Profound CREATURE comforts

Next time you ask a recreational vehicle owner how many horses their big rig has under the hood, don’t be surprised if they say, “Oh, two or three.”

They may look like your average half-million dollar RV bus or fifth-wheel as you pass them in the fast lane, but more and more RVs are coming with two separate living quarters — one for humans and one for horses.

“The main thing is convenience,” explains third generation horseman Troy Compton and one of North America’s leading horse trainers.

“People want to stay close to their horses and, just like with NASCAR or other sporting events, people want to be where the action is going on.”

It is this very “social scene” that is fueling RV manufacturers to increasingly design luxury models built for horses and their owners.

And nowhere are these ‘Equine RVs’ more welcome, or more appreciated, than in the world of grand prix horse competitions like the one coming through Metro Vancouver this summer.

To meet this growing trend, equestrian centres and competition venues are fitting power hookups on their grounds.

“Five or 10 years ago, you were pretty much on your own,” notes Sidekick Trailers sales manager Tony Happel, adding that power hookups are today top-of-mind for venue organizers.

“Just like cities worldwide compete for the Olympics, a lot of cities that are known for horse activities are having to update to keep events in their city.”

The traditional horse trailer still exists, of course, but even that humble mode of transportation has received some 21st Century polish.

Here’s a quick look at some of the more upscale rides for you and your horse:

Sundowner Luxury Liner

If you think the solid stainless exterior of this fifth-wheel is something, wait till you get a look inside this rolling luxury suite.

Featuring nine-foot ceilings, crocodile leather and cherry or maple cabinetry, the Luxury Liner’s interior is the epitome of western charm with an accent on quality. A Fisher Paykel dishwasher joins a

convection oven and fridge under granite counters, while a flat screen TV and fireplace provide all the comforts of home while touring the show circuit.

The floors are hardwood, and the bathroom boasts a solid-surfaced shower—not a plastic or fibreglass insert like so many RVs. Throw in sleeping space for four, a high-quality Bosé surround sound stereo system and fine dishes, cutlery, towels and linens, and you’ve got a top-of-the-line road home.

Likewise, the accommodation for four-legged traveling companions is equally five-star and includes a recessed and covered hay rack over the entire horse area with a walkway down the side. Powering the entire works is an extra quiet diesel generator.

Equine Motorcoach

One of the newest players on the equine RV market, this European-based manufacturer specializes in multi-horse units, including three and six horse models (in photo).

What sets these units from so many of the North American-based RV makers is the old world woodworking touches found throughout Equine Motorcoach products. A select group of craftsmen — cabinet-makers, upholsterers—hand assemble the RVs at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on the Hungarian-Austrian border, and one peek inside these RVs is all you need to see to realize these motorhomes are made for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

With a number of internal living areas available, one constant in all models is an eye for elegance, including custom fabrics, fine cutlery, glassware and china. There’s also a bedroom above the cab, something that very few RV makers offer.

For the horses, therere stainless steel living quarters including tack rooms and large tack room lockers with wash basins.

And the fact much of the chassis of these regal rigs is fabricated from lightweight aluminum, fuel economy is surprisingly thrifty (well, for a 10 tonne RV at least).