What Is The History Of Equi-Trek?Founded in Yorkshire in 1999, Equi-Trek is the largest HorseBox manufacturer in the UK. This has been achieved through their in-depth understanding of the requirements of both the horse and rider…Founded in Yorkshire in 1999, Equi-Trek is the largest HorseBox manufacturer in the UK. This has been achieved through their in-depth understanding of the requirements of both the horse and rider because the makers of Equi-Trek HorseBoxes have successfully competed in a variety of equestrian disciplines at international level for many years! This knowledge and experience, coupled with their amazing selection of options with 2 sizes of horse boxes make Equi-trek LTD the Choice of Champions!Read MoreHow Did The Equi-Trek Horse Vans Get To America?Yes, with bringing them to America,we have decided to call them “Horse Vans” rather than the English term “Horse Box”… So you know, it took some ingenuity, determination, and, frankly, a tremendous…Yes, with bringing them to America,we have decided to call them “Horse Vans” rather than the English term “Horse Box”… So you know, it took some ingenuity, determination, and, frankly, a tremendous amount of work by dedicated horse owners Lynn and Dan Roberge! A few years ago Dan attended a dressage in Wellington, FL – and saw a Horsebox in America for the first time. He was so excited, that he rushed home to tell his wife, Lynn, all about it. She was delighted to know that there was an option available to having to hook up a horse and trailer and that they would be able to travel With their horses –so they decided to look into current HorseBox manufacturers around the world and found Equi-trek LTD in England…after many trips to England and talking and considering many vehicle manufacturers, Dan and Lynn, through much research and trial, have decided that the Ford Transit offered the best quality, durability and workmanship—and so a partnership was formed with Ford and aEqui-Trek Portland, through their parent company,“L & D Trailers”, was born!Read MoreDo Our Horse Vans Cost About The Same As An F350 Truck?Yes… very close! The cost of yourVision HORSE Vanis about the same of a new heavy duty Pick-up Truck- With Our Amazing Horse Vans starting at $69,999 to $85,000 with many options- The Vision is…Yes… very close! The cost of yourVision HORSE Vanis about the same of a new heavy duty Pick-up Truck- With Our Amazing Horse Vans starting at $69,999 to $85,000 with many options- The Vision is engineered to transport your horses on a one ton dually chassis, rear wheel drive.Read MoreWhat Are The Advantages Of Having Your Horse Ride With YOU-- Instead of Behind In A Trailer?

Honestly, there are so many advantages, the greatest of which is ‘peace of mind’ that it is hard to think of them all, but here are a few!

How Long Does It Take To Get My Van and What Is Required?

At L & D Trailers we have some gorgeous Equi-Trek Visions available – but to order a Vision for your particular needs –

Equi-Trek Horse Vans

Equi-Trek Horse Vans by L & D Trailers Equi-Trek Horse Vans by L & D Trailers

Need safe, reliable horse trailering options?

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Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com

Equi-Trek Horse Vans by L & D Trailers
Equi-Trek Horse Vans by L & D Trailers makes it possible to drive With your horses! Our Rear Wheel Drive and Dual Wheels with Sway Bars add incredible stability and security. Big enough for 18 hand horses!

With Equi-Trek, Your Horse Trailer and Truck Become ONE, Just like Europe!

What an advantage, and what a comfort to your horses to see the owners they love and trust, right in the van where they can talk to, keep an eye one, and comfort them during travel! Many trucks (like the F350) are close to $70,000 and then, a good horse trailer can be $20,000- $60,000 more! WithEqui-Trek, you can have our Horse Vans right around the same price as just the cost of a good truck! What a huge advantage— and savings— for horse owner and what an increase in comfort and security for your horses!

Tired Of The Stress and Worry About Hooking Up A Trailer?

Imagine, Never having to Hook your trailer up to your truck! Especially in emergencies such as an ill or injured horse— or even fire or flood! Valuable, life-saving minutes can make the difference between life and death in times like these! We all know the frustration of hooking your truck to the trailer properly… and if you are under pressure or upset, it can be a nightmare! How about never having to wonder if your trailer is property attached or has come loose during travel? If your horse becomes upset during loud traffic, wouldn’t it be nice to offer soothing words, turn on the radio and pass over a carrot? TheEqui-Trek HorseBoxesare setting NEW standards when it comes to safe travel with your horses!

Why Do The Horses Face "Backwards" In Our Horse Vans?

Traveling backwards is better, saferand preferred by most horses! A study examining the response to travelling forwards or backwards during a one hour journey showed a significantdecrease in heart rate in the horses traveling backwards. These horses also tended to rest more often on their rumps in maintaining their balance. This “buttress” posture adaptation is commonly exhibited during grazing, whereby the shoulder provides better lateral support than the rear legs. Often, the rear legs engage in a side stepping action when responding to lateral pressure, such as experienced in a trailer navigating a sharp corner.

The forward facing horses held their heads in a higher than average position and also moved more frequently due to difficulty in balancing.Interestingly, the forward facing horses vocalized more frequently. Heart rates increased at loading and unloading, and decreased during the journey as the horses became accustomed to the motion of transport.

It is very cost effective when looking at maintenance costs- tires and oil changes are less,

And toll road fees are less when you travel.

* Horses are between axles – very comfortable , solid ride

* It is developed to ensure the safety and comfort of your horse through rear facing travel.

which studies have proven to be the safest and most comfortable direction of travel for equines.

* Horses load via a side ramp which allows the rider to guide the horse whilst loading.

*A fully adjustable partition enables each horse to be secured -along with white safety gates-

before the ramp is closed.

* No “hitch up” time or worry!

* No worry about “disconnection” or “trailer sway” during travel

* Can monitor the horses directly

* No worry about trailer brakes or lights—because there is no trailer!

