Transport horses with more comfort and less stress
Transporting a horse requires particular care. During the journey, the animal has to constantly maintain its balance, while road irregularities, vibrations and jolts are transferred into the transport area. These forces can cause discomfort, tension and additional fatigue.
In equestrian transport, the wellbeing of the horse, the stability of the horsebox and accessibility therefore play an essential role. Air suspension can help improve these travel conditions by absorbing part of the shocks and vibrations, helping the vehicle remain more stable and making the drive smoother.
The horse therefore has to make less effort to keep its balance. The journey becomes more consistent, more comfortable and better controlled, both for the animal and for the driver.
Easier access to the horsebox
Loading and unloading are among the most sensitive moments in horse transport. A ramp that is too steep can increase hesitation or tension in the horse, especially during first journeys or after a long trip.
Thanks to air suspension, the chassis of the horsebox can be lowered. The ramp angle becomes less pronounced, making access to the vehicle more gradual. The horse can then enter in better conditions, while the handler benefits from a calmer and more controlled situation.
On arrival, a less steep ramp also makes it easier for the horse to step down. After a tiring journey, this more gradual exit can contribute to a calmer and better controlled unloading process.
More stability during horse transport
On the road, a horsebox must remain stable, predictable and well balanced. With a high centre of gravity and horses that may move during the journey, the vehicle is more sensitive to braking, cornering, changes of direction and uneven road surfaces.
Air suspension helps to control these movements more effectively. It reduces shocks, limits vibrations and contributes to keeping the vehicle more stable, even when the load changes during the journey. Weight distribution across the wheels remains more consistent, supporting grip, steering precision and more controlled vehicle behaviour.
This extra stability is particularly useful on uneven roads, during heavy braking or in the event of an evasive manoeuvre. The driver benefits from a more predictable vehicle, while the horse is exposed to fewer sudden movements in the transport area.
Air suspension does not replace appropriate driving. Smooth driving, with anticipated braking and gradual changes of direction, remains essential to reduce the forces placed on the horse. Under these conditions, it reinforces comfort, stability and vehicle control.
A calmer, less tired horse on arrival
A more stable journey helps the horse preserve its energy. Instead of constantly compensating for the movements of the vehicle, it travels in a more consistent environment, with fewer jolts and fewer balance corrections.
On arrival, this can make a difference, especially when the journey is followed by a competition, training session, visit to a veterinary clinic or another situation where the animal needs to remain physically and mentally ready.
References: Doherty et al. (1997), Codazza et al. (1974) and De Paepe (2011) discuss the effects of transport on horse welfare, including stress, fatigue and maintaining balance.
Protecting the horsebox conversion
The benefits of air suspension are also noticeable in the vehicle itself. Standard leaf spring suspension transfers road vibrations more directly to the chassis, bodywork and interior conversion. In an equestrian transport vehicle, these repeated stresses can affect the walls, partitions, tack area and ramp hinges.
By absorbing part of these forces at the source, air suspension limits their transfer into the area reserved for the horses. The environment remains calmer for the animal and the horsebox conversion is less exposed to repeated stress.
This can help limit premature wear, preserve interior components and extend the service life of the conversion.
Air suspension for horseboxes
Air suspension offers clear advantages when transporting horses. The system helps reduce vehicle movement, supports more stable road behaviour and makes the journey more comfortable for both horse and driver.
Whether you are heading to a show, a training session, a veterinary appointment or a quiet ride, this added comfort helps your horse arrive more relaxed and ready. On the way home, it also gives your horse the chance to settle, rest and start recovering sooner.
VB-Airsuspension offers solutions for a wide range of light commercial vehicles used as horsebox base vehicles, such as the Renault Master, Opel / Vauxhall Movano and Citroën Relay / Jumper.
