A EUROPE-wide campaign is calling for fairer and safer horse transport rules and Irish horse owners are being urged to lend their support.

Under current EU legislation, drivers need a C1 or HGV licence to operate a horse transport vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, even if it’s a small, purpose-built horsebox. For many amateur and professional riders, this outdated rule means being forced to drive heavy, expensive trucks or hire transporters, adding unnecessary cost, complexity and inconvenience.