Customer Feedback

Feedback from customer with a 23’ Helios horsebox in build

July 2011

Dear Kevin

Choosing a new horsebox is never an easy thing to do. In the course of my research, I am delighted that I can across you. I have to confess that I was beginning to lose faith after a series of very unsatisfactory and unprofessional calls with other manufacturers I was beginning to give up. Your honesty on the call really struck a chord and your insistence that I came to visit you before making a choice, despite the miles, was refreshing.

I really appreciated my education on the weight of horseboxes, the new DVLA rules and many other technicalities, as this is my first venture with a lorry, it was eye opening, saved me a lot of time and ensured that my decision was not flawed, it very nearly could have been without this expertise.

When Jerry and I visited you the warmth of the welcome from you and the gang all worked towards knowing that you and your company could be trusted. It was a very easy decision for us to place our order with you on the day, including deciding to have the larger box! Even my husband enjoyed choosing colours, interiors and extras for the box – no mean feat I have to say.

Your ongoing attention during the build, attention to detail, weekly updates with photos and conversations has been a pleasure and has added to the excitement of the final delivery.

Whilst we are still a few weeks away from delivery, I just wanted to let you know of our great experience so far and our pleasure at working with you and your company. You are definitely streets ahead of the rest in our opinion.

Yours sincerely,

Claire Hubbard

Please feel free to use me freely with prospective clients. I will be happy to discuss my experience.

Hi Kevin

Just a short note to say how pleased we are with our new horsebox. We were away last week at the Trailblazers national championships finals at Stoneleigh Park and were able to give it the full test, everything worked a treat and was so easy to use, we were so pleased we went with the options of the raised floor, so much more storage space underneath. The large tack locker, that is massive and although we had some reservations at the start about the room it would take up inside the horse area, we really needn't have worried as our gelding is a good 17hh and he had plenty of room and also took to the new lorry as if he'd been in it hundreds of times before, and the shower/toilet facility was brilliant, nothing like having your own shower with loads of hot water, and loo on board. As for the looks of the horsebox well there's only one word for it "stunning" we had quite a few envious looks and it certainly didn't look out of place, not to mention how well it drives, it is a really nice drive, (I must admit i felt very proud driving it home from Preston to MK for the first time). I would also like to thank you for the photos you sent, keeping us updated with the build as it was progressing, and also with the after sales service in particular with the additional locker catches, and the touch up paint after our gelding decided he would like to try and eat the ramp holding bar.

So once again thank you and your team for a great job done, and we would have no hesitation in recommending your company to anyone especially anyone who has a horse that likes eating lorries as they're clearly very tasty!

Kind regards

Kirk and Sue Williams

Kevin, I just want to say how much I am enjoying my new wagon. Here are some reasons why...

I love the colour - everyone comments on how lovely it is :-)

It is so easy to drive, more like a car than a wagon. It starts first time, every time and runs beautifully and quietly; the engine runs smoothly and nothing rattles (all those finishing touches like clips for the table leg, clips for the bed legs, extra catches on the horse partitions etc are all well thought out). The cab is comfortable and warm and the horse and reversing cameras provide a real peace of mind. The iPod connector into the sound system is great, though I do find I have to vet friends' iPods before they plug them in!

The horse area is open and inviting with a lovely airy feel about it. The partitions are solid, the perfect height and shape for my horse and easy to move and adjust. I power wash the interior every time I use it and it comes up as good as new and drains perfectly.

The ramp is a joy - I always turn down offers of help to raise the ramp and enjoy showing off how easy it is to raise it on my own!

I cannot open my tack locker without someone commenting on how spacious it is. I easily fit two saddles, as many bridles as I want, all rugs, numnahs, grooming kit, boots and first aid kit in there. The raising tack locker door is high enough to get under in the rain and keeps all the tack dry at the same time.

The under floor storage is excellent. I keep messy things in there - skip bucket, bedding, hay nets etc. This keeps the horse area clear and makes it easier to work around the horses.

