Friday, December 28, 2007

Thursday, December 27, 2007

More pictures of the Equine Motorcoach

We've taken lots of pictures of the European version of the Equine Motorcoach that debuted at the National Horse Show. Check back here for those photos and hopefully an informal video tour.

We are grateful for the tremendous response we are getting for the Equine Motorcoach and know that our new customers are going to love being on the road with their new coaches.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Dancing With the Equestrian Stars Photo Album


Well over 500 people attended the "Dancing with the Equestrian Stars" after party at the National Horse Show in Wellington, Florida on December 7, 2007. The event was hosted by Equine Motorcoach, Lehel Coach Builders, Cummins Onan Generators, Volvo Trucks North America and Kentuckiana's Premier Truck Center.

Photos of the event are available at http://www.kanephotography.net/equine/Welcome.html.

KANE Photography generously donated their time so we could bring the event to you. For more about them go to www.kanephotography.net. Thanks Gary and Carrie!

Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui Win Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championships Presented by Equine Motorcoach



Photo by Randi Must, MustPhoto, Inc.
Story By Joanie Morris

Wellington, FL – The only clear round in the second leg of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach wasn’t enough to wrestle the title away from the consistently impressive combination of Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui. They were the fastest of the four faulters on Sunday, but their stellar performance in the first round on Friday compounded into the best score over the two days. Last year’s winner, McLain Ward, riding the stylish 9-year-old Dutch mare Phillipa, was relegated to second place by one point. Ward won the $100,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier (which served as leg two) but the new Rolex watch and the national championship title belong to Farrington.

An incredibly consistent duo, Farrington and the diminutive Up Chiqui (owned by Alex Boone, James McNerney and Craig Dobbs), looked like they were going to force a jump off with Ward after easily negotiating nearly all of Pierre Jolicoeur's challenging course. Up Chiqui thought very quickly through the difficult related line from fence 11 to the triple combination at 12, and the pair was clear through there but got to a long distance at the penultimate fence. Up Chiqui reached as far as he could but it wasn't quite enough to make the back rail of the oxer, leaving them with four faults at the end of the second round. That meant they lay fourth in Sunday's portion of the championship but beat Ward by one point overall.

“My horse tried his heart out,” said Farrington who hails from Chicago, IL. “He really wanted to win today. I'm thrilled with my horse but disappointed in myself. I was coming around the corner and thinking about the time, I went to move up and he was a split second behind my leg and had it down. It's great to have a national championship but I really wanted to win today.”
Up Chiqui, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood, and Farrington have been very successful this year picking up Grand Prix wins in Florida, Kentucky and Massachusetts. It was a fitting end to the season for them to be crowned the 2007 Rolex/USEF National Champions.

“He's been incredible all year,” said Farrington, 26. “He's incredibly consistent. I've still yet to see what he can and can't do so I look forward to next year. He'd be more geared toward the World Cup Final than the Olympic Trials but it's a long way off so we'll see. He tries really hard.”

Ward lay seventh after the first round, but with Sunday afternoon's class counting for double points, Ward's clear round proved valuable. Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Quervo Gold were third overall after jumping clear but added one time fault for finishing one-tenth of a second over the time allowed.

“I knew I dodged a bullet when Margie had a time fault,” said Ward about avoiding the jump-off. “It's not very often to win big class without a jump-off. This course was considerably more difficult than Friday's. It was more technical and considerably bigger. Today was real grand prix jumping and the good combinations rose to the top.

Phillipa, owned by Sagamore Farm, has only been competing at this level since May and adds another valuable weapon to Ward’s arsenal supplementing his very experienced Olympic veteran, Sapphire.

“She’s not very experienced but she has phenomenal talent,” said Ward. “It’s kind of exciting because obviously Sapphire is still ready for the Olympics this year and to have this horse coming along gives me a great one-two punch.”

Ward, who celebrated his three week wedding anniversary along with his win, heads to Maui on Monday morning for his honeymoon.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Hillary Dobbs Wins $15,000 National Horse Show Speed Classic



Hillary Dobbs pictured clearing the Equine Motorcoach jump.
Photo by Palm Beach Post
Copyright © 2007, The Palm Beach Post. All rights reserved.

