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THE HORSE FLOAT SAFETY GUIDE GETTING FROM A TO B STRESS FREE

INSIDE: Keep Your Horse Safe with Our 17-point ‘Stay Safe’ Float Check List

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THE HORSE FLOAT SAFETY GUIDE

Getting from A to B Safely: Keep Your Horse Safe with Our 17-point ‘Stay Safe’ Float Check List

Every horse owner has a horror story about floating. Whether you’ve experienced one yourself, or know of someone who has met tragedy on the road – it makes our stomachs turn. Each year all over Australia horses get severely injured, or killed from floating accidents. Many of them preventable had the right equipment and training been used.

From complete wrecks and rollovers to horses going down inside or lunging through windows and over partitions, the list of what can go wrong is endless. And that’s just inside the float.

Inevitably though, no matter how careful we are, things can go wrong.

Take Freddy going over the middle partition of his angle load – a float custom built for him. What we can do is ensure when things do go wrong, we have the right equipment and features to get our horses out quickly and safely.

You’re reading this guide because you have a passion for horses and their wellbeing.

You want a float that lets you and your horse(s) travel safely in style and comfort. You may be looking to improve your own float’s safety or researching to make an informed buying decision, before you spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new float.

Either way, you want to travel with complete peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect your horse, yourself and your family.

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The good news is, you’ve come to the right place as we detail our ‘Top 17 Float Safety Check List’.

Our 17-point ‘Stay Safe’ Float Check List Have you had a good look at your float recently and spotted the dangers? Use this checklist to ensure your float is road ready and horse safety approved.

Float Safe Tip #1 – Chassis Design and Material

It’s important to understand how the chassis of your float has been designed and what materials have been used. There are differences in the types of steel section, such as box section and angle iron.

One is significantly stronger than the other. Galvanising is also an important factor in ensuring a long life span for your float.

Also, consider the design of the Chassis itself. Is it the best possible design for maximum strength and relevance to where the load is to be carried?

Take note over time of the condition of your chassis for any weakening or rust. Ensure your float manufacturer offers a comprehensive warranty to protect you should your float not live up to the high standards you expect and deserve.

Float Safe Tip #2 – Does the float’s load capacity suit your horses’ combined weight and gear?

You’d be surprised to know how many people forget to even consider this important rule.

When towing you must keep in mind your float’s Aggregate Trailer Mass (e.g. combined weight of the float, and all its contents, commonly referred to as ATM).

If the ATM of the float is either not sufficient for your horse’s weight, or it exceeds the vehicle’s towing capacity you’re asking for trouble. Not only will your insurance be void if you have an accident, you’re putting you and your horses’ safety at risk from tow bar failure.

Know your float’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) and that it’s rated for the load you’re carrying.


Also be aware that the ATM of your float includes anything extra you’ve put in the float, not just your horses. So make sure you factor in your gear, feed, etc.

Ensure your tow bar is also approved and rated for your towing capacity. Always cross your safety chains when towing, so should the unthinkable happen, your hitch can rest on the crossed chains, which may help avoid a greater accident.

Float Safe Tip #3 – Is your float the right size for your horse?

A good float is bright, open, clean and inviting and will accommodate your horse comfortably. As you know, horses are naturally claustrophobic and if they feel threatened will tend to panic first and think later. Poor travellers are made, not born; so don’t create a problem traveller by putting them in a float that is too small for them.

Size of the float needs to be considered from the perspective of height, width and length.

Consider matching the roof height of the float to your horse’s size. For example:

• For horses under 16 hands the roof height should be no less than 2200mm

• For horses over 16 hands the roof height should be around 2285mm

Broader horses need more width within the float, and also consider how much space your horse has for his head and neck. He should be able to raise his head without hitting it on the roof or any overhead cupboards, or being too close to the front window, and lower his head easily to allow for comfortable breathing and fluid drainage. A head held too high over long periods is not only uncomfortable for the horse, but can lead to travel sickness and worse; death.

Float Safe Tip #4 – Keep it light and inviting

We’ve had many discussions about the importance of light floats, opposed to the dark dingy ones you see all too often – especially the earlier models that resemble tin cans on wheels.

