Horse Float Loans: What Riders Need to Know
A float is how your horse gets to every lesson, clinic and competition. Here's how to finance one sensibly and pick a float that's safe and easy to fund.
Which float suits you?
- Two-horse straight load: the most common and generally the easiest to finance and resell.
- Angle load: popular for more horses or a tack room, often a bit heavier.
- Goosenecks and living quarters: more comfort for long trips, but much higher prices and a heavier tow vehicle needed.
How lenders look at floats
Floats from established builders hold their value, which lenders like. Plain two-horse floats are the simplest. With living quarters, lenders may look more closely at the price, particularly for used ones bought privately, because fit-outs don't always add as much resale value as they cost.
Want to talk it through? Send a free enquiry and we'll pass it to a broker who does trailer loans every day. Enquiring doesn't affect your credit score.
Safety checks on a used float
- Floor: check for rot or soft spots. This is critical for safety.
- Chassis and drawbar: look for rust and cracks.
- Brakes, breakaway system, lights and tyres.
- Partitions, ramps, hinges and ties.
Consider having a used float professionally inspected before you buy.
Can your vehicle tow it?
A loaded two-horse float can weigh much more than people expect once horses, tack, water and feed are aboard. Check your vehicle's towing and towball limits against the float's ATM. Many buyers end up upgrading their car as well. See our towing guide.
Personal or business?
If you ride for pleasure or compete as an amateur, it's a personal loan in your own name. Coaches, breeders and agistment businesses can finance through their ABN.