The $15,000 National Horse Show Speed Classic was held Thursday afternoon at the 124th National Horse Show at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. The winner was Hillary Dobbs riding Marengo, owned by The Dobbs Group. (Bruce R. Bennett/Post Staff)

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

We're Set Up at The National Horse Show


Equine Motorcoach arrived at the National Horse Show on Monday, December 3. Thanks to Lehel Coach Builders, the European version of the Coach shipped to the U.S. for this important debut at the National Horse Show. Equine Motorcoach is a presenting sponsor of the ROLEX/USEF Show Jumping Championship.

"The Coach is definitely getting some interesting reactions," said Julie Calzone, one of the principals. "It's fun to watch people do a double-take when they see it." Even though the horse show doesn't begin until today, several prospects have already stopped by to take the tour.

Mark and Barbara Lee, Lehel Coach Builders owners, are in U.S. to take part in the debut.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Chateau Chevalier Wines Joins "Dancing With The Equestrian Stars"

Napa Valley's Spring Mountain Vineyard Contributes To The Event

(Lexington, Ky.) - The October Food & Wine Magazine vineyard that was designated "Napa's Best Winery Tours" and winner of the "Best of Napa Valley Tourism Award" by Global Network of Great Wine Capitals is showing its hospitality to guests at the National Horse Show in Wellington, Florida. Guests attending the "Dancing with the Equestrian Stars" After Party on Friday, December 7, will be treated to Chateau Chevalier Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc wines from Spring Mountain Vineyard.

The After Party follows the first phase of the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Finals presented by Equine Motorcoach, "Jumping Under the Stars." The second phase is contested on Sunday, December 9.

"The After Party is going to be a great way for the competitors to relax and for our sponsors and guests to be entertained," said Scott Carling, managing director of sales and sponsorships for the United States Equestrian Federation. "Everyone is looking forward to seeing our equestrian super stars show off on the dance floor."

The Spring Mountain Vineyard, located near St. Helena, California, gained fame in the primetime soap opera Falcon Crest in the 1980s. It is an 850-acre winery encompassing four historic properties, two prominent in California's wine heritage. These are the La Perla Vineyards and Winery (later called Draper Vineyards), and Chateau Chevalier. Also included in today's Spring Mountain holdings are Streblow Vineyards and Spring Mountain itself, which began life as Miravalle.

"These vineyards produce exceptional wines that show power and depth, yet through gentle winemaking, possess elegance as well as strength," said Scott Carling. "We are delighted that Chateau Chevalier is a part of the festivities at the National Horse Show and appreciate their contribution to the event."

To learn more about the history of Chateau Chevalier go to:
http://www.springmtn.com/a_wh_che1.htm.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Chateau Chevalier Wines Partner at the Dance



The October Food & Wine Magazine vineyard that was designated "Napa's Best Winery Tours" and winner of the "Best of Napa Valley Tourism Award" by Global Network of Great Wine Capitals is showing its hospitality to guest at the National Horse Show in Wellington, Florida. Guests attending the “Dancing with the Equestrian Stars” After Party on Friday, December 7, will be treated to Chateau Chevalier Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc wines from Spring Mountain Vineyard.

The After Party follows the first phase of the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Finals presented by Equine Motorcoach, “Jumping Under the Stars.” The second phase is contested on Sunday afternoon, December 9.

National Horse Show After Party Set to Bring Out The Stars



Award Winning Illustrator Contributes to "Dancing with the Equestrian Stars"

(Wellington, FL) - Major awards events are known for their after parties and the 124th National Horse Show competitors, sponsors, VIPs and organizers are in for a real treat after the "Jumping Under the Stars" gala during phase one of the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Championships.

The after party, which is sponsored by Equine Motorcoach, its European manufacturer Lehel Coach Builders, Cummins Onan Generators, Volvo Trucks of North America and Kentuckian's Premier Truck Center, has the theme "Dancing With the Equestrian Stars." Professional dancers will be dancing competition style with equestrians, who will change into sequined ball gowns and costumes.

