A horse float is a big-ticket purchase — and financing one works much like financing a caravan or trailer, with a loan secured against the float itself. Whether you’re buying a straight-load two-horse float or a large gooseneck angle-load, horse float finance spreads the cost over a manageable term so you keep cash free for the rest of your setup. Here’s how it works, the structures available, and what to have ready before you apply.
How horse float finance works
Horse float finance is a form of asset or personal finance where the loan is used to buy the float and, in most cases, the float acts as security. Because it’s a secured asset, rates are typically lower than an unsecured personal loan, and terms usually run from 2 to 7 years depending on the float’s age and value. You can finance:
- New horse floats from a dealer or manufacturer
- Used floats from a dealer or private seller
- Straight-load, angle-load and gooseneck floats
- Floats with living/camp quarters (may affect structure)
Secured vs unsecured: which suits a horse float?
| Secured (float as security) | Unsecured | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical rate | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Newer floats with clear value | Older/cheaper floats, or private sales where security is harder |
| Loan term | Up to ~7 years | Usually shorter |
| Deposit | Often none required for newer assets | May help approval |
New to the difference? Our guide on secured vs unsecured loans breaks it down.
A worked example
Say you’re financing a $30,000 angle-load float over 5 years. As an illustration only, at an indicative rate the repayment might land around the low-$600s per month. Your actual rate depends on the float’s age and value, your credit profile and income, and whether the loan is secured — so treat this as a guide, not a quote.
Example only. Not a quote or an offer of finance. Rates and repayments vary.
What lenders look at
- The float: age, value, new or used, dealer or private sale
- You: income, expenses and credit history
- Deposit or trade-in: can reduce the amount financed
- Loan term: longer terms lower repayments but increase total interest
Part of your wider setup?
Plenty of horse owners finance more than the float. If you’re also buying a tow vehicle or other recreational gear, it’s worth looking at the whole picture — see our caravan finance, camper trailer finance, motorbike finance and jet ski finance options, or start with our main car and vehicle finance page.
Ready to price a horse float loan? Get a fast, obligation-free indication and let a broker do the lender-shopping for you. Apply or get a quote →
Horse float finance FAQs
Can you get finance on a horse float? Yes. Horse floats can be financed with a secured loan (the float as security) or, in some cases, an unsecured loan — new and used floats, from dealers or private sellers, can all typically be financed.
What loan term can I get on a horse float? Terms commonly run from 2 to 7 years, depending on the float’s age and value and your circumstances.
Do I need a deposit to finance a horse float? Not always — newer floats with clear resale value can often be financed without a deposit, though a deposit or trade-in can improve your approval and lower repayments.
Is horse float finance the same as a car loan? It’s very similar — both are usually secured asset loans. The main differences are how the float is valued and, for private sales, how security is handled.
Can I finance a used or private-sale horse float? Yes, though older floats or private sales may be financed as unsecured loans or on shorter terms. Have the float’s details and sale information ready.
This article is general information only and does not constitute credit or financial advice. Alpha390 Finance operates under Australian Credit Licence 506065 (Five Tees Pty Ltd). Any rates or repayments shown are examples only and subject to change; a comparison rate is available on application. Lending is subject to approval, lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees. Written and reviewed by the Finance Director at Alpha390 Finance.
