Posted: 23rd January 2015 | Back to news feed
Boss Horseboxes is a family owned business operating out of Flintshire where the manufacturing process takes place. At every stage it is possible to observe the creation of your very own bespoke Boss Horsebox.
Boss Horseboxes is unique in that they sell and manufacture the lorries themselves in their Flint Factory. Most companies sub contract out, but the pride that is taken in Boss Horseboxes means that this is not a consideration. The lorries are hand finished, and the attention to detail, the factors that make Boss, are the ones that have required extra thought, consideration, and planning. All gained from practical experience and being actively involved in equestrianism. The details that managing life in an economical space with the maximum of benefits has been perfected by Boss.
Always believing in the benefits of scientific research, and taking time to adapt to the results, has meant that in a Boss Horsebox your horses can travel in the most comfortable and least stressful way possible. Enjoying a smooth journey, correctly balanced with sympathetic braking, and with a reduced travelling time of approximately an hour, thanks to the speed restrictors placed on larger heavier vehicles. A smooth comfortable, stress free journey means that your horse will perform better and arrive in a comfortable state without an excess expenditure of physical, mental and emotional energy. You can keep an eye on proceedings through a rear view window from the cab. Reversing cameras are fitted as standard, as are horse cameras and sat nav. Each vehicle is fitted with a Tracker and a Thatcham immobiliser.
The minutiae of the design is evident from the first glance at a Boss horsebox. Even from a distance. The pleasing lines of the box are something individual due to the care and consideration taken by Clive Ecroyd and his partner Paul. The gently curved rear of the lorry is not only aesthetically pleasing but serves a purpose, allowing for a smoother airflow. It also makes the rear of a Boss horsebox distinctive, much like Kim Kardashian! This is Boss Booty. Curves are all. So is individuality and branding.
In every conceivable way possible, standard weight has been reduced and materials replaced with high tech alternatives. The bodywork of Boss Horseboxes is made of lightweight, high tensile, impact absorbent honeycombed panels. Each model has a super reinforced bulkhead between the horse area and the cab. The 35X has a 3 seat cab, the 35XS and XL a choice of three seats with storage behind, or 5 seats and a bed option which is big eugh for a laege person to sleep on comfortably. All seats have approved seat belts. The seat flips up for valuable under seat storage.
Horses load right to left, to travel facing backwards, (scientifically proven to be the most comfortable) from the Drivers side of the lorry. The low gradient sloping ramp is shaped to allow you both an extra bit of manoeuvrability with increased width at the top, and keeping you on the correct side of the horse at all times. Not positioned against the dividing partition. Travelling the horses in this way also means that the lorry is correctly loaded at the crown of the road allowing for an evenly distributed, balanced ride.
The design of the ramp is unique to Boss in that it is a third longer than the ramps of other manufacturers. The reasons for this are two fold, the increased length of the ramp means that it is a gentler slope for horses to walk up, and therefore safer and more inviting for anxious loaders. Designing the ramp in this way also means that the structure of the body work is not weakened at the crucial half way point. The longer ramp creates the right space for a smooth touch upper canopy to be incorporated on an extendable arm. This shelters the horses heads from rain and sun, and allows for visibility reducing anxiety and boredom when standing on the lorry. This closes with a long easy pull cord.
The hinged area between the floor and the ramp is sealed with a heavy duty polythene seal which keeps it debris free, and easy to clean. And the sprung ramp can be lifted with one finger.
The sprung load bearing chest bar is adjustable and horses cannot attempt to clamber over and get trapped. It is also quick release. Haynets are hung against the full height living partition which keeps the living/storage/kitchenette area clean and dust free.
Boss Horsebox flooring is heavy duty, textured, hard wearing non slip, shock absorbent Polyurethane with small recessed drainage holes for waste to drain out easily. The dividing partition is designed in such a way with a heavy duty, pliable lower flap that the horses can move and adjust their balance without striking into each other.
Other details include the safe positioning of the red travelling light and main light switches out of harms way. Adjustable skylights provide ventilation for temperature control, air circulation and respiratory purposes. All protrusions such as the LED lights which are fitted throughout, including inside the lockers and living, are rounded for safety.
The separate living compartment houses storage for rugs, clothing, and equipment as well as a simple kitchenette of a gas ring, sink and power supply/socket. Two tack lockers on the outside of the lorry provide ample storage for tack with saddle racks and bridle hooks. The passenger side locker houses an extendable coiled jet spray hose for washing down, as well as the gas bottle.
The attention to detail for ease of use is second to none, and what makes Boss horseboxes stand out as the premier choice for all discerning equestrians and their horses. Including Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. Their lorry is gold with a near life size full colour image of them bursting out of the side of the lorry. Individual lacquered finishes are available upon request
For further information please visit: www.BossHorseBoxes.co.uk
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