The pairs will perform the fox trot, tango, and waltz for a panel of judges. Guests can dance the night away, enjoying great music and cocktails and ballroom dancing featuring the Dance Connection of Palm Beach will highlight the after party. Competitors from the show jumping finals will rehearse during the week with Dance Connection professionals.

Comfort. Coach. Contribute.

"We wanted to do something special to celebrate the debut of our Equine Motorcoach in America," said Julie Calzone, one of the Equine Motorcoach principals. "Elizabeth Hedley with the National Horse Show organizing team at Stadium Jumping, inc. has been a star for us. She's showed up for us in a big way to ensure that the event is a success by helping us with all of the details of the advance preparation."

A yellow wristband with the words "Comfort Coach Contribute" debossed on them will accompany invitations. The wristband is the admission ticket to "Dancing with the Equestrian Stars." A Rollin McGrail illustration is the centerpiece of the invitation design.

Rollin McGrail's images are recognizable both for style and content. Often, they kindheartedly lampoon the rich while harkening back to the era of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick and Nora and the early New Yorker years of Peter Arno. Rollin's style is agile, playful, formal, and wry. The work is largely conceptual and at the same time lends an air of whimsy and grace to some of the most prosaic of subjects.

While Rollin's work has been shown in galleries in Paris, New York, Barcelona, Key West and for several years in West Palm Beach, the bulk of her production is aimed at national newspapers, magazines and book publishers. Rollin has had weekly illustrations in the New York Times and the Washington Post, and has had frequent contributions to Vanity Fair, Newsweek, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Glamour, Esquire, GQ and Nickelodeon among others. Her illustrations have appeared in bestseller books such as TOASTS (Crown) and the PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY (Clarkson N. Potter) She has also received several distinguished awards in publishing. Rollin created the poster for the 121st National Horse Show in 2004, and has a permanent exhibit at the Museum of Polo Hall of Fame in Palm Beach, Florida.

Rollin was born in New York. She went to Art School in England and graduated from Parsons School of Design, New York. She currently hails from Wellington, Palm Beach County, Florida, where she resides with her husband and their two children.

On the web, Rollin's work is at www. rollinmcgrail.com or she can be reached at her studio 561-795-9525.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Lehel Coach Builders Makes Thanksgiving a Special Day for Equine Motorcoach


Tom Stinnett gave the Lehel Coach the "thumbs up" sign of approval after inspecting it upon arrival on Thanksgiving Day. Carolyn is also pictured welcoming the Coach to the U.S. in Kentucky. The Coach has lived up to all of our expectations. It's a magnificent transport and this is a sneak peak at the Coach immediately after it arrived in Kentucky. Look for us at the National Horse Show in Wellington, Florida at our official debut.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Equine Motorcoach European Supplier-Manufacturer, Lehel Coach Builders, Added As Sponsor of “Dancing With The Equestrian Stars” at National Horse Show


(Wellington, FL) – Horse show spectators are accustomed to seeing top equestrians partnered with their horses as they “fly” over big jumps in competition. This year’s National Horse Show proves that these top athletes are competitive at more than just their sport.

Following the first phase of "Jumping Under the Stars" of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship and Gala on Friday evening, December 7th, professional dancers will be dancing competition style with equestrians. The equestrians will change into sequined ball gowns and costumes and will perform such ballroom dances as the fox trot, tango, and waltz for a panel of judges.

Themed “Dancing with the Equestrian Stars,” the event is sponsored by Equine Motorcoach and its European manufacturer, Lehel Coach Builders. Lehel owners, Mark and Barbara Lee, are traveling in from their home in England to attend the National Horse Show and assist with the debut of the Equine Motorcoach at the event. Equine Motorcoach is sponsoring the $125,000 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship and is owned by Tom and Carolyn Stinnett and Julie Calzone. The Motorcoach is the Official Horse Transport Vehicle for the United States Equestrian Federation.

“We worked with Lehel for over a year to bring this product to the US market,” said Tom Stinnett. “When I first approached Mark about this project, he was not only willing to meet he was enthusiastic about the product’s potential in the United States.” Mark and his wife, Barbara, traveled to Louisville, Kentucky in November 2006 to meet with the Stinnetts and Calzone.