Horse floats are not one size fits all. Make sure your horse has extended headroom so they can travel standing comfortably and stress free.

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Horses are naturally cautious, and if your horse is already a nervous traveller, asking them to go into a dark cave on wheels takes a huge amount of trust on their part.

Ensure your float doesn’t play to your horse’s natural instincts of concern and claustrophobia. Horses that end up through front windows or over chest bars are almost always victims of their own flight response.

Choose a float that has a light airy feel and is not crowed in by all your excess travel supplies. A front storage locker is perfect to avoid excess clutter.

A stressed horse simply can’t perform at their peak, so do everything you can to ensure your horse arrives as calm and stress free as possible.

Float Safe Tip #5 – Angle load float vs. straight load float

Many angle floats vs. straight floats discussions turn heated in a flash. There are people who vehemently oppose angle load floats and swear by straight load floats. And then there are those who swear by angle load floats instead.

Your opinion may be divided right now. Which way you decide to go should be based on primarily what is best for your horse, and only then based on the features that suit you.

Some horses like to spread their legs during transit in order to balance. These horses often panic if they feel the wall against their hooves and can “scramble.” For these horses, an angle load is often better suited as it gives them greater security with their footing.

For us, angle loads also offer a huge amount of storage space. Plus they’re easier to load by a one-person team.

However, when you first load your horses into an angle load float they may be more resistant to loading (especially if they’ve never been in an angle load float before). So it pays to take a bit of time to patiently familiarize them with loading then stepping sideways to be correctly positioned in the angle bay. You might need some help from a friend to gently tap the hindquarters over once the horse is happily standing in the float. Once they get the hang of it, loading for you should become a breeze.

TOP: Is your float appealing to your horse? Make it an area that is inviting and confortable for him to reduce travel worry. BOTTOM: Choose the float that’s right for your horse. Some horses are happier travelling straight, others are much more secure angled


A straight load float is generally suitable for horses that do not have any floating problems such as scrambling, however it still needs to be of an adequate size for the size of the horse.

Good retailers will allow you to customise your float to give you total design freedom along with safety.

If you are considering an angle load horse float, it is worthwhile, considering the direction the bays will face. Right facing bays are recommended for Australian roads due to the camber of our roads being to the left.

A right facing bay offers the horse a more neutral standing position and also enables the personnel access door to be on the left hand side of the float, whereas left facing bays generally means the personnel access door is on the right hand side of the float. This is an important safety aspect – you don’t want to be at risk from passing traffic if you need to access the float while on the side of the road from the right hand side of the float.

Any float – regardless of whether it’s an angle or straight needs to be light, with big windows, plenty of leg room, head room, and all the safety rules in place as discussed in this report.

Float Safe Tip #6 – Position windows for easy viewing

Windows should be positioned correctly for individual horses so they can see out with ease whilst travelling. As we know, horses cannot see directly in front of them – so why do the majority of horse floats position windows at the front of the float right in their blind spot and often about 2 foot below their field of vision? Ensure your windows are correctly positioned to ensure your horse has freedom to see out. When horses can’t see something properly they automatically assume it’s a threat and take flight.

TOP: Swinging partitions ensure plenty of leg room for horses to find their balance and a right facing angle ensure your horse is facing uphill keeping you more balanced with the camber of the road. BOTTOM: Position windows so horses can easily see out without having to duck and weave to focus. Good visuals improve the happiness and reduce stress levels in travelling horses.

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Float Safe Tip #7 – Invest in quick release chest bars

Your float’s chest bars should be well padded, height adjustable and removable – when loaded with weight.

Still too many horses get injured because the chest bars are set too high or low, or are fixed. Look for additional safety options that allow for a truly quick release chest bar that can be removed from the outside of the float, even if it’s under the load of a horse!

Almost all chest bars on the market today cannot be removed if a horse is stuck on top of it.

Float Safe Tip #8 – Opt for sturdy breaching gates over chains

Opt for bars or gates over chain whenever possible. A panicked or nervy traveller can rush backwards as soon as the ramp is lowered. Horrific injuries have been caused by horses rushing under chains unprotected or even flipping backwards. Never use a float that is not fitted with proper breaching gates. Fatalities have occurred by horses rushing out backwards as the handler is lowering the ramp.