Is It True That All Our Horse Vans Are Built On a Ford Transis Chasis?

Oh yes! We investigated many brands, but Ford offered superiority on so many levels that they were our choice. All Horse Vans are built on a brand new Ford Transit chassis, the Vision is powered by a powerful3.7L V6 275 horsepower gas engine.With a six speed automatic gearbox which complies with the latest emission standards, giving effortless performance . It is on a Ford 350 chassis with dualy wheels, sway bars and superior stability With Ford ST Traction control system. You’ll love the comfort, easy drive and security offered by our Horse Vans! All warranties are standard with Ford…

Also, Don't Forget To Look For Our Upcoming "Vision RV" And "Vision 5" Seater!!
Lynn and Dan are constantly meeting with manufacturers to bring the best in quality designs and options! They are working to bring you the very best of engineering with these new designs on our Ford Transit Vision
Accepting orders NOW for Vision RV and Vision 5 seater, just ask us for more information!

What Kind of Customizations Are Available?

Too many to list here- but we will do everything possible to meet your particular needs and the needs of your horses! From leather seats, to Blue tooth, to complete cab customization The Equi-trek factory is very willing to adapt to your customization needs – and we have a full list of options in our brochure for you and your horses !

How Many Horses Can Fit Into A Van? What About Large Horses?

The Vision is a compact and easy to drivetwo stall horsebox; offering a perfect solution to transporting horses without affecting the safety or comfort for both the horse and driver. Horses as large as 18 hands can ride comfortably with Equi-Trek!

But I Have More Than 2 Horses? Will I Still Be Able To Get My Horse Van?

Oh Yes. Our NEW Ford 650 can be customized to fit up to 4 and as many as 6 horses!

May take 4-6 months – depending on cab availability and Ford Transit build schedule. It will be well worth the wait because these Horse Vans are amazing… you will be the envy of all your friends! We will be glad to discuss with you the details for your purchase.

Call Equi-Trek Horse Vans at L & D Trailers Today!

Our Horse Vans are amazing, but if you want a standard trailer, we can help you too— our trailer line up is almost as outstanding as our Horse Vans. We are horse people dedicated to serving other horse people! We would love to get a call, learn about your horses, your travel needs and we will spare no effort to serve you and your horses in a superior fashion in every way. Just pick up the phone— Dan and Lynn are happy to talk to you!

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

What is an Equi-Trek Horse Van?

An Equi-Trek Horse Van is a self-contained horsebox that combines the truck and horse trailer into one vehicle, so you drive WITH your horses instead of towing them behind. Equi-Trek Horse Vans are brought to America by L & D Trailers (Equi-Trek Portland), based on the European HorseBox concept. There is no trailer to hook up, so there's no hitch-up time and no worry about trailer sway, disconnection, or trailer brakes and lights.

How much does an Equi-Trek Horse Van cost?

Equi-Trek Horse Vans start at $69,999 and run up to $85,000 with many options. That's about the same price as a new heavy-duty pickup truck on its own. By comparison, many trucks like the F350 run close to $70,000 and then a good horse trailer adds another $20,000 to $60,000, so a Horse Van can replace both at roughly the cost of just the truck.

What truck chassis are Equi-Trek Horse Vans built on?

All Equi-Trek Horse Vans are built on a brand-new Ford Transit chassis. The VISION model is powered by a 3.7L V6 275 horsepower gas engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox that meets the latest emission standards. It sits on a Ford 350 chassis with dually wheels, sway bars, and the Ford ST traction control system for stability, and all standard Ford warranties apply.

How many horses fit in an Equi-Trek Horse Van, and can large horses ride?

The VISION is a compact, easy-to-drive two-stall horsebox, and horses as large as 18 hands can ride comfortably. If you have more than two horses, the newer Ford 650 build can be customized to carry up to 4 and as many as 6 horses. A fully adjustable partition secures each horse, along with white safety gates, before the side ramp is closed.

Why do the horses face backwards in an Equi-Trek Horse Van?

Rear-facing travel is better, safer, and preferred by most horses. A study of a one-hour journey found a significant decrease in heart rate in horses traveling backwards, and those horses rested more often on their rumps to keep their balance. Forward-facing horses held their heads higher, moved more often due to difficulty balancing, and vocalized more frequently. Horses also load via a side ramp so the handler can guide them while loading.

Where does Equi-Trek come from and who brings it to America?

Equi-Trek was founded in Yorkshire, England in 1999 and is the largest HorseBox manufacturer in the UK, built by makers who have competed internationally in a range of equestrian disciplines. Horse owners Lynn and Dan Roberge brought the concept to America, partnering with Equi-Trek LTD and Ford after choosing the Ford Transit for its quality and durability. In the U.S. they're called "Horse Vans" rather than the English term "Horse Box," sold through their company L & D Trailers.

How long does it take to get an Equi-Trek Horse Van, and is financing available?

L & D Trailers keeps some Equi-Trek VISIONS available, but a custom-ordered VISION built to your needs may take 4 to 6 months depending on cab availability and the Ford Transit build schedule. Several financing partners are available, including Ford Financing and commercial financing for lease or purchase with 50% business use. For a training stable, breeding farm, or other horse business, a Horse Van is a legitimate, tax-deductible expense.

How do I learn more or order an Equi-Trek Horse Van?

Reach Lynn or Dan Roberge at L & D Trailers / Equi-Trek Portland by phone at 541-806-6333, or visit their website at https://www.equi-trek-portland.com. They're happy to discuss your horses, your travel needs, customization options such as leather seats and Bluetooth, and the upcoming VISION RV and VISION 5-seater. Just pick up the phone—Dan and Lynn are happy to talk with you.