“The first time we all sat down together, we knew we were the right team to make this happen,” said Stinnett. “Our biggest challenge was to find the right American made truck and chassis that conformed with all of the EPA, DOT and other regulations that required of transportation vehicles.” The Equine Motorcoach is built on an American engineered and manufactured Volvo chassis that offers an air-cushion ride for the human and equine passengers

Equine Motorcoach and Lehel Coach Builders combined their knowledge of the horse show industry with the most experienced craftsmen and technicians in the American and European RV and horse transport marketplace. “Equine Motorcoach continues the tradition of a family carriage-building business founded over 100 years ago on the Austrian/Hungarian border near Vienna,” said Stinnett. “Mark is an avid combined driving competitor, so he knows first-hand what horses and people need when they are on the road. He took the product to the next level. We are very pleased to have developed such an extraordinary relationship with Lehel Coach Builders.”



Equine Motorcoach was born at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 2006. Carolyn Stinnett and Julie Calzone made their second trip to the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which is held on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth's Windsor Castle. Little did they know that their shared love of England and horses would create a one of a kind product for the United States.



There the women first saw a Lehel Horse Box and thanks to Carolyn who was paying attention to the opportunity in front of them, a phone call to her husband, Tom Stinnett, started a dream that is now a reality.



The trio combined their expertise in the RV and horse industry with a high quality European product that was refined by Lehel Coach Builders in England. Tom and Carolyn own Stinnett RV, one of the nation's largest independent RV dealers, Stinnett RV in Clarksville, Indiana. Tom is the co-chair of the GoRVing national promotional campaign and sits on the Board of Directors of the RVDA, the United States' RV dealers association. He was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame this summer.

Julie Calzone owns a national advertising and public relations firm, Calzone & Associates. She competes and breeds dressage horses, hunters and jumpers. Through Calzone Sporthorse, she is marketing cutting and reining horses as well as her Dutch Warmbloods and Hanoverians.

To learn more about "Dancing With the Equestrian Stars," please contact Elizabeth Hedley at eahedley@aol.com. To become a sponsor of “Dancing with the Equestrian Stars,” contact Julie Calzone at jcalzone@calzone.com.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Dancing With the Equestrian Stars!


Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Dancing With the Equestrian Stars After Party event that follows Jumping Under the Stars, phase one of the ROLEX/USEF Show Jumping Finals presented by Equine Motorcoach at the National Horse Show in Wellington, Florida, December 5-9, 2007.

The National Horse Show has offered banners in the arena, promotional distribution, invitations to parties and tickets to the show and the event. Dancing with The Equestrian Stars will feature Grand Prix riders in a ballroom competition. Equine Motorcoach has already signed up as a sponsor for the event. The Equine Motorcoach European manufacturer, Lehel Coach Builders, has already joined as a sponsor.

For sponsorship opportunities contact Julie Calzone, (337) 235-2924 ext. 3, jcalzone@calzone.com.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Custom Italian Bedding Adorns Equine Motorcoach


(Clarksville, Ind.) – Bella Casa Linens, importers of custom bedding and linens, is dressing the Equine Motorcoach for its American debut. Bella Casa Linens owner Debra Howard’s daughter competes and rides horses with Coach principal, Julie Calzone. Howard is a top interior designer and represents some of the finest bedding and linen manufacturers from Europe.

“I’ve watched Julie and her partners, Tom and Carolyn Stinnett, bring this beautiful horse transport and motorcoach to fruition for America,” said Howard. “I knew that I could add the final touches to the interior with the fine, high-quality European designers I work with in my business. When I presented my ideas to them, they were enthusiastically received. I am honored that they chose my company to outfit this first Coach.”

The interior coloring of the demo Equine Motorcoach is cream and black. The yacht-like interior finishes are upscale and unlike most American motorcoaches and RVs. The queen bed has a chocolate terrace sateen quilt and euro shams with standard 300-thread count sateen in Laguna color with chain stitch embroidery in chocolate. The Italian designer and manufacturer, N. C. Souther, furnished the bedding through Howard.

