TEST IV

Ensuring goods arrive in prime condition is the first responsibility of every transporter. Especially so when that cargo is valuable race horses and show jumpers. It makes having the right equipment to transport such valuable livestock safely and in comfort not just desirable, but essential.

Good news for Irish horse movers is that renowned French equine transporter specialist Theault is now available in Ireland via a new distributor, Equijump Ltd. The Thurles, County Tipperary-based provider of products for

the horse industry is offering Theault’s Proteo Switch model, a compact one or two horse transporter. It’s available in a number of different variants based on a Renault Master chassis supplied by Renault Trucks. Equijump also offers Theault’s more basic Firsteo model, built on a Peugeot Boxer chassis.

Founded in 2011, Equijump is a well established name within the Irish horse industry, supplying, mainly to the wholesale sector, a wide range of products, ranging from bits, spurs, bridles, and saddles to clothing and equine supplements. Taking on the franchise for Theault’s compact horse transporters is already proving a fruitful decision, according to company owner Reece St. John.

“We took on the role as sole distributor for the Irish market, north and south, last December, and already have seen significant sales, and a huge amount of interest,” he explained, mentioning high-profile transporters such as Ballinroe International Horse Transport and Coolmore Stud as two who have recently acquired Theault products.

From Avranches in Normandy in northern France, Theault has nearly a century of expertise in the field of equine transport. Founded in 1924, it has built a reputation second to none for its products. Innovations include designing the first rear-facing truck in the 1960’s.

In the often glamorous worlds of showjumping and horse racing, image is important. The Proteo Switch will certainly create the right impression arriving into the paddock, featuring dynamic lines that are stylishly incorporated in the Renault Master cab, itself one of the best looking LCVs on sale now. Other features such as unique rear LED lights and the high quality bodywork help it stand out further.

Offered in 3 and 5 seater layouts as well as a long version, the regular Proteo Switch models fall under the 3-tonne GVW category meaning they can be driven on a standard B-licence. The 3-seat Proteo 3 boasts a 1.3 tonne payload meaning two horses can be transported, while the crew-cab Proteo 5 offers slightly less payload at 900kg, but provides sleeping accommodation for two and can transport up five people. Heavier versions with GVWs up to 4.5 tonnes are available with air suspension.

Theault uses top specification Renault Master vehicles to build its horse boxes on, and customers will no doubt appreciate the customised options available including choice of seat upholstery and cabin finishes. There should be no shortage of power either, as Renault Truck’s 170PS 2.3 Dci matched to a six speed manual gearbox is specified.

The Theault Proteo Switch comes with a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd, according to Reece. “It’s the only horse box that comes with a bulkhead that is UTAC approved,” he explained. It means it has been subjected to a series of crash

tests governed by European regulation and homologation to ensures horses and passengers are always kept apart, even in accidents. Another clever feature is the SWITCH modular system which gives a high degree of layout flexibility depending on the size and number of horses being transported. Up to eight configurations are possible through easily adaptable sliding compartments. Glass ventilation skylights and a temperature gauge in the horse area ensure animal welfare is catered for, while the driver can keep a close eye on the horses when on the move via a camera surveillance system. Overall there are numerous features designed to make life as simple and comfortable as possible for both humans and horses.

The Renault Master forms an ideal basis for Theault’s Proteo Switch according to Reece. “Renault shares the same DNA as Theault, tried and tested over the last 100 years. In our experience it’s the ideal platform to build on.”

For potential customers looking to choose the ideal specification, Equijump holds a number of demos in stock. “We are happy to bring demo models to potential customers’s stables or premises,” says Reece. Check out the Theault offerings at https://equijumpltd. com/collections/theault

Equijump - Ireland’s distributor of Theault / Renault Trucks Master horse transporters