Westfalia customer magazine 01 2017

Mit
Pferden
reisen.
Nummer
001
2017
FOR THE
LOVE
OF HORSES
PRIDE
Jupiter Air
Page 10
FLOATING
Air Suspension
Page 14
QUIET
Silent Mode
Page 16
FRESH
Air Control
Page 18

FOR THE LOVE
OF HORSES ...
... Westfalia has developed transport trailers
that lend an added dimension to the expression
“the journey is the destination”.
We are working with a team of product developers,
veterinarians, designers, technicians and
other specialists to make this journey easier
and safer. In addition to these professionals,
we rely on tradition and expertise that goes
back many years. The strong and well-known
roots of the company reach all the way back
to 1844. Our goal is to be able to bring this
tradition into the future in an innovative way.
Our path also involves feelings: We want to
ensure a good feeling for you and your horse
so you can travel safely, arrive well and also
enjoy your travels. You can find out more about
us, our breakthrough technical innovations
and our history in this magazine as well as at
www.westfalia-trailer.at
Marion Gottschalk thanks you
for your interest and trust
marion.gottschalk@westfalia-trailer.at
2
3

1844 entwickelt J. B. Knöber den ersten Pferdewagen.
ARRIVING WELL
FOR 173 YEARS
Bis 1941 werden 25.000 Anhänger produziert.
The term “tradition” means a lot:
It’s about the transfer of knowledge, quality, development,
technology and culture as well as emotional values.
Tradition is associated with a name. In the case of Westfalia,
our tradition extends back 173 years during which the
company has become synonymous with the superior
transportation of people and horses.
Westfalia has shaped a whole industry to
this day and has been developing first-class
products for the world of transport since the
last century.
This great story began with Johann Bernard
Knöbel, who created the first horse carts in
the German Wiedenbrücke in 1844 and produced
them in his own forge. The continuous
advance of new developments and production
techniques allowed production to rise to 25
carriages per week in 1921. A year later, the
company was registered in the commercial
register under the name Westfalia Franz
Knöbel & Söhne OHG. The businessman and
designer also quickly understood how to react
optimally to the process of motorisation, which
was constantly advancing. In 1927, the first box
trailer was built by Westfalia, and in 1932 the
world marvelled at the ball coupling developed
4
5

Der erste zweiachsige Anhänger.
Bis 1962 wurden 1 Millionen Kugelkupplungen produziert.
Ab 1950 Zusammenarbeit mit BMW und VW – Entwicklung der Westfalia Schwinge.
2015 Entwicklung des Luftfahrwerks für Pferdeanhänger.
by the company. In the meantime, there were
over 20 sales outlets offering one innovation
after the other, including the “Landstreicher”,
which was a top seller among caravans, and
the first 2-axle horse trailers. By 1941, 25,000
trailers had already been produced.
The Second World War almost ended production,
but the development of new caravan
trailers started in the course of reconstruction
following the war. Westfalia also became
a building block of the German economic
miracle – with impressive numbers. In 1952,
the 50,000th trailer came off the line, and
hardly ten years later, 850 employees made
the first million ball couplings. Many trailers
and caravans were produced in cooperation
with famous vehicle manufacturers including
BMW and Volkswagen. Westfalia has long
since become an international player in the
world of transport. In 1999, the company was
divided into three independent companies,
and in 2005 Westfalia Trailer Systems GmbH
was founded. In 2015, the Austrian family
of Marion and Harald Gottschalk took over
the company with their team and, together
with veterinarians, designers and engineers,
developed innovations which are dedicated to
the health and reduction of stress in horses as
well as driving comfort, safety and elegance,
including the “Air Control” ventilation system
as well as a sound-insulated whole-shell body.
With the love of horses, Westfalia is leading
the way to a successful future in a safe and
elegant way – with tradition and technology.
6
7