The living area is lovely. It is practical, functional and reliable (without being flashy or gaudy) with more than enough room for Mum and Dad to have a brew and a sarny while we wait for results. The wardrobe in the entrance is great; I keep my show jackets and boots in there so they are handy to get to last minute at a competition. There is loads of locker space internally and it is all easily accessible with catches that 'feel and sound like a golf'!

I haven't spent an overnight in it yet - I have a 'big' birthday coming up in April and plan to go away for a week in it then. That's a good indication of how much I love my new wagon - I'd rather spend a week in it than have a special party or go off on holiday to a swanky hotel somewhere!

Heather turner 14-02-2011

Hello Kevin,

We are getting our two young horses out and about in our lovely wagon as much as the weather lets us. These were taken a couple of weeks ago at the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt in Dunham Cheshire. I think this one clearly shows the space inside the box as Kristy is 6ft tall and Percy the horse is a good 16.2 Irish Draught X Warmblood. I'll try and get some more over the next few weeks.

Kind regards,

Beverley

Photos of Beverley's Horsebox, click the photo for a larger version

We have now done over 2,000 miles with our lovely, lovely lorry and am very pleased with it, especially the size! I have at least 1, and usually more, interested people having a look round every time we go out! I have run out of business cards so if you want to send me some more I will happily carry on giving them out - I know we are a long way from you but I made the journey and am very glad I did!

Kind regards

Caroline Wilkinson

Just a short note to say thanks to you and your team for all your efforts to produce an absolutely stunning vehicle - it is certainly a
real 'eye catcher'.

We have made several trips over the last few weekends and the number of people that have come across to look, enquire and admire our horse
box numbers well into double figures. Of course they have not had the pleasure of driving what can only be described as a very smooth and
obviously well built vehicle. I have connected the 240v mains supply and can confirm that all the 'extras' like the microwave, fridge etc.
all work as described and after an initial slow start (more to do with finger trouble that technical problems) the TV is now receiving all
the popular channels.

I am very happy to say that you and your team have certainly well exceeded the expectations of Beverley, Kristy and myself - a great job
and our thanks to all concerned.

The two ladies you sent across to view our box duly arrived and seemed very impressed - and why wouldn't they be?

Regards,

Paul

Hello Kevin,

Our 270 mile journey back to South Norfolk took 5 hours. The lorry clock registered at an average of 44 miles an hour and 18 miles to the gallon which is more or less spot on for that sized engine - 150 bhp. Our journey was as comfortable and airy as any large car and more to the point and fait accompli Bob's back did not ache. An excellent start to our new experience. The horse box handles extremely well.

We used it for the first time yesterday. The horse loaded well finding the light airy stalling very comfortable. The gates two uses are A1, turning the stalling into loose box very roomy and workable.

Outside, as it was very hot, we used the awning to offer a little shade to both horse and rider whilst changing studs and un-tacking. The gate acting as a wall, the saddle rack system and tying all worked perfectly as planned. The hose with gun attachment was magic. No more washing down with a bucket and sponge!

The living area, its quality build and comfort is second to none and is being admired by all who have visited and I must say that the total look of the vehicle is turning quite a few heads.

COAT-X

This finish is perhaps the most admired of all. Studded with sleeper studs and road nails, our very large horse has left no marks which proves the hard finish. Down the ramp there was no slippage between rungs and the horse came down slowly and with ease. Last night I cleaned up and in two minutes! it was like new. All I needed was a cloth and bucket of soapy water. I know it can be power washed but quite honestly if the horses poo is swept up after each journey there is no need.

Kevin
You and your team have done the most wonderful job and I will be the first to highly recommend your quality of workmanship. What I like the most, is the pride and time you have taken in working with us to produce the tool we were looking for. Thank you.

Thank you also for the free breakdown warranty for the next three months which was received on Tuesday.

We will keep in touch.

Kindest Regard,

Vivien and Bob Jupp.

Hi Kevin

Just to let you know how delighted we are with the box. She is admired everywhere she goes, and drives like a dream - the ponies like it too!

Will be sleeping 3 kids in her at camp in a couple of weeks, and all are very excited.

Fantastic to have the space and facilities to hand on the field.

