Fuso Canter Horsebox

Equestrian Sophie Dunkerley is something of an expert when it comes to horsepower and economy of movement, so she is delighted to be driving Europe’s first FUSO Canter Eco Hybrid horsebox.

Also believed to be the first diesel-electric truck of any make to be converted to carry horses, her new vehicle wins top marks from Sophie for the range of benefits it offers compared to the off-road car and trailer combination she was using previously.

“As well as being kinder to the environment and highly cost-effective to run, the new truck is far easier to drive, and especially to reverse and turn in tight spaces,” she said. “It is also significantly more spacious than its predecessor, having room for two horses and a living accommodation module.”

With state-of-the-art hybrid power and a smooth and efficient DUONIC® dual clutch automated transmission, meanwhile, her new 7.5-tonner is also delivering a welcome improvement in fuel economy – it is already returning an average of 22 mpg, around 20% better than the vehicle it has replaced.

Sophie competes at Advanced Medium level in the sport of dressage, which entails travelling to events across East Anglia from her base near Bury St Edmunds most weekends. Dressage has seen a sharp rise in profile in the last four years thanks to Team GB’s successes at the last two Olympics, but Sophie has been involved in this and other equestrian events for most of her life.

« Back