Breakdown cover is especially important if you have a horsebox. If your car and/or horsebox breaks down, you have your horses’ wellbeing to consider too, including the possible need for emergency veterinary assistance or overnight accommodation for yourself and your animals. This type of cover for those with horseboxes is available through specialty dealers and mainstream companies like AA.

As with any type of roadside assistance cover, it pays to compare breakdown cover before buying. Before taking any trip with your horsebox, check that all your lights and signals are working properly, that you have sufficient petrol, and that your tyres are inflated properly to minimise the possibility of a preventable breakdown.

If you should find yourself and your horsebox in a breakdown, try to park in a safe place if possible: far to the left and clear of curves. If this is impossible, call 999. Use your hazard lights and place a warning triangle behind your vehicle (but not on a motorway) if you’re close to a bend and can do so safely. Turn on side lights for extra visibility. If it is safe to do so, keep your horse on board. If you need to unload your horses, obtain police assistance, because this is a dangerous undertaking on a roadside. Keeping your horse calm and comfortable is important, so be sure he has hay, water, and ventilation and use a horse blanket if it’s cold.