THE JOKER IS
CALLED THE JOKER
Don’t say trailer!
Even the horses are excited
about the new Joker design.
In other words: The Joker by Westfalia is the
Rolls Royce of transport units and is making
some owners want to trade places with their
horses. If James Bond were a competitive
rider, his transporter would look exactly like
this. Curious? The Joker is equipped with air
conditioning and a solarium for the horse’s
back. Its elegant and sleek design also make
it an absolute looker. The mobile horse stall
is really a caravan for horses and can be
parked independently without a vehicle with
the so-called “mover”. The design allows
horses to say inside the trailer even when it
isn’t connected to a vehicle. It’s constructed
of fibre-glass reinforced plastic; the groundbreaking
Westfalia Air Control System also
operates in the stall, and the roof railing can
support up to 100 kilos; there’s also a safe on
top. Your horse won’t want to leave. In other
words: The Joker is more than perfectly tailored
to daily needs for competitions.
8
9

JUPITER
AIR
The name says it all. The trailer by Westfalia stands for
ease and air – fresh air. It’s about ease of handling
and construction as well as innovative ventilation
in the world of horse trailers.
10
11

The sleek and sporty but elegant trailer consists
of a full-shell body that makes the transporter
into a mobile stall. The most diverse specialists,
among them veterinarians, were also involved
in making the Air horse trailer, which has the
makings of a milestone in horse transport.
Among its features are the “Air Control”
system, which prevents annoying drafts and
always provides great air for your horse, as
well as a stabilising protection coupling that
creates a connection you can rely on physically
and mentally when you are travelling
with your horse. Wherever your path leads,
the Air will take you safely and elegantly to
your destination. And another thing: You can
purchase original replacement parts directly
with us by giving your Air chassis number. This
applies to manufacturers’ certificates and other
documents relating to your Westfalia trailer.
Find out more about Air’s technical highlights
in this magazine.
12
13

DON’T DRIVE,
GLIDE
WESTFALIA AIR SUSPENSION
A ride over roots and stones, highways,
country roads and dirt roads is a special challenge
for a horse trailer. You have to ensure your horse
arrives at the destination relaxed and stress-free
without burdens on its back and joints.
The modern air-suspension system in the
Westfalia chassis transports your horse by
gliding rather than driving: the technology is
designed to create optimal road conditions
and balanced ground contact.
But this isn’t the only advantage over conventional
steel springs. The technology used
by Westfalia comes from automotive technology,
ensures the best possible stability and
adapts to the driving situation, speed and
road surface so your horse’s comfort isn’t
compromised during transport. This is made
possible by further advancements to the
tried-and-tested Westfalia chassis with an
air-suspension system that ensures optimal
balance and allows you to experience the
trip as if you were gliding. This significantly
reduces cortisol output, elevated heart rate, as
well as strain on muscles, joints and tendons
through compensatory movements, especially
for curves, unevenness and possible evasive
manoeuvres. Some other factors for comfortable,
safe and stress-free transport are the
stable levelling and the balancing pressure
on the trailer coupling. It is really the core
element between the trailer and the vehicle.
In addition, optimum braking pressure in the
Westfalia air-suspension chassis ensures
shorter braking distances. Significantly less
vibration serves not only the well-being of
your horse and your driving comfort, but also
ensures the long service life of all components
in your trailer.
For love of the journey.
With your horse.
14
15

SILENCE
IS GOLDEN
FULL-SHELL BODY –
SILENT MODE
The journey is the destination.
This idea is not only for people. Horses shouldn’t
experience the journey from the stall to the competition
or another location as torture.
They should have a comfortable and stress-free trip.
Westfalia horse trailers provide the right environment
for this. Your horse’s joy in travelling
can also be increased by effective reduction of
noises that arise when travelling. The development
of the lightweight and spacious Westfalia
full-shell body from a single piece uses the
latest and tried-and-tested technology, such
as that found in aerospace construction, to
drastically reduce the noise level. Studies
have shown that, especially at a speed of 80
km/h, it will have a very negative effect on the
well-being of the horse and lead to a rapid
increase in cortisol levels, which in addition
to stress, also increases the risk of injury from
hitting or kicking.
Westfalia looks at its trailers as a large,
comprehensive comfort zone. In addition to
a perfect climate, effective protection from
heat and cold, as well as UV resistance and
high value retention, the trailers also include
optimum sound absorption for your horse.
Right into the comfort zone.
Quiet.
16
17

