Ideally, a horse float should be equipped with independent brakes. A breakaway brake will stop the float if it becomes unmarried from the car. If the loaded weight of a horse float is more than 2000 kilograms a breakaway system is not just commonsense but a legal requirement. This system uses its own electrical system and must be able to operate for 15 minutes, which should usually be sufficient time to get your horse float into a safe place. There must also be a separate parking brake.

Check for rust, especially in the floor and the underbody. Avoid a badly rusted horse float, regardless of how cheap it is. There should be a separate door on the side for access without opening the tailgate. How easy would it be for you to load and unload your equine friend(s) into the horse float without help?

You will need to what your horse weighs. Or you may be buying a float that can take more than one animal. With two horses, you are going to have to consider your tow vehicle carefully. I can mention the example of an older Land Cruiser diesel that struggles to cruise at 80 km/h when towing a float with two horses and gear.

With such heavy loads involved a float should be fitted with heavy duty wheels and tyres, not the items left over from an old Ford Cortina.

If you are buying a two-horse float, make sure the divider does not go all the way to the floor because this cramps the horses' freedom.