Horsebox owners - Do you need an Operators Licence or a Tachograph?

VOSA (the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency) are increasingly stopping horsebox owners that are using horseboxes large enough to come under HGV Operators License and Tachograph Legislation.

There is a lot of information available, much of it is misleading, confusing or doesn't provide the answers you need!

The Missina LoRanger 

 

 Much of the information is produced by organisations and private individuals that don't have any experience in the area; the legislation in question is complex and detailed. The following guidelines have been provided by a company that deals in operator licensing on a daily basis. 

Please read on for further information, but if you require any further clarification, please visit the VOSA website by clicking here
 

DO YOU NEED AN OPERATORS LICENSE?

HERE ARE THE FACTS

• If you are using a vehicle with a Gross Plated Weight (GPW) of above 3.5 tonnes in connection with a trade or business, then you need an Operators License.


• If you are using a vehicle for private use then you do not need an Operators License regardless of weight. However, you may need to use a tachograph if the vehicle is over 7.5 tonnes Gross Plated Weight.

USING A TRAILER

• If you are towing a trailer that has an unladen weight of 1020Kg or below then it is not counted towards the weight of your vehicle.


• If your trailer has a GPW of above 1020Kg then it is counted towards the weight of the vehicle.

TYPES OF OPERATORS LICENSE

Restricted Operators License

If carrying goods that are your own in connection with your own trade or business, a Restricted Operators License is needed.

Standard National Operators License

If carrying goods for other people in connection with a trade or business for hire or reward. Then a Standard National Operators License is needed.

Standard International Operators License

A Standard International Operators License is needed to operate for hire or reward outside the UK.

DO YOU NEED A TACHOGRAPH?

HERE ARE THE FACTS

• If the vehicle has a GPW (Gross Plated Weight) of over 3.5 tonnes and is used in connection with a trade or business then you need to use a tachograph.


• If the vehicle has a GPW of under 7.5 tonnes and is used for private use only (not used in connection with a trade or business) then you do not need a tachograph.


• If the vehicle has a GPW of over 7.5 tonnes irrespective of private or business use then by law you need to use a tachograph.

EXAMPLES

1. Emma has a horsebox which has a Gross Plated Weight of 7.5 tonnes. She uses it to transport her horse around the UK to shows, there is no financial gain or payment in kind for participation in the show. Melissa does not need an Operators License and she does not need to use a Tachograph.

2. Wendy has a horsebox which has a Gross Plated Weight of 7.5 tonnes. She uses it to transport her horse around the UK to shows. So far this year she has made £20,000 in winnings and has secured sponsorship deals with several businesses. Wendy is considered to be working 'in connection with a trade or business' because of the sponsorships and making significant financial gain because of the prize money, therefore Wendy would need to have a Restricted Operators Licence and use a Tachograph.

3. Lisa has a horsebox which has a Gross Plated Weight of 26 tonnes and she uses it to transport her own horses around the UK for personal use. No sponsorships are involved and the vehicle is registered to herself. Lisa would not require an Operators License but she would be required to use a tachograph due to the weight of the vehicle.
 
4. Jennifer breeds horses which she then sells for financial gain or payment in kind. She transports the horses in a 7.5 tonne horsebox. Jennifer is running a business, she would need a she would need a restricted Operators License and would need to use a tachograph.

For more information, visit http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/

 

 

Daily Horse Care with Katy Carter and Supreme Products

Katy Carter

THE Katy Carter Show Team is well known for producing top class horses and ponies and they have a busy 2013 season planned.

The team is very experienced, having shown horses and ponies at the highest level for many years, and they have built up a great reputation as producers for their wide range of clients. 

The yard has had the privilege of many successes throughout the years and the team has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to top class turnout as well as health and welfare issues concerning horses and ponies.

Ensuring their horse care cupboard is always up to date and stocked with the latest products is essential for the smooth running of the yard.

Says Katy: “If you own horses and ponies it is inevitable that at some point they will get cuts and grazes and need some TLC.  It is all part of the process but making sure you have creams, wipes and sprays that can quickly clean and help challenge infections is very important when it comes to every day care.

“If your horse or pony requires treatment for a wound it is important to take action as soon as possible.  In many cases minor wounds can be treated with creams and sprays but if you are unsure we would always recommend getting advice from a vet.

“Useful products to keep in stock include Supreme Products Horse CareCream which is great for ongoing attention for minor cuts and abrasions.  It is very useful to have in your tack box when a wound, graze or cut needs attention and also moisturises the skin and helps promote hair growth after a wound has healed.

“For times when a quick ‘clean-up’ is required Supreme Products NaturalTea Tree Body Wipes are an essential.  The wipes help cleanse and soothe, leaving the ponies feeling refreshed and clean.

“If we are worried about germs and infections on any grazes we turn to Supreme Products Skin and Cut Care Spray.  It is ideal for when an immediate response is required and helps challenge germs for minor wounds.

“Supreme Products Foot Care Spray has been designed to be used against foot and frog problems.  The spray will challenge germs, thrush or local infections that can occur whatever the time of year, especially in the turned out horse or pony. We – along with many others – use this product as a preventative product and we find we have much fewer foot problems since using this product on a regular basis.

 “When it comes to on-going attention to daily care we use Supreme Products Heel, Sole and Frog Care to help keep hooves in prime condition and aid restoration of feet after we have used the Foot Care Spray and repair after sole and frog conditions.

“My partner - Jason Lindley - is a farrier and recommends the hoof care products to all his clients as they make such a difference.”

For further information telephone 01377 229050 or visit www.supremeproducts.co.uk