07901 554224
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
WHO CAN DRIVE AN EQUIBUS?
In summary, eligibility to drive our vehicles is outlined below. Please read the terms and conditions to confirm eligibility.
• Be 23 to 75 years of age
• Have held a full UK or EU licence for a minimum of two years
• Have not had your licence suspended for any period within the last three years
• Have not been involved in more than one fault incident within the last three years
• Have no more than two convictions with a maximum of 3 points per conviction
• Have not obtained a BA, DD or UT conviction
I AM YOUNGER THAN 23, CAN I HIRE?
In such situations we will happily have a chat to our insurance company. There may be an additional fee to pay for the arrangement of cover or a higher excees rate, but we will do all we can to help get you on the road.
CAN I DRIVE AN EQUIBUS ON A NORMAL CAR LICENCE?
Yes, the EquiBus is a 3.5t vehicle meaning it can be driven by anyone who has a full standard license passed pre or post 1997. Other conditions do apply, please refer to our Terms and Conditions to confirm your eligibility.
WHAT CAN I PROVIDE AS PROOF OF ADDRESS?
In order to arrange your insurance our insurance provider asks for two proof of address documents.
These documents must be dated within 90 days of the hire date.
Please note that the address must match across all of your provided documents. Please contact us if this is not the case and we can advise the next step.
The list of acceptable documents has recently been updated. It is now a much more inclusive list and will make the paperwork process much simpler for all.
What is acceptable:- ideally two documents from the Primary list below. If two from this list are not available, one from the primary list and one from the secondary list would be fine.
Primary Proof of Address
• Utility bills as follows: Electricity, Water, Gas, Broadband, Council Tax or Landline
• TV licence
• Bank statement
• Credit card bill/statement
• Mortgage statement
• Polling card
• HMRC self-assessment/tax credit
Secondary Proof of Address
• Student loan
• Shotgun licence
• Payslip
• Mobile phone bill
• Pension correspondence
• Car finance statement
• Loan statement
• Property deed
What will be declined:-
• Any document relating to insurance.
• Any document that does not meet the above mentioned criteria.
WILL MY LARGE HORSE FIT IN AN EQUIBUS?
Yes...we have tall horses ourselves and were keen to source horseboxes that offer the most comfortable travel space for horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes. Our Bloomfields horse box offers 8ft of height in the horse compartment and, depending on which of our horseboxes you have on the day, the partition can either be fully removed or easily placed against the side wall to create a much larger stall. Please do ask if you are still unsure.
CAN I MOVE/REMOVE THE PARTITION?
Yes the partition is fully removable from the Blue Bus, and slides right over to the side in the Grey Bus. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you would like us to move/remove the partition prior to your collection.
IS THERE ANY STORAGE SPACE?
Yes, there is a storage/grooms area at the back of each vehicle offering two x saddle rack, two x bridle rack and plenty of space for other items you might need on your adventures.
CAN I TAKE MY DOG WITH ME?
Yes, you are welcome to take well behaved dogs in our horseboxes. We ask that you provide your own blanket for the seats and please don’t leave young or naughty dogs alone in the cab area. Please also note that dog leads and lines should not be tied to the vehicle, or in such a way that could result in damage to the vehicle and paintwork.
CAN I SMOKE?
No, we ask that you don’t smoke anywhere inside our vehicles.
CAN I TRAVEL TWO HORSES?
Yes, the boxes are all stalled for two. However, you must observe the maximum vehicle weight of 3.5t. The payload for the EquiBus is 1050kg for the Blue Buses and 1000kg for the Grey Bus, these weights being based on the lorry having a full tank of fuel, so you will need to calculate the weight of your intended equine and human passengers, along with any equipment you need to take along.
IS THERE A WATER TANK ON BOARD?
No, you will need to bring along your own water carrier.
DOES THE HORSEBOX HAVE SATNAV?
No, but there are multiple 12v charging sockets and USB connection points for playing through.
CAN I PUT BEDDING IN THE HORSE AREA?
Yes of course. Please use whatever you need to travel your horse/s in comfort and safety. We ask that you clear all bedding droppings and hay out at the end of your hire. There is no need to wash or rinse the horse area out, we will hot wash and sanitise thoroughly after your return.
DO I ARRANGE MY OWN INSURANCE?
No, we arrange this for you as part of our service at no extra charge. Fully comprehensive insurance is provided. Drivers aged 25 to 75 will be liable for the £500.00 excess in the event of an accident or incident. For drivers aged 23 and 24 the excess is £750.00. Full details regarding insurance and eligibility can be found in our Terms and Conditions, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific questions.
Please note that we do not insure your horse. We advise that you have your own insurance to cover your horse/s.
CAN I ADD MORE DRIVERS TO THE INSURANCE?
Absolutely. Additional drivers will also need to a full set of paperwork, including the ‘Hirer’s Questionnaire’, and copies of their driving license, two further proof of address documents and a DVLA Licence Check Code. There is a £10.00 fee for each additional driver.
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A TYRE PROBLEM?
Please ensure you have got yourself to safety in the first instance. Please advise the traffic police if you are causing an obstruction or deem it necessary. You have equine rescue and tyre support with our Equine Rescue Services cover – the number is fixed on the windscreen for your convenience. Please call them and advise that you have a spare tyre onboard. Then please call us to advise of the situation and your location.
ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN COSTS?
It is our intention to make the hiring process as easy and accessible as possible. The only cost you need to pay upfront is for the hire of the horsebox. As long as you return the lorry with a full tank of diesel, at the agreed time and within the mileage allowance, there are no further costs to add to your hire charge.
In the (thankfully) unlikely event that damage is caused to the vehicle whilst with you on hire, please note the excess charges that apply to your age. This is payable in full on your return.
I NEED TO CANCEL MY BOOKING, WILL I LOSE MY DEPOSIT?
The deposit and booking fee of £20.00 is non-refundable and includes the cost of our time to book and process the insurance paperwork.
DO I NEED TO HAVE SEPARATE HORSE INSURANCE?
Our insurance does not cover your horse/s. We advise that you have suitable insurance cover for your horse.
WHERE CAN I COLLECT/RETURN THE EQUIBUS?
• Cottesmore: Manor Farm, 61 Main Street, Cottesmore, Oakham LE15 7DH
• Wittering: Grange Farm Equestrian Centre, Wittering Grange, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6NR
WHAT IF I GO OVER THE MILEAGE ALLOWANCE?
We allow a very generous mileage allowance for each hire period. With an idea of your journey prior to the hire (as per the Hirer’s Questionnaire) we will flag up if the mileage is going to run over significantly. We reserve the right to charge an additional 35p per mile over the allowance – chargeable on your return.
I AM RUNNING LATE, WHAT DO I DO?
We totally understand that life with horses is not always straightforward and that the great British roads can play havoc with our travel plans. If you think there is a chance of running late, please let us know at the earliest possible opportunity. We can then advise of the options in terms of return. Wherever possible we will extend your hire period. However, we would also ask that you be realistic on booking regarding the length of time you need the EquiBus – just to reduce the risk of you having to curtail your plans or impacting on another hire.
CAN I LEAVE MY VEHICLE AT THE COLLECTION LOCATION?
Yes of course. We have large parking areas at both locations.
HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION?
If your question has not yet been answered, please don't hesitate to contact us.