A century in business is no mean feat – however it’s a milestone that equine transport developer THEAULT has reached this year. The brand is proof that when the horse is at the heart of innovation, everything else falls into place.
France is renowned for its sense of style, elegance and sophistication, setting global standards across industries from architecture and design, to fashion and cuisine. When it comes to the global equine industry, the French influence is undeniable.
Equine transport manufacturer THEAULT is one of France’s most revered brands. Famous worldwide for creating innovative equine transport solutions, THEAULT is a business backed by 100 years’ worth of know-how and tradition.
“The first of it’s
kind in the world!”
Founded in 1924 by Émile Theault, the company originally produced horse-drawn carriages before progressing into motorised horse transport. From a small assembly workshop set up in the cellar of the family farm came the very first bodied vehicle of the range and by the 1950s, the company launched a rear-facing, side ramp model – the first of its kind in the world!
Clever design details paired with exceptional quality have made THEAULT a global success story. Over the years, the range of vehicles has expanded considerably, from the two-horse van to the 12-horse semi-trailer. Today from THEAULT’s ultra-modern 30,000m2 workshop in Normandy, 200 skilled employees – including fitters, designers, engineers and assemblers – work to produce almost three vans a day, following a five-week manufacturing and inspection process.
This passionate team of individuals upholds the traditional, artisanal approach and principles on which the company’s reputation has been built over the past century.
THEAULT’s standard of excellence is such that in 2019 it received the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, a distinction for French companies with excellent industrial and artisanal know-how. It is a sign of the very highest quality and recognition of a job well done.
INTRODUCING THE CENTENARY EDITION
Celebrating 100 years of know-how, THEAULT has recently developed the PROTEO Switch Centenary Edition, complete with exclusive finishes that showcase the epitome of French luxury.
This limited-edition design comes in Arctic Grey – a shade that has adorned some of THEAULT’s most popular models throughout its history – and features a reimagined logo reflecting the centenary milestone.
The PROTEO Switch Centenary Edition pays meticulous attention to detail throughout the cabin, with leather seats, steering wheel and doors delivering the ultimate in luxury for human passengers.
This luxury extends to the horse box, where features such as personalised THEAULT bridle holders, exclusive stitching detail, and uniquely coloured protective padding bearing the centenary logo merge with the practical equine-centric design components THEAULT vehicles are known for.
Equestrians value the safety and welfare of their horses, and the way in which they are transported is an integral part of their management. Having a safe, equine-centric mode of transport is critical to horse welfare and ultimately performance, and this is recognised by the likes of elite-level such as Penelope Leprevost, Roger-Yves Bost, Mark Todd, Nicolas Touzaint, Gregory Wathelet, Patrick Kittel and Dorothee Schneider – all of whom trust and utilise THEAULT vehicles.
Like the company’s flagship PROTEO Switch model, the Centenary Edition features the same internal patented modular system that allows horse owners to choose between eight different configurations, ensuring suitability for horses of all breeds, sizes and temperaments.
The PROTEO Switch Centenary Edition.
“Safety is at the forefront
of all the THEAULT vehciles.”
This is complemented by the rear-facing positioning of the horses – one of THEAULT’s key design elements – which ensures better balance and comfort for equine passengers. In addition, the horse box is fully insulated using sandwiched aluminium panels, resulting in regulated temperatures and less noise for improved comfort.
Of course, safety is at the forefront of all THEAULT vehicles. The PROTEO Switch Centenary Edition offers a low centre of gravity, with the weight spread in between the wheels for better stability – offering superior manoeuvrability on the road.
More recently, the THEAULT truck range has also become available in Australia.
MADE FOR AUSTRALIA
Australia is one of 18 countries around the globe where THEAULT vehicles are available. Having been available here since 2009, THEAULT relaunched its Australian operations in 2019 and has continued to grow since. The company is an exclusive Renault Approved Converter for horse transport and has an established relationship with the Australian Renault dealership network, meaning the PROTEO Switch can be purchased anywhere in Australia. The vehicles are delivered certified for Australia, registered and ready to drive, with a five-year/200,000-kilometre warranty and first year roadside assistance included.
More recently, the THEAULT truck range has also become available on our shores. Accommodating from four to 12 horses, the ENDURANCE and ELEGANCE horse trucks combine state-of-the art horse transportation with passenger comfort. The ENDURANCE is designed specifically for equine transport, while the ELEGANCE incorporates a living space for those with larger teams of horses who also require home-away-from-home comfort.
THEAULT has quickly become a popular choice here in Australia, especially amongst competitive riders who are travelling regularly – and thanks to our country’s vast geography, often extensive distances.
Given the distances that have to be covered in Australia to compete, one would argue transport is even more important here than in Europe. In Belgium or France, for example, riders have access to many shows within a 100km radius. We Australians train hard with our horses, and we want them to arrive at events fresh and ready to give their best!
Wherever the horse is king, THEAULT is present.
THE NEXT CENTURY
THEAULT’s story over the past century is one of traditional know-how combined with performance, expertise and innovation. Wherever horses accompany us… at the equestrian showgrounds, at the racetracks, along the forest paths, in the countryside, in the mountains, on the seashore, galloping, extended trot, approaching obstacles… wherever the horse is king, THEAULT is present.
In the modern era where brands come and go, celebrating a centenary is no mean feat – and when it comes to THEAULT, it’s clear that longevity is no fluke either. For the past 100 years, THEAULT has been committed to developing horseboxes and horse trucks that are more reliable, more practical, more comfortable, and safer than ever; this is a trend we will no doubt see continue over the next century.EQ
Related articles
Grand Prix dressage rider and coach Gary Lung, who has been travelling horses up and down the east coast of Australia for 30 years, shares what he looks for in the ideal horse box truck.
Protecting our horses’ legs has long been considered a mark of good horsemanship. Boots and bandages are widely used to reduce the risk of knocks, interference injuries, and accidental strikes during exercise – and rightly so. Leg protection plays an important role in safeguarding the lower limb and reducing the risk of external trauma during work.