Can a Ford Territory tow a horse float? (complete guide)
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a Ford Territory tow a horse float? We will continue with a comprehensive guide on hauling horses. We will explain what you have to do before hitting the road and how to keep the horse safe for the entire journey.
Can a Ford Territory tow a horse float?
The Ford Territory has an excellent towing capacity, thus it could tow a horse float with either one or two horses. Just be careful that you don’t exceed the maximum allowed mass of the car and that you keep the horse(s) safe and comfortable for the entire journey.
Ford Territory Towing Capacity
| Year | Towing capacity from | Towing capacity to | |
| 2017 | 2300kg | 2700kg | |
| 2016 | 2300kg | 2700kg | |
| 2015 | 2300kg | 2700kg | |
| 2014 | 2300kg | 2700kg | |
| 2013 | 2300kg | 2700kg | |
| 2012 | 2300kg | 2700kg | |
| 2011 | 2300kg | 2700kg | |
| 2010 | 2300kg | 2300kg | |
| 2009 | 2300kg | 2300kg | |
| 2008 | 2300kg | 2300kg | |
| 2007 | 2300kg | 2300kg | |
| 2006 | 2300kg | 2300kg | |
| 2005 | 2300kg | 2300kg | |
| 2004 | 2300kg | 2300kg |
101 Guide: How to tow a horse float
Horses are often transported to compete, change stables, change meadow, go for a walk, etc. Most often, these are road transfers, and more exceptionally by boat or plane. Transport is a risky moment, for which precautions must be taken, and which is framed by legislation to be aware of.
Usually, when transporting horses, one of the following three types of vehicles is a van, a small truck, or a large truck.
Depending on the weight transported, there is a requirement for a B+E license (new regulations since 2013). In some cases, the B permit alone allows you to transport a single-seater towed van.
The main advantage of vans is their significantly lower price than trucks and the fact that they can be hitched to a vehicle used for other purposes. They have the disadvantage of being less stable than trucks, and the driver does not really know what is going on because he is far from animals that he does not hear or see (except to equip the van with a camera and/or a microphone).
The two-seater trucks are the best, safest, easiest and fastest for towing a horse float. It does not require a specific license unless the total vehicle + horse weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes, in which case a C1 or C license is required.
Horses travel with their heads back, which is more comfortable for them than the reverse in vans, and they are close enough to the driver for the driver to supervise the transport fully. As they are as low as the vans, there is less risk when boarding and disembarking from the truck’s side, this is the best configuration for horses.
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Large horse trucks are designed and recommended for long journeys. These trucks carry 5 to 8 or 9 horses according to their layout. They require the possession of a heavy truck license.
When travelling, horses need to be protected. Their safety should always be on your mind. Thus, keep in mind:
- The need for protecting the limbs, with bands or transport protections;
- Using other protections such as a tail protector or neck protector.
What are the legal requirements for transporting horses?
The transport of horses is subject to fairly complex legislation depending on whether the transport is free or charged.
The most important aspects concern:
- The insurance ;
- Driving licenses;
- The Certificate of Professional Aptitude for the Transport of Live Animals, for the Equidae species, must be passed and held by any person transporting horses, except in the case where you yourself transport your horses which belong to you in your own name (and not a company) and the vehicles used to belong to you in your own name.
- In all other cases, you must complete the training and hold the diploma when travelling over 65 km.
When you want to move your horse for one reason or another, it is essential to respect the regulations in force. The latter is also quite complex and includes several legislative texts that govern the transport of live animals.
Among the points to which the law is concerned are the horse’s preparation in question and its transport unit, the loading, the movement itself, the unloading, the post-transport and the transporter.
This operation also implies the need to keep the equine’s papers with you and respect the sanitary protocol. However, the regulations may differ depending on the type of transport (economic activity or travel by a private individual) and the means used.
How to keep the horse safe while towing
- Pay attention to drafts and good ventilation of the truck;
- Do not cover the horses too much, they are often too covered in the truck and “sting sweats” under the covers;
- Know that the risks of accidents for horses and carriers alike are boarding and disembarking, keep people away from the bridge and proceed in peace while protecting yourself;
- Embark first a horse that knows how to embark, the others will follow more easily;
- Be very careful never to stallion next to a mare, especially if she is in heat, this is a guaranteed accident;
- Take breaks every 4 hours, offer drinks and hay;
- In the event of an accident, never unload horses on a highway, even if it seems like a good idea at the time;
- Drive slowly, smoothly, especially on roundabouts and speed bumps, even and especially if you are being honked by other vehicles who are aggravated by your slowness.
The precautions to be taken for such an operation to be a complete success fall into two categories:
Before leaving:
Indeed, there is essential work to be done before transporting the horse. It consists of checking that the trailer is in good condition and is able to drive without the slightest problem.
It will then be necessary to cover the horse’s fragile legs with padded protection to avoid the risk of injury during the journey. It would also be a good idea to reassure the animal by speaking calmly when you begin boarding.
It is essential not to pull on the lanyard, to congratulate the horse once in the trailer and above all, to tie it up to prevent it from pitching up.
From travel to arrival:
When it comes to transport itself, careful driving is required for the horse to balance the van. Regular breaks are also essential because of their great necessity. Indeed, when you stop while the horse is moving, it is not only to make sure that everything is going well for him but also to water and feed the animal.
You should therefore provide a net of hay and a bucket of water for the occasion. Once at your destination, above all, avoid returning your equine in the trailer. As soon as you take him out, take care to remove his protections, congratulate him, make him walk and then find a calm and comfortable place to recover.
The bottom line
Towing a horse float isn’t as easy as you might think. It is therefore essential to undertake this journey with the utmost delicacy. The use of adequate means, compliance with the legal provisions relating to this exercise and taking the appropriate precautions are all details that come into account in the safe movement of a horse.
If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know.
FAQ on Can a Ford Territory tow a horse float?
Can Fords tow a caravan?
Ford does not recommend towing a caravan with the following vehicles: C-MAX
hybrid, C-MAX Energi, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, Mustang Shelby GT350 / GT350R, Taurus SHO and MKZ hybrid.
What are the legal requirements for towing a caravan?
The legal requirements for towing a caravan is to have a Category B drivers licence. You can pull a trailer or a caravan as long as both vehicles’ combined weight is not more than 3500 kg or 7.71 pounds.
Can a Ford Focus 1.6 tow a caravan?
A Ford Focus 1.6 can safely tow a caravan weighing 1200 kg or less, following the 85% rule. The kerbweight of a Ford Focus is 1421kg.
References
- Horse Trailer Towing and Hauling Safety Tips | Vita Flex
- Ford Territory and Towing – yay or nay? | Ford Forums
- Ford Territory Towing Capacity | CarsGuide
