Behind the Build: How an STX Horsetruck Comes to Life
When you see a finished STX Horsetruck, you see the result of countless hours of work. The distinctive exterior, carefully designed horse area, comfortable living space and details that make life on the road easier. But what you don’t see is everything that happens before it reaches the road. Behind every STX is a journey of its own. One that begins with an idea, takes shape through engineering and design, and comes to life in our production facilities. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes.
Born from a passion for horses
The story of Stephex Horsetrucks begins in the equestrian world. As an experienced horseman and the founder of Stephex Group, Stephan Conter understood the demands of transporting horses long before Stephex began manufacturing its own vehicles.
Through years of involvement in breeding, training and international competition, the need for reliable, practical and comfortable horse transport became increasingly clear. Stephex decided to take a different approach: developing and building its own horsetrucks. That decision became the foundation of Stephex Horsetrucks as we know it today.
Inside our factory
Since 2005, the production of our large horsetrucks has taken place at our own manufacturing facilities. Here, specialised teams bring together technical expertise, engineering and craftsmanship to transform a truck chassis into a complete equestrian transport vehicle. It is a process that involves far more than assembling individual components. Every vehicle brings together different disciplines, from structural construction and technical installations to interior finishing and the development of practical spaces for horses and riders.
Much of this work is carried out by hand, with experienced employees contributing their skills throughout the production process. Over the years, this combination of knowledge, experience and dedicated production has helped Stephex grow into an internationally recognised name in equestrian transport. With more than 7,000 vehicles built across the Stephex Horsetrucks range, our expertise is the result of years of developing, refining and improving the way we build.
Take a Look Behind the Scenes
Want to see how an STX Horsetruck comes to life? Step inside our production facilities and discover the people, craftsmanship and expertise behind our vehicles. From the first stages of construction to the finishing touches, get a closer look at the work that goes into building an STX.
Step 1. Every great build starts with a plan
Before production begins, the first step is understanding what the vehicle needs to achieve. How many horses will it transport? How much space is needed for equipment? Will the vehicle be used primarily for day competitions or extended international tours? What kind of living space would make travelling more comfortable? These are the questions that shape the design.
Within the Stephex Group, our sales, design and engineering teams work together to translate practical requirements into technical solutions. Using detailed 3D designs and development models, different configurations can be explored and refined before moving into production. The goal is to find the right balance between functionality, comfort, design and the technical possibilities of the vehicle. Because a well-designed horsetruck should feel intuitive to use, whether you’re preparing horses for a competition, organising equipment or settling in after a long day.
Step 2. Building on a strong foundation
For our horsetrucks, the construction process begins with a truck chassis supplied by an established commercial vehicle manufacturer. These chassis provide the mechanical foundation on which the specialised horsetruck body is developed.
From there, our production teams begin the transformation into a purpose-built equestrian vehicle. This is where a conventional commercial vehicle starts becoming something entirely different. The body structure, horse compartment, storage solutions and living areas all need to be brought together into one coherent design. The relationship between these spaces is particularly important. A horsetruck must accommodate the specific requirements of transporting horses while providing practical working and travelling areas for the people accompanying them. Every design decision contributes to how the finished vehicle will be used.
Step 3. Creating a space designed for horses
At the heart of every STX Horsetruck is its purpose: transporting horses. The horse compartment is therefore one of the most important elements of the entire build. Its layout must consider the number of horses, available space, access, ventilation, lighting and the practical requirements of loading and travelling.
Depending on the selected model and configuration, different partition arrangements and equipment options allow the horse area to be adapted to specific needs. But good design is about more than the individual features. It is also about how everything works together.
How easily can a horse enter and leave the vehicle? How accessible is the equipment? How can the available space be organised efficiently? These are the kinds of practical questions that influence the development of our horsetrucks. Our experience within the equestrian world plays an important role here. We understand that every journey involves more than driving from one destination to another. It involves preparing, loading, travelling, unloading and caring for horses throughout the day. The vehicle needs to support that entire experience.
Step 4. Where functionality meets craftsmanship
Once the main structure and technical elements begin taking shape, the focus also turns to the details that define the experience of travelling in an STX. This is where craftsmanship becomes particularly visible. Storage compartments, doors, interior panels, surfaces, fittings and finishing materials all contribute to the character and functionality of the finished vehicle. In larger horsetrucks, the living area adds another dimension to the design. A comfortable place to relax, prepare meals, store personal belongings or spend time between competitions can make a significant difference during longer journeys.
Depending on the vehicle and selected configuration, these spaces can include seating areas, sleeping accommodation, kitchen facilities and bathrooms. The challenge is to bring these elements together without losing sight of the vehicle’s primary purpose. Every centimetre matters. And behind a seemingly simple detail, there is often a great deal of thought about how that feature will be used in everyday life.
Step 5. The finishing touches
As the vehicle approaches completion, attention turns to the details that bring the entire design together. Exterior finishes, interior materials, lighting, fittings and the final presentation all contribute to the recognisable STX identity. The result should feel consistent from the outside to the inside. This attention to detail is part of what makes the production process so interesting to discover.
A finished interior may look effortless, but behind it are numerous individual components, technical decisions and hours of skilled work. Throughout production, quality checks form part of the process to ensure the finished vehicle meets the required standards. It is this combination of technical expertise and careful finishing that transforms the original design into a complete horsetruck.
The people behind every STX
Behind every finished STX is a team of designers, engineers, technicians and craftspeople, each contributing their expertise at different stages. Some focus on technical construction. Others specialise in interior work, assembly or finishing. Together, their work creates the final result. And while the vehicles themselves often take centre stage, we believe the knowledge and dedication behind them deserve just as much attention. That is why we want to share more of what happens behind the scenes: the production stages, the small details, the expertise and the people who make it all possible.
From our factory to roads around the world
Today, STX Horsetrucks can be found travelling to stables, training facilities and competitions across Europe and beyond. From compact 2 Horse models to large horsetrucks with extensive living facilities, our range reflects the different ways people live and work with horses. What connects them is the experience behind their development. Years of learning from the equestrian world, translating those insights into design and bringing them to life through specialised production. Because a finished STX Horsetruck represents much more than its exterior. It represents the people, knowledge and craftsmanship that brought it to life.
Built with purpose. Made for the journey.
Discover the world of STX
Curious to discover more?
Explore our range of STX Horsetrucks, discover the different models and configurations, or get in touch with our team to discuss the possibilities for your next vehicle.
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