. It is always most advisable to seek the help of roadside assistance professionals, such as AAA and US Rider Road. Horse vans probably won’t replace the popular gooseneck trailer here in the U.S. any time soon, but the two-horse vans are a convenient option for those looking to down- size. “There are a lot of things you can do with [a horse van], like move hay or move furniture,” Lynn
remarks. “It’s a bit more versatile than just transporting horses if you choose to. Other than that, it’s just really easy to drive versus something larger. Some people love driving their pickup and trailers, and that’s great. This is just another option to consider for you and your horses, especially [with horses] riding backwards.” Making the choice between a trailer and a horse van
boils down to weighing the pros and cons based on your specific transportation needs, both for you and your horses. Perhaps taking a horse van on a test drive is in your not too distant future!
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52 March/April 2018
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