Thank you,

Marie

Hi Kevin

Just a note to say thank you very much for such a lovely horse box. I have had lots of comments about how well it's been built and painted.

The COAT-X rubber in the horse area makes it so easy to keep clean and really looks the business!

I had never seen a 'tack holder' like yours before but it is so good, much easier than struggling to get tack out of a locker and it's accessible from the living or the outside!

I would also like to say thank you for being so helpful, and professional in all our dealings with you, I wont hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for a lorry.

Kind regards

Caroline Wilkinson

Hi Kevin

Have just had our first proper trip away in the horsebox which included an overnight stay. The wagon was a dream to drive even though it was very windy for the first part of the journey. Our horse arrived unstressed and comfortable, which of course is the most important thing!

During our stay the living area and tack box worked really well. Everything was just easier to do.

I am more than pleased with the horsebox, your attention to detail and high quality of workmanship really shows. I would certainly recommend you (in fact I already have) to anyone looking for a horsebox or needing repairs.

Regards,

Juliet

Dear Kevin

I am absolutely delighted with my lorry. My horses love travelling in it and everyone who has seen it have been very impressed with its high standard of finish, stability and the amount of thought which has gone into both the living and horse area. I am so glad we travelled to see you and your team as your reassurances of quality and workmanship were as described.

Again many thanks.

Sharon Prynne

Hi Kevin

I just wanted to drop you a line and say a big "Thank you".

You very kindly delivered me my dream horsebox door to door back in July. I have nothing but praise for you and your team in building the most user friendly and horse friendly horsebox I have ever come across. It's an absoulute pleasure to drive. Dino travels so well in it. If it wasn't for the onboard camera which I mainly have switched to the horse area I wouldn't know he was onboard!!

There is ample storage both inside and in the outside tack lockers, which in my experience is a rarity! There are so many little details in the
design that truly make this horsebox an absolute joy to own.

Your after sales care is just as meticulous as your pre sales care and I can not thank you enough on this particular point as in this day and age it's not often you get so well looked after once the cash has been handed over. Nothing has been to much trouble for you and I really appreciate this aspect of your service.

I haven't had a moments hesitation in recommending you to any one that has enquired about my stunning horsebox. The only negative that I can think of is that you didn't supply me with enough of your bussiness cards!! Ive run out already...

Wishing you all the best,

Kind regards,

Judi. (Essex)

Morning Kevin

We’re finally in a position to give you some feedback about our lorry! Sorry it has taken so long.

We’ve been using it regularly twice a week for the past month; so we’re now in a better position to let you know what we think!
The box is designed beautifully – you exceeded our expectations for the living area:- it is lovely and light; the windows are great and the finishing to the units and the seating area is superb. I particularly love the windows in the groom’s door and horse area door – they are fantastic and really handy.

The overhead storage area in the living is brilliant; as is the access to the tack locker from inside – we’ve not seen any to rival this!
The external paintwork is superb – a lovely job with a lovely colour – many thanks for the help in finding it!

We’re finally getting our head around the electrics – it’s all new to us and it’s just a case of getting used to all the extra facilities! (the hook-up is proving very useful!).

I hope this may help you with future builds – our lorry has been much admired and is that rare commodity – a true 2-horse box.

We are really pleased with it.

Many thanks for all your help.

Kind regards

Jo & Wendy

Jo Brew BSc (Hons)

Animal Health Officer

Hi Kevin

We got the horsebox home safely... and I really enjoyed driving it.

Thank you and your team for all your effort, it is really fabulous and I'm sure we're going to have some great times in it. I will highly recommend you to anyone who shows an interest.

Best Regards

Rachel

Hi Kevin

Thank you and your team for all your effort, the horsebox is really fabulous and I'm sure we're going to have some great times in it.

I will highly recommend you to anyone who shows an interest.

Best Regards

Rachel

Hi Kevin

Thank you very much for a beautiful horsebox. We are more than pleased with it, its everything we hoped it would be and more. We considered other horsebox builders and we chose the right one with you, we couldn't have wished for anything more than what you built for us. We thank you for your professionalism and the time and patients you gave us when choosing what we wanted.

