A Guide to Horse Float Hire on the Surf Coast: What to Check Before You Hire

Whether you've got a one-off vet trip, a competition day, or you're moving a horse to new agistment, at some point most horse owners on the Surf Coast need a float… without wanting to own one outright. Hiring is the obvious answer, but not all floats (or hire arrangements) are created equal. Here's what actually matters before you book.

1. Anti-Scramble Design

"Anti-scramble" isn't just a buzzword. It's a genuine safety feature that stops a horse from panicking and turning around mid-transport, which is one of the most dangerous things that can happen in a float. If you're hiring, especially for a horse that's not a confident traveller, this should be non-negotiable.

2. Size and Load Type

Not every horse fits comfortably in a standard float. If you've got a Warmblood, a Clydesdale, or any larger breed, check the internal width and height before you book. A float built for a pony-sized load will leave a bigger horse cramped and stressed for the whole trip. Look for wider body designs with extra headroom and legroom so your horse can actually stabilise and travel comfortably.

3. Load Style: Straight Load vs Angle Load

Straight load floats (where the horse loads facing forward, rear entry) are the standard and generally easiest for most horses to get in and out of confidently. Make sure the tailgate is non-slip and the entry doors and windows suit your horse's temperament. Some horses travel much better with more visibility and airflow.

4. Braking and Towing Capacity

Check the float's Tare (empty weight) and ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass: the max total weight including your horse, gear and water) against what your tow vehicle is rated for. Also confirm the braking system. Electric breakaway brakes are a safety essential, not an optional extra, for anything towing a live animal.

5. Storage for Gear

A good hire float should have somewhere to put your saddle, rugs, halters and everything else.  Internal cupboards, saddle racks, and an external tack box make a real difference on competition or multi-day trips. A large water tank built into the float is also worth checking for, especially over summer.

6. Insurance

Ask directly: if something happens to the float while it's in your care, who's covering the repair cost? Some hire arrangements include optional insurance; if you decline it, you may be liable for the full cost of any damage. Always read the terms before you sign.

Horse Float Hire at Surfcoast Rural

At Surfcoast Rural, we hire out a JR Condamine Wider Body 2HSL (two-horse straight load) Anti-Scramble Float from our store in Torquay, available for day and multi-day hire.

It's built with larger horses in mind, with an extra 40cm in width and height over a standard float, so Warmbloods and Clydesdales have the room to travel comfortably. It comes with a fully enclosed rear, non-slip tailgate, adjustable chest and bum bars to suit different horses, two entry doors with sliding windows, and a head divider.

For gear, you've got a large front internal cupboard with two saddle racks, a clothes hanger, internal side storage bins, an external tack box, and a large water tank. It's rated to a 1200kg tare and 2.9 tonne ATM, fitted with an electric breakaway braking system, and optional insurance is available for peace of mind.

Ready to book, or want to check if it'll suit your horse? Get in touch about horse float hire HERE.