Float Safe Tip #9 – Make sure head/shoulder dividers are adjustable and removable

Make sure your float has removable and swingable head/shoulder dividers. If your horse does become trapped, or panics then you need your float to be as deconstructable as possible to ensure a quick and safe exit.

Float Safe Tip #10 – Keep bay partitions free swinging and off the floor

It’s important that your internal divider doesn’t go all the way to the floor. Horses likes to spread their legs during travel. Especially when you make turns and change direction. If your divider is full length and solid it will prevent horses from doing this, and they may become restless and scramble, or “climb the walls”.

TOP: All Equiluxe straight load floats come with ‘quick release’ chest bars – even if your horse is on top of it, these chest bars are designed to be removable. BOTTOM: Solid gates are the safest option to ensure your horse is secure when the ramp is down. Avoid chains where possible. BOTTOM: Removable partitions to ensre you’re able to access your horse should he become breached.


Scrambling is one of the most common floating problems caused by your horse feeling unsteady or insecure on his feet. Whilst this increases the danger of falling, it can also turn into a serious behavioural problem associated with the float such as unwillingness to load.

Ideally, the centre divider in straight load floats should be suspended from the centre pole, not held up by a leg at the rear. It is too easy for a horse to catch his leg coming out resulting in panic. Some camping features such as swing up bunks may make this impossible, however, features you add to your float should consider your horse’s safety first, and your comfort second.

Float Safe Tip #11 – Remove all dangerous fixings

Make sure tie points and door handles are flush or recessed to the float’s body, eliminating anything your lead rope could get hooked over. Ensure all tie up points are secure and your complete float is free from pointed or sharp edges. Also ensure tie points are located well away from ramp latches and the spare tyre.

Make sure the draw bar and mudguards are complete filled in with checkerplate or mesh to ensure legs don’t get caught or worse…broken.

Float Safe Tip #12 – Opt for a rubber anti-slip low angled ramp

Backing your horse out of the float is an unnatural thing for him to do, so he needs to feel comfortable when stepping backwards. A short ramp with a steep angle can cause injury to your horse if he rushes out or slips off the edge of the ramp. This issue will lead to his reluctance to load again and before long; you will have a horse that is difficult to load and one that will rush off at 100 miles an hour! Look for a ramp that is long so it offers a slack angle to the ground for relaxed loading and unloading of your horse.

TOP: Recessed fittings ensure there are no edges for your horse to catch a lead rope on and risk pulling back in a panic or worse, getting injured by sharp edges and overhangs. BOTTOM: Ensure you ramp is hoof friendly with good quality rubber and ridges to avoid slipping – especially in wet weather.

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Float Safe Tip #13 – High tie up points will save your horse from getting caught up

Make sure your float’s tie-up points are not too low and are located a safe distance away from ramp latches. Low tie-up points cause many unnecessary accidents including legs going over ropes, ropes getting caught under mudguards causing horses to pull back violently often cutting legs and bending the mudguards.

Float Safe Tip #14 – Hardwood Ply vs. Natural Timber

There are a number of options available in the market for floor support materials.

The most common are hardwood ply or hardwood natural timbers.

Timber materials by their nature have a long but limited life span so regular checks during your servicing will reassure you that they are in good condition. Both have their benefits, though construction grade ply is incredibly strong and predicable along with being resistant to rot. It is our preferred flooring choice for these reasons.

Other floor materials less commonly used, traditionally due to their expense, are composite materials. These materials have an almost unlimited lifespan and are incredibly strong and lightweight and are used in commercial bulk livestock transport.

In addition to a solid floor, a non-slip rubber surface is a must in any float. Your horse will feel anxious and nervous if his footing is unstable or slippery. Manure or urine will only add to his anxiety as the floor gets wet. Ensure the rubber is grippy even when wet. Your horse will thank you.

Float Safe Tip #15 – Strong running boards to deflect road hazards

Running boards help put a stop to trapped ropes underneath the end of mudguards and most importantly protect your float on the road. Strong running boards have saved many potential disasters acting as a buffer between your float and road hazards.

