If you have problems with the floor on your horse float, then you are putting your horse in danger. If the floor cannot hold your animal's weight, then there is a real risk that the floor will break. This can cause a serious injury.

This is why it's important to check your floor regularly to make sure it is in good shape. You should also keep an eye out for the following warning signs that all is not well.

1. The Floor Isn't Stable

Your float's floor should be securely attached to the vehicle's frame; its materials should be sound and free from damage. Sometimes, you can tell relatively easily that the floor has a problem by simply walking across it or jumping on it.

If parts of the floor feel springier than others or if they dip or rise up, then the floor isn't lying flat. It might have come lose from a frame fixing or the material might be damaged. Unusual creaking noises are also a sign that you might have a problem.

2. You Can See Some Damage

If your float's floor is covered with a protective material, then you can't see the floor itself. The cover might look fine, but it could be hiding all kinds of problems.

Clear the floor if you can so that you can see the underlying surface. If you can see areas of damage, like rot on wood floors, then the floor might not be strong enough to take your horse's weight. Or, if you have a metal floor, look for signs of rust or cracks.

Your floor should be dry and watertight. If it looks damp or has signs of mould on it, then the floor might have lost some attachment to the frame. This can let in water and allow moisture to build on the surface.

In some cases, this kind of damage happens when a flooring material loses its treated surface. For example, urine on the floor might seep into wood that no longer has a protective coating and make it rot down.

3. Your Horse Doesn't Want to Go in the Box

Your horse is an intelligent animal. If it can feel that the float's floor has changed, then it might know that things aren't safe any longer even if you can't see any obvious signs of damage.

So, if your horse has suddenly started to refuse to go in the float or is obviously unhappy in there, then you should have the vehicle checked out. Your horse might be telling you that something is wrong and that you need a repair.

To check things out, contact horse float servicing specialists.