personal · Personal finance
Horse float finance
Whether a float is consumer or commercial finance depends on how it is used. We ask that question first, because it changes the structure and the protections.
Personal finance products are regulated consumer credit under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009. Lyft Capital Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence 541052) acts as a credit assistance provider, not a lender. Approval is subject to the lender’s responsible lending assessment. Comparison rates are based on a $30,000 loan over 5 years unless stated; different amounts and terms produce different comparison rates. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply.
What is horse float finance?
Horse float finance is a consumer loan used to buy a horse float or angle-load trailer, secured against the float. Where the float is used in a horse business it may instead be funded as commercial equipment, so the right structure depends on whether the use is recreational or income-producing.
Horse floats are a long-life asset that hold value unusually well, especially well-built Australian angle-loads with alloy or galvanised construction. The main sources of value loss are floor rot and chassis rust, both of which come from moisture and are hidden until inspected properly. A twenty-year-old float with a sound floor can be worth more than a ten-year-old one that has been neglected.
The finance question that matters most is use. If the float is for recreation, it is consumer credit and carries the protections that come with that — a suitability assessment, disclosure of the comparison rate and a cooling-off framework. If it is used in a horse business, it can generally be financed as commercial equipment with the tax treatment that follows. Your broker will ask about the intended use before recommending a structure.
Horse float finance at a glance
| Typical price range | $8,000 – $90,000 |
|---|---|
| Finance term | Up to 72 months |
| Useful life | About 20 years |
| New or used | Used floats hold value well and are widely traded; new floats from established Australian builders suit buyers wanting a specific configuration and warranty. |
| Indicative rates (Leisure asset loan) | 8% – 22% p.a. · rate history |
| Finance structures | Leisure asset loan (recommended), Personal loan, Chattel mortgage |
How lenders assess horse float finance
A float bought for personal or recreational use is regulated consumer credit, with income and expense verification and full disclosure. A float used predominantly in a business — agistment, breeding, coaching, transport — is generally funded as commercial equipment, which can allow GST and depreciation claims. Floats hold value well and are straightforward security. Angle-load and larger multi-horse floats value better than small straight-loads. Private sales require a PPSR check and payment to the registered owner.
Before you buy
- Check your tow vehicle capacity against the loaded float weight including horses, feed and water — floats are heavier loaded than buyers expect.
- Inspect the floor, chassis and suspension carefully; urine and moisture destroy timber floors and rust steel from the inside.
- Consider angle-load over straight-load for comfort and balance if you travel long distances regularly.
Commonly financed
Olympic Horse Floats angle-load · Bostock Horse Floats · Frontier Horse Floats · Extreme Trailers gooseneck floats · Jayco and Sundowner horse transporters
Estimate horse float repayments
- Number of repayments
- 60
- Total interest (est.)
- $17,144
- Total repaid (est.)
- $66,144
This calculator provides an estimate only and does not account for fees, charges or the specific terms a lender may offer. It is not financial advice or an offer of finance.
Key terms
What is horse float finance?
Horse float finance is a loan secured against a horse float. Where the float is for personal use it is regulated consumer credit; where it is used predominantly in a business it is generally funded as commercial equipment finance instead.
Straight-load or angle-load float?
A straight-load float carries horses facing forward in individual bays and is usually lighter and cheaper. An angle-load positions horses diagonally, which many horses travel more comfortably in and which allows more horses in a similar length, but adds weight and cost.