TOP: High tie up points ensure your lead rope is out of harm’s way and there’s no risk of legs getting caught over the top or around the mudgards which can cause severe injuries to legs. BOTTOM: Use the highest grade flooring possible to ensure complete saftey. Check floors regularaly for signs of mould or mildew which could weaken their hold.


Float Safe Tip #16 – Be a defensive driver

This may be a moot point, but if you don’t assure your own safety while travelling with a horse float, you can spend all the money you want and waste it.

Needless to say, when you drive with a float in tow you want to remove any and all distractions.

Make sure you have large side mirrors to keep an eye on the traffic around you. Stick to the legal speed limit but remember that your horse will probably fare better if you keep it under 80 km/hr.

And needless to say…no celebratory drinks at the end of your event!

If possible install a rear-view camera in your float to keep an eye on traffic immediately behind you. We offer rear-view cameras as an added extra, because we know that safety, quality, and prestige matter to you, a lot.

When driving with a horse on board, you must account for increased braking distance, slower transit around corners (remember – your horse can’t hang on as you go around corners!) and slow and steady acceleration.

A good rule to stick to is to imagine driving with a cup of tea on your dash board – the aim is to not spill any contents and ensure your braking, changing of direction and acceleration is as smooth and progressive as possible.

Float Safe Tip #17 – When purchasing a new float, ensure you’re protected by a comprehensive warranty.

If the retailer fails to refer you to past happy clients for references or give you a rock-solid warranty, walk away. The same applies to pressure sales tactics.

Equiluxe includes our ‘3 Year Comprehensive EquiCare, Unlimited Kilometre, Warranty’ PLUS a ‘12 Month comprehensive horse float insurance policy’ with all our new floats for your complete peace of mind.

Strong running boards and mudguards are essential to create additional protection when on the road.

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Here’s An Important Note About Pricing Wars & Comparisons.We understand you want to save money. Buying a horse float is a big financial commitment. One you should not make lightly. Shop around. Compare features. And check out how well the retailer knows their product and knows horses.

Ask questions… lots of them! A good retailer should also be asking you lots of questions. And spend time getting to know you and your horse(s). This lets them match the best float for you and your horse’s requirements, instead of trying to sell you what they have in stock.

A good retailer should aim to educate you first, and aim to make a sale second. A good retailer will ensure you understand all of the terms associated with your float, the towing requirements for your car plus the load capacity limits of the float. A good retailer should never try to simply sell you what they happen to have in stock.

We Encourage You to Take the First Step Now

We encourage you to contact us today for a no-obligation inquiry about our large selection of new angle and straight load horse floats. If you’re looking to buy a custom float, then we’ll happily show you what we can do for you. And we’ll make sure you don’t end up with float features you won’t need.

Contact Us Today

Call us: 1300 EFLOAT (1300 335 628)

Email: [email protected]

Mail to: 4/19 Industrial Drive, Somerville VIC 3912

Web: www.equiluxehorsefloats.com.au

1300 EFLOAT (1300 335 628)Email: [email protected]

4/19 Industrial Drive, Somerville VIC 3912www.equiluxehorsefloats.com.au

Everyone just loves it!“Teddy, my horse travelled brilliantly in the float on Friday. I’m really impressed with how the float tows, and how inviting it is for the horses, even with the smells of a new float and having only previously been in my straight load float, there were no issues.I have had family, friends, both my jump and dressage coaches and even my horse’s chiropractor look at my new Equiluxe float and everyone just loves it! Not only because it looks so good, but every person that had looked at it says the same thing ‘it is really well finished and has great workmanship’. I think this says so much for the team at Equiluxe. Thank you again for my lovely new float, I could not be happier with it. I will certainly be recommending Equiluxe to anyone that is in the market for a new float!”

Pip Duggan – TAS, Australia

Excellent Service – Everything We Asked for Was Done!“Thank you Alex and James for delivering our new float. Great service from you. We are so happy with it. Everything we asked for was done, the service you have provided was excellent and float was delivered to our home. There is no other float company that I know of that would do that for you. Go team Equiluxe!”

Julie, Scott, Brooke and Caitlyn Moreland – VIC

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James medved free report