FRESH AIR FOR
YOUR HORSE’S
NOSTRILS
AIR CONTROL SYSTEM –
VENTILATION
Westfalia also leaves the competition far behind
when it comes to air circulation in horse trailers.
This area is one of our four pillars for smooth
and pleasant transport.
Good air quality through the entire unit with a
generous interior is ensured through constantly
circulating pleasant air around the inner wall of
the trailer, which prevents unpleasant draughts
as well as sweat formation. This is another
benefit that shouldn’t be underestimated
because a horse can lose up to six percent of
its body weight during transport. The windows
can remain closed thanks to this technology;
the Air Control System prevents annoying
draughts, creates a small comfortable world,
and is another factor in a journey without stress
and colds, stress-induced muscle tension and
exhaustion.
Love is in the air.
18
19

SAFELY TO YOUR
DESTINATION
Westfalia is founded on both the ongoing discoveries
of veterinary medicine as well as the latest technologies
and materials from the automotive and aerospace industries.
This also applies to the best stabilising protection
coupling on the market. This coupling is the
technical and symbolic connecting link between
the trailer and vehicle and also represents the
psychological connection between the owner
and their horse. This connecting link is a sensitive
area that is subject to forces that should
not be underestimated, especially in curving
roads and uneven surfaces. Together with the
Westfalia air-suspension system, which provides
impressively quiet road conditions, this coupling
makes the vehicle and trailer into a single unit
that is protected from disturbing horizontal
and pitching movements. The trailer is also
reliable in critical situations, which makes it a
real champion for curves. It’s really a mobile
horse stall.
Better safe than sorry!
Safety and comfort down to the smallest detail
make the Westfalia trailer a masterpiece of
its kind:
The support wheel of the trailer can be folded
away completely, which eliminates any risk of
ground contact while travelling.
The rear ramp is operated by means of strong,
hydraulic dampers. This makes it easy to open
and close it again.
The access ramp of the trailer is equipped with
a special anti-slip covering to prevent slipping,
especially when wet.
The honeycomb bottom in the interior of our
trailer also consists of a special plastic, which
absorbs vibrations and can be cleaned and
sanitised easily.
Quality first: All important components can, if
necessary, be exchanged without great effort.
20
21

22
23

VERY
ELEGANT
AN INTERVIEW WITH HERBERT SEIBERL -
He is a trainer at the Spanish Riding School,
where he began his career in 1994.
A conversation about transporting horses
and the most beautiful moments in his
professional life.
24
25

An interview with Herbert Seiberl:
“The new Westfalia trailers are very elegant”
26
Da haben Reiter und Pferd gut Lachen!
In diesem Fall Herbert Seiberl
und der Oldenburger Wallach Dr. No.
Westfalia: Westfalia has long been synonymous
with horse trailers. What do you think
now that the brand is in Austrian hands with
the Gottschalk family?
Herbert Seiberl: Seiberl: I think it’s wonderful.
And that’s not just because I’ve been involved
with the Gottschalk family for a long time.
The Gottschalks will help make this brand
more present in the equestrian world, which
makes me happy.
W: What does your professional relationship
with the family look like?
HS: Well, I train several of Marion Gottschalk’s
horses and also teach them personally. We’ve
been working together for quite a while.
W: How often do you travel with horses?
HS: It varies and depends on the competition
calendar. There are months where we are
travelling with horses every other weekend.
At other times, things are calmer. Apart from
this, we also travel with the Spanish Riding
School. It adds up.
W: What do you find most important when
transporting horses?
HS: It’s important that the horses travel
comfortably, that the journey is quiet and
stress-free. There shouldn’t be any rattling
and shaking.
W: How relaxed are you on such trips? How
much do you think about the horses when
you are on the road?
HS: We have a great routine for travelling
and are quite relaxed now. You also know
your horses and know which ones you have
to look after.
W: What are the most stressful moments for
your horses during a trip?
HS: I think the most stressful thing for the
animals is getting in and out, i.e. loading and
unloading. That’s also the most dangerous part.
W: What positive effect can you have on
their stress?
HS: You have to give the horses time and
interact very calmly with them. This also means
getting to know the trailer and trusting it.
W: What is the role of the transporter in all
of this?
HS: The most important thing is that the horses
do not feel frightened when getting in. This
means, for example, that the ramp has to be
stable and have anti-slip features, and the
horse shouldn’t get stuck anywhere.
W: What about Westfalia trailers?
HS: They do a superb job.
W: Does a horse notice a difference between
transporters?
HS: There are horses that have difficulty getting
in and out. The can get in and out of Westfalia
trailers the best. You can tell.
W: Why?
HS: Because they are very spacious.
27