N. C. Souther Fine Linens entered the U.S. market in 1997. Its parent company Bagni Volpi Noemi is located in the rolling hills outside of Florence, and has been adorning gracious homes since 1926. Using fresh new designs combined with the traditional style, this line is produced in Italy with the utmost care, precision and eye for style. Only the finest cottons and linens are tapped and all items are cut to each order placed. Because of this, Equine Motorcoach, through Howard can customize the product to the customer’s needs.

While the line can have a more contemporary feel, the embroidery has become a key ingredient in the structure of the design. These embroideries are hand guided by machine, a Tuscan tradition. Customers can choose from more traditional embroidery to a bolder style, select the color of their choice and apply it to any of the solid fabrics we have available.

Howard chose a Bella silk aqua throw by Fino Lino on the second bed to accompany N.C. Souther. She brought the color of aqua to the ivory quilted bed to carry that color throughout the Coach. The second bed has a coverlet and euro shams in Avorio Cortina Design Euros by N. C. Souther. Two silk aqua euros by Fino Lino with the Lerici pattern complete the bed.

As presenting sponsor of the 2007 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship CSI*** in Wellington, Florida, Equine Motorcoach developers plan to debut the American version of the popular European rig December 5-9 at the National Horse show as part of their official horse transport vehicle status with the United States Equestrian Federation.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Equine Motorcoach RV

The United States first ever Equine Motorcoach RV will be here by the end of November. I will taking reservations for viewing. Please call me to set up your private viewing. Dan Dunlop 1-800-583-5685

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Equine Motorcoach On-Site Show Schedule Announced



(Clarksville, Indiana) – Equine Motorcoach owners released an initial schedule of where consumers at top horse shows in the United States can see the all-in-one motorized RV and horse transport.

As presenting sponsor of the 2007 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship CSI*** in Wellington, Florida, Equine Motorcoach developers plan to debut the American version of the popular European rig December 5-9 at the National Horse show as part of their official horse transport company status with the United States Equestrian Federation. American manufacturers worked with Volvo Trucks of North America to produce an EPA, DOT and road worthy truck and chassis for the Equine Motorcoach. All of the electronics and appliances are U.S. products that make the transport user-friendly for stateside customers.

“Between the Coach and everything we have planned for the debut, you won’t be able to miss us,” said Julie Calzone, one of the Equine Motorcoach principals. “The National Horse Show staff and USEF are just terrific to work with it and are so creative with their ideas for us. Let’s just say the ‘stars’ will be out!”

The Equine Motorcoach is also set to exhibit at these upcoming events with more to be announced in the near future.

• March 2008 U.S. Show Jumping Olympic Selection Trials, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• June 2008 Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship, Lexington, Kentucky

• November 2008 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship CSI***, Wellington, Florida

About Equine Motorcoach
Equine Motorcoach, www.equinemotorcoach.com, is a new horse transport vehicle, which offers the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship, luxury fittings and the most modern vehicle technology. Equine Motorcoach combines the comfort and amenities of a top-of-the line RV with accommodations for horse transport and tack and supplies storage. Equine Motorcoach is the only motorized ground vehicle available in the United States that combines a recreation vehicle and horse trailer into one unit. There is nothing else like it in North America. Horses and their owners will travel and live in style. Equine Motorcoach is the Official Horse Transport Company of the United States Equestrian
Federation, (www.usef.org).

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Training Day at Stinnett RV.


Equine Motorcoach owners Tom and Carolyn Stinnett and Julie Calzone organized a team training day at Stinnett RV with the dealerships sales team. The owners were joined by Scott Carling and Stacey Meier from the United States Equestrian Federation. Aaron Fruits conducted a workshop on the Volvo VNL truck that was engineered for Equine Motorcoach.

"It was quite a day," said Tom Stinnett. "The Stinnett RV team understood the value and the opportunity that this product provides for the RV and equestrian market. Their enthusiasm for the Equine Motorcoach and horse market was exciting for us to experience."

The volume of sales inquiries is what inspired the training day. "It's a whole new market for our team and they are a great representatives for this Coach."

Sunday, September 30, 2007

RVDA Convention

The RVDA annual conference was held last week in Las Vegas. Equine Motorcoach Principals Tom & Carolyn Stinnett and Julie Calzone, made the rounds at sessions and high-level meetings throughout the week. Tom Stinnett is a member of the Board of Directors for RVDA and helps shape this national industry.

