About
About Hodgson’s Ltd
Hodgson’s Ltd is a family-owned and run equine service provider built on the values of professional care, biosecurity, and uncompromising welfare. What began as a dedicated transport service has evolved into a comprehensive equine logistics firm and a strategic M6 Transit Hub. Today, we are defined by our calm, knowledgeable handling and a commitment to ensuring every horse—from the family pony to the elite athlete—arrives in peak condition.
Our Story: From a Single Van to a National Hub
The journey of Hodgson’s Ltd began seven years ago with a single two-stall van and a simple mission: to provide a level of care and reliability that was leading in the industry. Founded by Piers Hodgson, the business was built from the ground up through hands-on experience and an uncompromising focus on equine welfare. What started as a small-scale operation has naturally evolved into a comprehensive equine service hub, fuelled by a reputation for calm handling and professional excellence.
Today, we have outgrown our original identity as a transport-only firm. Our transition to Hodgson’s Ltd reflects our growth into a strategic M6 and A1 transit link, combining a high-specification modern fleet with a world-class 16-stable facility in Carlisle.
Piers - Director
Piers has spent the last seven years building a professional and trusted horse transport operation from the ground up. What began with hiring out a two-stall van has grown through hard work, industry knowledge, and a commitment to horse welfare into a full-scale transport business. Today, Piers leads a team of five-plus full-time staff and operates an articulated lorry, providing reliable horse transport across the UK and Ireland. His hands-on experience, attention to detail, and focus on safety and care have been central to the company’s growth and reputation within the equestrian community.
Steven - Operations Manager
Steven brings a strong professional background in horses and logistics to his role as Operations Manager. Starting out from a young age as a professional jockey, he developed a deep understanding of horse care, handling, and the demands of high-performance environments. Steven later joined the business working with Piers in the two-stall van, gaining hands-on experience in equine transport from the ground up. After obtaining his HGV licence, he went on to complete nationwide routes in a rigid equine truck. Today, he oversees all operational logistics, coordinating horse movements across the country and ensuring every journey runs safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
Lizzie - Transport Manager
Lizzie plays a key role in the business as Transport Manager, reflecting the company’s family-run foundations. As Piers’s wife, she is closely involved in the day-to-day operation and has completed the professional qualifications required for her role. Alongside overseeing transport compliance and coordination, Lizzie manages all accounts and handles the full paperwork side of the business, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Her organisation, attention to detail, and commitment to high standards are central to keeping the operation efficient, compliant, and reliable.
Philippa - Yard Manager
Philippa is the Yard Manager and brings a lifetime of experience with horses to the role. Riding from a young age, she has competed at the highest level across the country, including achieving Reserve Champion at Olympia and competing multiple times at the Royal International. Philippa has also secured the National VHS Supreme Champion title three years in a row, reflecting her consistency and skill at elite level. Her background includes working within an international show jumping team, and—adding a unique edge—time spent working for a top superbike team, highlighting her professionalism, adaptability, and experience in high-performance environments.
Charlie - Social media and Marketing Specialist
Charlie is the Social Media and Marketing Specialist for Hodgsons, responsible for managing and developing the company’s online presence. He oversees all social media content across platforms, ensuring the brand is represented consistently and professionally. With a long-standing passion for photography, Charlie brings a strong visual eye to his work, capturing the day-to-day operation, horses, and people behind the business. His creativity, attention to detail, and understanding of digital marketing play an important role in promoting the company and showcasing its standards, values, and growth.
Rachael - Transportation Specialist
Rachael is one of our professional drivers here at Hodgsons Equine Transport, bringing both expertise and genuine horsemanship to every journey she undertakes. Having grown up on a farm that bred Dales ponies, she has been around horses all her life and has successfully shown Dales ponies for many years. She has a wealth of experience in handling, riding, and breaking horses, and in more recent years has also successfully shown cobs alongside her husband and children. Rachael’s lifelong passion and practical knowledge ensure the horses in her care travel safely, calmly, and comfortably at all times.
Nathan - Transportation Specialist
Nathan brings extensive experience in both heavy vehicle operation and horse handling to his role within the team. With over seven years’ experience driving heavy vehicles across the UK and overseas, including recovery and equine transport, he combines technical expertise with practical horsemanship. Coming from a family background in racing yards and livery, Nathan has owned and handled numerous ex-race thoroughbreds and cobs. His confidence and skill in all aspects of horse loading make him a reliable and capable member of the transport team.
The Hodgsons’ Standard: Lifetime Horsemen
We believe that professional transport is a specialist discipline that demands morethan just driving skills. At Hodgson’s Ltd, our strength lies in our people. We are a
family-run team of highly experienced equine specialists who don’t just work with horses we have lived with them our entire lives.
From former professional jockeys and international show jumpers to National Supreme Champions, our team brings elite-level horsemanship to every journey. This collective lifetime of experience ensures that every horse is treated with a deep, intuitive understanding of their physical and emotional needs.