W: The design of the new Westfalia trailer is
modern, cool and yet elegant. How would you
personally describe the look?
HS: I find the design very appealing. The trailers
are large, but they don’t look bulky. They
are elegant and beautiful. You wouldn’t think
by looking at one that it can hold two grown
horses. Other transporters look much clumsier.
W: Will you tell us about a big or small adventure
that you experienced while travelling
with horses?
HS: Thankfully, I haven’t experienced anything
too exciting because if something exciting
happens it’s usually unpleasant. I’ve been
spared that. Everything has gone well.
W: Horses are not only on the road, they
have also flown to the USA with the Spanish
Riding School.
HS: Yes, and it’s very interesting how the
horses are loaded. It’s amazing how calmly
and easily the animals take it. They also deal
with the acceleration pretty calmly and relaxed.
During lift-off they neigh a little.
W: How are horses transported in an airplane?
HS: The animals are housed in containers.
Depending on the airline, there are containers
for two or three horses. They climb into the
container like a trailer and are rolled into the
belly of the plane with a lifting platform.
W: Does someone monitor them on the plane?
HS: No one can be present during take-off
and landing, but as soon as the plane is in the
air the caretakers can go back to the horses.
The containers have a kind of flap where the
horses can put their heads through.
W: Nobody can ride along in a horse trailer
though, right?
HS: No, that is illegal.
W: How often do you take a break when
transporting horse in a trailer?
HS: It depends on how well the horses tolerate
the trip. I think a horse can even put up with
ten hours of travel. As already mentioned,
the loading and unloading of the horses is
the trickiest part.
W: You have been working at the Spanish
Riding School since 1994. What do you like
most about your professional life?
HS: It just never gets boring. No day is like the
other. You don’t know in the morning what to
expect the rest of the day. We work with living
creatures who can have a bad day just like us.
That makes the whole thing exciting. I couldn’t
imagine sitting in front of a computer all day.
5
4
HELP WITH LOADING:
1: The ramp lining is slip-proof and stable.
2: Unlocking levers are lightweight and can be folded away completely.
3: Very strong, hydraulic dampers lift and lower the entry ramp.
4: The upper door is stylish and stable with all-weather protection.
5: The bars are individually adjustable.
3
2
1
28
29

THE BIG ADVANTAGES
AT A GLANCE
The sophisticated, unique air-suspension system can be
easily and conveniently controlled and operated.
Innovations from Westfalia ensure optimum road conditions
and stability thanks to balanced ground contact.
The supporting wheel of the trailer can be folded away
and becomes a further important safety feature.
Safe and easy-to-use connection between trailer
and towing vehicle.
Safety for the horse, down to the smallest detail:
with fully retractable release lever for the trailer.
Thanks to powerful, hydraulic dampers, the entry ramp
can be opened and closed easily and safely.
The upper door is light and can remain open
during the journey.
Height and width-adjustable bars, including panic
release for safety and comfort.
30
31

Anti-slip and tread safety even in wet conditions were a
top priority in the development of the ramp lining.
The trailer is also inviting, creates a good feeling, and
offers space, light and freedom to move.
The saddle holders ensure optimal transport and have
even been awarded a design prize.
The Westfalia designers created additional storage space
separated from the saddle space.
Constantly circulating air ensures an optimal atmosphere
in the spacious interior of the trailer.
Using Bluetooth, you can watch your horses on a video
camera to ensure their comfort during your trip.
The fenders can be painted in a personalised way and are
easy to repair in case of minor damage.
The trailer can be entered without the trouble of bending
over, which provides additional comfort and safety.
32
33

www.westfalia-trailer.eu