The Equine Motorcoach was well-received and businesses gave it an overall "thumbs-up."

"It's so amazing to see the reaction to the one and only all-in one motorized RV and horse transport," said Julie Calzone. "Our vision takes shape in the eyes of those who know how it will revolutionize taking horses and people on the road."

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Equine Motorcoach Joins as "The Official Horse Transport Vehicle of the USEF"

USEF NEWS
4047 IRON WORKS PARKWAY, LEXINGTON, KY 40511-8483 : (859) 258-2472 : (859) 231-6662 FAX
UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION(r)
WWW.USEF.ORG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Equine Motorcoach Joins as "The Official Horse Transport Vehicle of the USEF"

By Stacey Meier

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces a new partnership with Equine Motorcoach(tm), who has recently developed the most modern vehicle in equine transportation, to become "The Official Horse Transport Vehicle of the USEF." As part of the partnership, Equine Motorcoach is the presenting sponsor of the 2007 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship CSI***, the 2008 Adequan(r)/USEF Open Reining National Championship and the 2008 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship CSI***.

"There is no other vehicle available that offers the innovation of an Equine Motorcoach," said USEF's Chief Operating Officer John Long. "Equine Motorcoach will have a significant impact on the lives of equestrians by making it more comfortable and convenient to travel to horse shows. In addition, every time a USEF member purchases an Equine Motorcoach, a portion of the sale helps to financially support USEF programs."

The Equine Motorcoach is the only vehicle available in the U.S. that combines a recreational vehicle and horse trailer into one unit. The new Equine Motorcoach combines the comfort and amenities of a top-of-the-line RV with accommodations for horse transportation, including room for tack and other supplies.

Founded by co-owners Tom and Carolyn Stinnett and Julie Calzone, Equine Motorcoach caters to very active horse show participants while supporting equestrian efforts nationally and internationally.

Every Equine Motorcoach is built to the customer's specifications including exterior finishes and interior amenities. The final stage of the custom production of the Equine Motorcoach is completed in Europe, where these types of vehicles have been around for over a decade. Volvo Trucks of North America is producing the truck chassis for the Equine Motorcoach. Coaches are available in 3, 4-6 and 7-9 horse configurations.

"We did our homework," said Tom Stinnett. "Americans love to go RVing and more people are staying on the horse show grounds so that they can take better care of their horses on the road. Now they can combine the two passions."

To learn more about Equine Motorcoach, please visit their website at www.equinemotorcoach.com.

ENDS

ONE WITH THE HORSE.

The vision of United States Equestrian Federation(r) is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America by promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games. This is based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of horses. Embracing this vision, the USEF strives to be the best national equestrian federation in the world.


UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION, INC.
THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY FOR EQUESTRIAN SPORT

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Volvo Truck Chassis Offers Comfort, Style, Reliability and Power for Equine Motorcoach




(Louisville, Ky.) - Volvo Trucks of North America delivered its first truck chassis to Equine Motorcoach manufacturers this week. The Equine Motorcoach is the only motorized ground vehicle available in the United States that combines a recreation vehicle and horse trailer into one unit. The final stage of the custom production of the Equine Motorcoach is completed in Europe, where these types of vehicles have been around for over a decade. This first Equine Motorcoach to arrive in the United States later this year will accommodate six horses in the horse transport area.

"In addition to its exceptional ride and luxurious cab, the Volvo VNL Daycab chosen for the Equine Motorcoach is the most maneuverable truck in its class," said Aaron Fruits, Volvo Trucks of North America. The panoramic, one-piece windshield gives the driver more than 2,000 square inches of viewing area, so drivers see more of the road and more of the Equine Motorcoach. "Every feature and detail is driver friendly, to make life easier especially when transporting horses," said Fruits.

A design that's easy on the eye. And on fuel bills.

Thanks to the VNL Daycab's aerodynamic design, Equine Motorcoach owners will enjoy the lowest drag coefficient of any truck on the road. Everything from the heavily sloped hood to the wedge-shaped headlights has been sculpted and streamlined to cut effortlessly through the air. Less drag means better fuel economy.

