Towing with a Horse Box in the UK: What You Need to Know
Towing a horse box safely and legally in the UK is essential for every horse owner or equestrian enthusiast. From licensing and legal requirements to vehicle checks and horse welfare, there’s a lot to consider. Here’s a comprehensive guide — with official sources — to help you navigate the rules and best practices.
1. Do You Have the Right Driving Licence?
Before you tow anything, check your driving licence entitlements:
- If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass).
- If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, you’ll need a Category B+E licence to tow most horse boxes.
👉 Check your licence online: www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
For full details on licence requirements:
www.gov.uk/towing-with-car
2. Is Your Vehicle Suitable for Towing?
Check that your vehicle can legally and safely tow your horse box:
- Towing capacity is found in your vehicle’s manual or on the VIN plate.
- The trailer’s weight (including horses and gear) should ideally not exceed 85% of your vehicle’s kerb weight — this is a safety guideline recommended by many industry bodies.
- Your trailer must have brakes if it weighs over 750kg, which horse boxes nearly always do.
👉 Towing rules explained: www.gov.uk/towing-rules
3. Trailer Checks & Maintenance
Keeping your horse box roadworthy is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Construction & Use Regulations.
Before every journey, check:
- Tyres (minimum tread depth: 1.6mm – DVSA standards).
- Brakes and lights — all must be working.
- Flooring — rot or weak boards can cause serious injury.
- Breakaway cable — mandatory and must be correctly fitted.
Annual servicing by an NTTA-approved technician is strongly advised:
www.ntta.co.uk
4. Loading Your Horse Safely
Proper loading ensures safety for both horse and handler. Key tips:
- Use non-slip flooring and ensure the trailer is clean and dry.
- Always tie horses with a safety-release tie.
- Don’t overload — check the horse box’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and adhere to the manufacturer’s capacity.
For horse transport welfare guidelines:
www.gov.uk/animal-welfare
5. Driving Tips When Towing
Towing a horse requires smoother, more mindful driving. UK-specific rules include:
- Speed limits when towing:
- 50mph on single carriageways
- 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways
(Source: www.gov.uk/speed-limits)
- You must not use the outside lane of a 3-lane motorway when towing, unless directed.
- Use towing mirrors if your trailer is wider than your vehicle – it’s a legal requirement.
👉 More towing safety tips from DVSA:
www.gov.uk/guidance/tow-a-trailer-with-a-car-safety-checks
6. Legal and Insurance Requirements
It is a legal obligation that:
- Your trailer displays a number plate matching the towing vehicle.
- Your vehicle and trailer must be roadworthy.
- You have appropriate insurance — this may include:
- Vehicle insurance that covers towing
- Horsebox insurance
- Horse-in-transit cover (to cover injury or death in transit)
- Public liability insurance
👉 Trailer registration rules (for trailers over 750kg travelling internationally):
www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad
Conclusion
Towing a horse box in the UK comes with responsibilities that go beyond simple vehicle handling. Ensuring compliance with the law, your own safety, and your horse’s welfare is non-negotiable. By following these guidelines and referring to the official sources, you’ll be ready for any trip, whether it’s a short ride to a local event or a long journey to a national competition.
Useful Resources
Horse Welfare Transport Rules: www.gov.uk/horse-transport
DVLA Towing Guide: www.gov.uk/towing
Highway Code – Towing Rules: www.gov.uk/highway-code
National Trailer & Towing Association: www.ntta.co.uk
The article above is for guidance only and is relevant at the time of publication. The information should be used for general advice and is not legally binding.
To get a price for the supply and fitting of a tow bar for pulling a horse box please contact the team at Ultimate Towbars.
Tow safely
Team Ultimate Towbars.
