Horse Transport costs?

[Jen30]

Hi I wonder if anyone can help me..

I am looking at buying my first horse and have seen one about 60miles away. As I don't have transport I was interested in finding out more about transport companies.
Does anyone know the average cost per mile and is is cheaper/better to hire a horse box for the day or employ a transport company to deliver her?

Any advice welcome!
Thank you!

[IcarusGirl]

Well we run a horse transport business. Our basic rate is 90p per mile. Google the Horse Transport Network and you'll find that lots of companies are connected to that and you'll be able to find a good deal.

Obviously choosing whether you want to hire a box or pay for transport is up to you, but as a horse owner myself i would probably have too much to think about with buying your first horse to have to worry about transporting it yourself too (unless you are used to driving a 3.5tn box). For 60miles, i dont think the cost would be much cheaper to hire yourself, and having a professional driver do the job will probably give you peace of mind to know that your horse is given the most comfortable journey possible.

Out of interest, where are you based? We're based in East Sussex, PM me if you would like a to know more or are interested in a quote.

[Jen30]

Thanks, I agree a transport company sounds an easier option. Is that 90p just for the journey a to b or do I have to pay for the return journey (without horse) aswell? Does that make sense?
I'm based in the east midlands so you're too far from me, but thanks for the offer anyway. I will have a look on your website.

[IcarusGirl]

Its not my website - but have a look anyway! You usually have to pay for the round trip, but on Horse Transport Network, there are ways to share a journey if someone else is going a similar way, so share the cost, so definitely worth looking into.

Good luck!

[Storm]

I transported Meg from Cardiff to York for £175 plus VAT. That was with Robertson Horse Transport - on google. They're fantastic

[Cancara]

I used the Horse Transport Network. I got a few good quotes and messaged them all as the time approached. Unfortunately most were so standoffish when I explained Ella was getting vetted next week and I wanted to move her immediately afterwards- nearly all just said well contact us when she passes, when I wanted her ready to move like the next day!

The one guy who was willing to set a date was the guy I took. As I do when I use any new service I googled him to check if any negative publicity - all clear- and paid my deposit. He was great. Calm in adversity when payment issues delayed the day and quiet with Ella when she arrived. It was Antony Dala horse transport.

[Jen30]

Thanks for the advice, I had a look on the Horse Transport website and the quotes that came back were all very different. Ranging from £120 to £250!
I have decided not to go for that horse in the end and so the quotes are now irrelevant but at least I have a good idea of what to expect when I find the right horse.
Thanks again :-)