AVOID SERIOUS ISSUES AND FOLLOW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE FREEZING TEMPERATURES OR IF YOU AREN'T USING YOUR HORSEBOX EVERY WEEK... Most of us use our horseboxes every week:- If not for travelling to shows, to go training or taking horses to the vet etc. However, if you are not regularly using your horsebox, we recommend it gets run at least every two weeks. Not just turned on either, driven around in, horseless if necessary. This can help prevent the brakes from seizing up. Think about where you will keep your horsebox a muddy patch or damp grass can rot the chassis and also makes it harder if you do have to move it. Leaving it under trees is best avoided, landing debris can cause damage to the paint or body work. Rotten leaves will lead to mould on the roof and in seals or windscreen wipers. Hard standing or under cover, such as in a barn is better if possible. Ensure your levels of anti-freeze and it’s strength are satisfactory – you may need to top up several times over the winter or add some more to increase it’s strength during a really cold snap. To prevent a water leak – drain the water from your tank and pipes. Top up enough to meet requirements if you head out with horses but drain again afterwards. If water freezes overnight during a really cold spell, the ice can damage the pipes leading to cracking and leaking. Gas bottles should also be turned off. The toilet tank should also be emptied. Have a clear out of your cupboards – damp, muddy clothes stuffed in a drawer could lead to mould and bad smells. The emergency digestive biscuits should be taken out – you don’t want to entice mice! Whilst on the subject of damp – if your lorry has a hook up you could run the heating at least once a week throughout the winter. This will help to prevent damp from building up. You can also put a dehumidifying gel in the living and cab to absorb excess moisture. Another option is a plug in heater on a low temperature – as long as it is safe to do so. Clean out the horse area! Urine and droppings can damage the floor. In fact, clean the whole lorry. A thorough clean without the time constraints of getting ready for a show can highlight any minor repairs.