Mr & Mrs Latner

Hi Kevin - Glad to see that your web site now features "Happy Customers"! We think you deserve this recognition, so would like to say that having had our new horsebox for a couple of months now we are still as thrilled with it today as when we picked it up. The service we received was second to none - nothing seemed to be too much trouble, and work was carried out to schedule, keeping us updated via e-mails & photographs as the work progressed over the 6 week build period. The workmanship was excellent and we have had numerous people admire the box - female interest particularly on the paintwork, possibly because of the silver stars! We would have no hesitation in recommending you and your team, and hope you continue to prosper.

Kind regards
Kevin, Natalie & Lauren Povey.

Hi Kevin

Just to say that I am delighted with the lorry you had built for me, the build quality is excellent and the whole transaction was dealt with in a professional and prompt way. I am more than happy for you to pass my details on to clients who may want a reference or to see one of your lorries in action. I get lots of compliments on the lorry when I am out competing and if you wanted to send me more business cards, I will keep them in the lorry to hand out to interested parties.

Thanks again.

Karen

Karen Eckstein

If you'd like to speak to Karen, then please contact us first and we'll pass Karen's details on to you...

Dear Kevin

Just a note to thank you for our lovely horse box, it has been much admired on our yard, with comments about how it is finished to such a high standard. I think I may start charging for guided tours!

Seriously though, we are delighted with it and can't wait to start going out and about in it. Fittingly, our first competition trip is to Osbaldeston where, last year, we first saw one of your boxes and came to visit shortly after.

We have your cards and will certainly show anyone who may be interested around our box. Thank you again for our lovely box, we are delighted with it.

Best Regards

Richard, Christine, Rosie and Corki, of course.

Hi Kevin

Just thought we'd let you know that we have just clocked up our 1st 1,000miles - yes 1,000 miles in 7 weeks!

We love the box and it is admired everywhere we go. We slept in it for the 1st time last week at the British Masters Show Jumping Comp at Chester Racecourse and we were parked next to Robert Smith and Ben Maher and your box looked the part parked with the "big boys".

We can't thank you and you staff enough for the excellent and speedy service we received, especially the paintshop boys who did such a good job on our Silver Stars - we've noticed you are using the pictures of the box on your website for the sprayshop it looks so good.

Thanks again.

All the best.

Sharon & Sally

20th November 2010

Dear Kevin

Having completed our first competition season with our lovely new horsebox we wanted to let you know how delighted we are. Since taking delivery we have been out and about at least once or twice each week, including our first weekend away. As you know we researched all of the top horsebox manufacturers and after our visit to your workshop, when we viewed horseboxes in various stages of construction, we knew we had found the manufacturer.
Our horsebox was built to our specification and completed as scheduled. During the build process you kept us fully informed with the progress, supplying numerous photos at all stages. We are especially pleased with the finish and build quality throughout the horsebox. The COAT-X finish in the horse area and on the ramp has been a real benefit making cleaning quick and simple, while providing a surefooted surface for the horses. Additionally, I appreciated the assistance that you provided with the artwork for my company graphics and design of the vinyl for the sides, which provided a stunning and eye-catching result. .

The horsebox is comfortable and drives really well and I appreciated this most on the long journey from West Wales to Lincoln. More importantly the lorry provided a comfortable ride for my horse that after the seven hour journey came off stress free. I’m really pleased that we choose a camera in the horse area which provided piece of mind during the journey. For a weekend away the horsebox provided more than adequate storage for both the horse’s and our equipment.
Our horsebox is admired every where we go and we are often nearly late for our classes as we are busy showing people around! .

Thank you again to you and your team for the care you took in building our horsebox.
Kind regards,
Helen Reader
Proprietor
HR SADDLERY
Master Saddler and Harness Maker
Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter
Professional saddlery for riders, Produced by riders
Proprietor : Helen Reader 07782 310649 01267 253041 www.hrsaddlery.com
Ysgubor Penwaun, Alltwalis Road, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, SA32 7DZ