Olympic Horsebox

Germany owes the first Olympic gold medal its sport horses. The sensitive animals should have the opportunity to travel species-appropriate and comfortable to the tournaments. The manufacturer Ernst is specialized in a luxurious transport of the quadruped. One of the popular customers is the national team coach of the Danish Dressage team Rudolf Zeilinger.

The little family enterprise on the outskirts of the Ruhr Area in Bottrop is concerned with the reconstruction and distribution of horseboxes since 2006. The vehicles should be individual and high-quality, at least these are the requirements of Tanja and Harald Ernst. Half of their orders are reconstructed on the basis of Mercedes-Benz. Three Fineliner models with a Sprinter-Chassis have a big share on it. They offer good riding qualities and a comfortable entry area for the horses due to the low framework concept.

The customer has to get straight about the tonnage of the Sprinter models. The actual load of a 3, 5 tons vehicle is quickly maxed out. Besides the transport of two horses, the Sprinter model with 5 tons offers also an opportunity to retreat in a small living area.

The reconstruction takes ten to twelve weeks. The basic model of a horsebox including the Sprinter-Chassis is about 62.000 Euro. But there are no limits: for luxurious equipment and a living area one has to calculate about 100.000 Euro.

The basic prerequisites for every horsebox are safety and comfort, not only for the horse but also for the horse-man. The animal welfare demands sufficient light, water, aeration and de-aeration. Attention should be paid to suitable equipment with rounded edges and a sturdy, non-slip floor.

Tanja and Harald Ernst benefit from their personal experiences. They run a private horse breeding and they also train the animals. In addition, Tanja is an experienced and still active Dressage horsewoman. Every weekend she participates in tournaments, not only with the Olympic motto: “It’s the taking part that counts”.