Frequently Asked Questions

Shared transport involves multiple horses from different owners travelling on the
same planned route. This is our speciality at Hodgson’s Ltd, allowing us to provide
affordable horse transport without sacrificing the high-specification care and
Operator’s Licensed standards of a dedicated trip.

Absolutely. We take immense pride in our reputation for handling high-value bloodstock and elite equine athletes. Our shared-hire routes are designed for safety and minimal transit time, featuring:

• Stallion partitions as standard to ensure every horse has its own secure,
  private space.
• Active temperature control to keep elite athletes in peak condition throughout
  the journey.
• Medical-grade biosecurity, with every vehicle deep-cleaned using DEFRA-
  approved viricides to protect against cross-contamination.
• Highly experienced specialists who understand the exacting requirements of
  professional breeders and trainers.

Safety is our absolute priority. We utilise live GPS tracking and provide regular photo updates so you can monitor your horses progress in real-time. Additionally, our 16- stable M6 hub provides a secure, 24-hour manned rest stop to ensure no horse is
over-travelled.

Currently, we specialise exclusively in elite shared-hire equine transport. This allows us to offer affordable horse transport rates while maintaining professional Operator’s Licensed standards for every horse on board.

We operate regular routes across the UK and Ireland, with frequent stops in Glasgow, Newcastle, Newmarket, Birmingham, Southampton, and Exeter. Our Carlisle base serves as the primary link for all Belfast and Dublin shipping.

Every vehicle in our fleet is equipped with live GPS tracking. We also provide regular photo updates throughout the journey so you are never more than a message away from your horse.

Yes. Our 14-stable facility in Carlisle operates as an independent M6 transit hub. We
provide a secure "home away from home" for any horse in transit, offering a vital
welfare break on long-distance journeys.

Absolutely. Our yard features 24-hour manned security and full CCTV coverage. We are a trusted staging post for professional transporters and breeders who require a safe, quiet environment for high-value bloodstock.

Yes. Our high-specification fleet features stallion partitions as standard, alongside active temperature control to ensure a safe, stress-free environment for all horses.

We maintain medical-grade cleanliness across our entire operation. All stables and vehicles are deep-cleaned between every guest using DEFRA-approved virucidal disinfectants to ensure elite biosecurity for every equine athlete.

Naturally, long-distance travel is a physical and mental effort for a horse. However, at Hodgson’s Ltd, our entire operation is designed to minimise this stress and ensure your horse arrives rested and in peak condition. We mitigate transport stress through three key pillars:

• Regulated Welfare Breaks: Our 16-stable M6 transit hub in Carlisle is a game changer for long-haul travel. By providing a secure, quiet, and 24-hour manned rest stop, we ensure horses are off-loaded, hydrated, and settled in a stable environment rather than being kept on a vehicle for excessive periods.
• Specialist Vehicle Specs: Stress is often caused by heat and restricted movement. Our fleet features active temperature control to prevent overheating and stallion partitions as standard, providing every horse with its own wide, secure space to balance comfortably without physical contact from neighbours.
• Professional Handling: Our team consists of highly experienced equine
  specialists who recognise the early signs of travel fatigue or stress. We
  prioritise a quiet, low-pressure loading environment and a smooth driving style
  to keep the "heart rate" of the journey low.

We understand that your horse is a family member or a high-value athlete. To ease your mind, we provide live GPS tracking and regular photo updates throughout the journey. You will see for yourself that your horse is travelling in a calm, temperature controlled environment and resting safely at our M6 hub.