More comfort in the cab. Better handling on the road. Smoother ride for the horses.

Volvo chassis vehicles equipped with an air ride suspension absorb the variations in road conditions with air spring and the assistance of a Z-shaped leaf spring. The air suspension provides a smooth ride whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. It also reduces wear on tires and chassis. This translates to a smoother ride for equine passengers.

For a driver, this is the ultimate environment.

The VNL Daycab works hard to keep the driver comfortable. There's extra room between the seats, and plenty of storage space on the back wall and overhead. Superior insulation and soundproofing keeps the cab as quiet as many passenger cars, for better concentration and less fatigue while driving. On the dash, a centrally-positioned screen displays all key diagnostic information. Controls are within easy reach, with optional switches for lights and audio located on the steering wheel. And a handy cup holder is integrated into the molded engine cover.

Turn circles around other trucks.

Equine Motorcoach drivers won't have to worry about maneuvering through crowded spaces, which are common at horse shows. The set-back axle and up to 50ยบ wheel cut deliver a turning radius that's one of the tightest in the industry. And with Volvo's responsive steering, this truck handles as easily on the highway as it does in city traffic and at the horse show.

Overview

Designed for Stop and Start Driving
Excellent Handling and Maneuverability
Outstanding Visibility
Weight-Conscious and Cost Efficient
Aerodynamic Hood for Fuel Economy
Volvo D13 Engine Standard
Easy-to-Service Volvo Diesel Particulate Filter
Engineered for Performance, Designed for Safety
Ride and Handling

Quiet, Smooth Ride
Cab Air Suspension
Ergonomic Seats
I-Shift Intelligent Transmission
Up to 50° Wheel Cut for Tight Turning Radius and Excellent Maneuverability
Highly Responsive Steering
2,000 Square Inch Windshield for Superb Visibility
Frame-Mounted Hood Minimizes Vibration
Chrome Headlight Assembly with Projection Headlights Improves Right Shoulder Night Time Visibility
Driver Comfort

Adjustable Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Comfort Grip Steering Wheel
Ergonomic Dash with Tactile Switches
Solar-Managed Windshield
Insulated Cab Minimizes Noise
High-Performance Climate Control System
Double-Sealed Doors Keep Out Noise and Dirt
Cab Air Filter
Driver Protection

Only Manufacturer that Meets or Exceeds Standards of Swedish Impact Test
Interior Hood Release on Steering Column for Security
Volvo Link Sentry Standard
Self-Cleaning, Anti-Slip Steps
Interior Grab Handles Stay Warm and Dry, Designed for Safe 3-Point Entry/Exit
Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST) with ABS and Stability Control Standard
Overlapping Sun Visors Reduce Glare
Projection-Beam Headlights
Daytime Running Lights
Driver-Side Air Bag Standard
Energy-Absorbing Steering Column
Engine and Transmission Designed to Drop Under Cab in Major Frontal Impact
Door Hinges Designed to Stay Closed in Collision and Open Afterwards
Durability

High-Strength-Steel Cab
Welded, Galvanized Construction
Automotive-Finish Factory Paint
3-Piece Steel Chrome Bumper
Heat-Treated Frame Rail Rated at 120,000 psi
Serviceability

Hood Opens 60° for Full Access to Engine and Components
Gas Shocks Assist in Hood Opening and Closing
Roped-In Windshield Easily Replaced
Halogen Headlights Replaceable with No Tools
Ground Access to Service and Check Points on Cool Side of Engine

For more information go to: www.equinemotorcoach.com . For more information the Volvo chassis and truck go to the Equine Motorcoach website. To read the release online go to www.equinemotorcoach.com/chassisnews.html .

About Equine Motorcoach


Equine Motorcoach, www.equinemotorcoach.com , is a new horse transport vehicle, which offers the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship, luxury fittings and the most modern vehicle technology. Equine Motorcoach combines the comfort and amenities of a top-of-the line RV with accommodations for horse transport and tack and supplies storage. Equine Motorcoach is the only motorized ground vehicle available in the United States that combines a recreation vehicle and horse trailer into one unit. There is nothing else like it in North America. Horses and their owners will travel and live in style.