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Horse Float Finance in Australia: What You Need to Know
Horse floats and horse trailers are classified as trailers by most lenders, which opens up several competitive financing options. Whether you're a recreational rider or a professional in the equine industry, there's a finance product suited to your needs.
In 2026, new horse floats range from around $8,000 for a basic single-horse steel float to over $80,000 for a premium aluminium gooseneck with living quarters. Used floats start from $3,000–$5,000 and can be financed with most lenders for machines up to 15 years old.
Types of horse floats you can finance
- Single-horse floats (1-horse): Entry level, $8,000–$18,000 new. Often financed with a personal or secured loan.
- Bumper pull tandem (2-horse): Most popular segment, $15,000–$35,000. Financeable with secured loan or chattel mortgage.
- Bumper pull with tack room (2–3 horse): $25,000–$55,000. Well within commercial finance range.
- Gooseneck / Fifth-wheel floats: $40,000–$80,000+. Finance as commercial equipment if business-use.
- Aluminium custom floats: $30,000–$90,000. High resale value makes them attractive security for lenders.
Indicative Horse Float Finance Rates 2026
| Finance Type | Rate (Indicative) | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|
| Secured Asset Loan | 7.49%–10.5% p.a. | Private buyers, personal use | Lowest rate for personal finance |
| Chattel Mortgage | 7.0%–9.0% p.a. | Business buyers (GST-registered) | GST credit + full tax deductions |
| Personal Loan (unsecured) | 10%–18% p.a. | Used floats, no security available | No asset security required |
| Finance Lease | 7.5%–9.5% p.a. | Business fleet, operating cost structure | Lease payments fully deductible |
Rates are indicative as at May 2026. Comparison rates will vary. Subject to lender assessment and credit approval.
Personal vs Business: Which Finance Applies to You?
The type of finance you can access — and the tax benefits available — depends almost entirely on how the horse float will be used.
🏄 Personal / Recreational Use
- Secured asset loan or personal loan
- Rates: 7.49%–14% p.a.
- No GST credit available
- No tax deduction on interest
- No instant write-off
- No deposit required (usually)
🍂 Business / Commercial Use
- Chattel mortgage or finance lease
- Rates: 7.0%–9.5% p.a.
- Claim GST on purchase price
- Interest & depreciation deductible
- $20k instant write-off (if eligible)
- ABN & GST registration required
Who qualifies as a business user of a horse float?
The ATO considers a horse float a business asset if it is used primarily to produce assessable income. Common eligible uses include:
- Professional horse trainers or riding instructors
- Equine veterinary practices transporting horses to visit clinics
- Agricultural businesses (stud farms, horse stud operators)
- Horse transport services
- Riding schools with student transport obligations
Hobby farmers and recreational horse owners do not qualify — even if they occasionally show horses.
$20k Instant Asset Write-Off for Horse Floats
Small businesses with annual turnover under $10 million can claim the full cost of a horse float as an immediate tax deduction in the year of purchase — if the float costs $20,000 or less (ex-GST) and is used for business purposes.
Example: $18,500 two-horse bumper-pull float (business use)
- GST credit (if registered): $1,682
- Net cost ex-GST: $16,818
- Instant write-off deduction: $16,818
- Tax saving at 25%: $4,205
- Effective after-tax cost: $12,613
For floats over $20,000, the Small Business Depreciation Pool applies: you claim 15% of the cost in year 1, then 30% diminishing value each subsequent year. This is still a significant advantage over the standard effective life (typically 10–12 years) for horse floats.
How to Apply for Horse Float Finance
The process is straightforward and can be completed online in minutes:
- Check your eligibility — Use our pre-qualification tool to see your likely approval status in 60 seconds. No credit check.
- Choose the right structure — Personal loan for recreational use; chattel mortgage for business use.
- Gather your documents — Typically: photo ID, last 2 tax returns or 3 months BAS (for business), bank statements, and details of the float (make, model, year, price).
- Get a quote — Click the button below. A licensed broker will compare rates from 30+ lenders and come back with the best option within 2 hours.
- Approval and settlement — Most approvals come back same day or next business day. Settlement (funds to dealer or seller) within 24–48 hours of approval.
Get a Free Horse Float Finance Quote →
Repayment Examples: Horse Floats 2026
| Float Price | 3-Year Term | 5-Year Term | 7-Year Term | Total Interest (5yr) |
|---|
| $12,000 | $375/mo | $243/mo | $188/mo | $2,598 |
| $22,000 | $687/mo | $446/mo | $345/mo | $4,764 |
| $35,000 | $1,094/mo | $710/mo | $549/mo | $7,582 |
| $55,000 | $1,720/mo | $1,116/mo | $863/mo | $11,928 |
Repayments calculated at 8.5% p.a. Indicative only. Subject to lender assessment.
Use our caravan finance calculator for custom repayment estimates — horse floats use the same structure as trailer finance.
Horse Float Finance FAQ
Can I finance a second-hand horse float?▼
Yes. Most lenders will finance used horse floats up to 15 years old, provided the float has been regularly serviced and is in roadworthy condition. Rates on used floats are typically 0.5–1.5% higher than new. An independent inspection may be required by the lender.
Does horse float finance require the tow vehicle as security too?▼
No. The horse float is the security for the loan — the tow vehicle is a separate asset. However, some lenders may request a combined asset value check if the loan amount is large relative to the float's value.
Can a sole trader finance a horse float for business?▼
Yes. Sole traders with an ABN are eligible for business asset finance. GST registration is recommended if you want to claim the input tax credit. You'll need to demonstrate the float is used to produce business income.
What is the GST treatment on a horse float purchased via chattel mortgage?▼
If you are GST-registered and the float is used in your business, you can claim the full GST component (1/11th of the purchase price) as an input tax credit in your next BAS. For a $22,000 float, that's a $2,000 cash refund or offset against your GST liability.
Can I include a tack room or living quarters in my horse float finance?▼
Yes. Lenders finance the complete horse float including any factory-fitted options (tack rooms, living quarters, hay storage). If you are adding aftermarket upgrades, confirm with your broker whether these can be included in the financed amount.
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