About Us!
Where The Journey Started
H.M. Equine Transportation & services was founded in September 2020. We Started off transporting horses within our local area in the Scottish Highlands. Our First vehicle being our trusty old pick up and Ifor Williams Trailer. It Soon became apparent that there was a need for longer distance transport as well as a local service, and in November 2020 we expanded, adding a 3.5 tonne Lorry to the fleet.
The Following Years
2021 saw us retire our pick up and trailer from the business entirely, allowing us to focus on the lorry and providing a bespoke service. The inside of the lorry was also completely renovated during that year and we continued to grow the business. During 2022 & 2023, we continued to deliver our best service. we upgraded our camera system in 2023 to recording cameras, that allow us to provide you with video updates of your horses travelling. Sadly, we lost Hollows Mist, the inspiration behind the business, in September 2023.
We launched our podcast Banter On The Box in late 2024 announcing some changes to the business. These included; A new lorry in 2025 meaning we will have 2 on the road, and the change in business name. H.M. Equine Transportation and Services is now Highland Equine Transportation & Services. We decided to do this due to losing Smurf (Hollows Mist) however his lorry will remain in the original colours, and a tribute to him added to the box.
The Inspiration Behind It All
Hollows Mist
The name behind H.M.Equine Transportation & Services belongs to our beloved ex racehorse Hollows Mist (Smurf).
He was owned by Samantha for 14.5 years since his retirement from racing in 2009. He sadly passed away at the grand age of 25 in September 2023.
Since his retirement, Hollows Mist (stable Name Smurf) enjoyed a varied ridden career including eventing, dressage and side saddle.
He had a huge personality and huge heart. He was loved by everyone who ever met him. He could be cheeky to catch and loved Creme Eggs!
Smurf holds a huge part of our hearts. He inspired us and the business.
After he passed, we felt that he should be remembered as he was, and that he could finally rest in peace. this is why we decided to change the business name to Highland Equine Transportation & Services going forwards.
Smurf will always be the heart of the business.
A Family Business
Stephen & Samantha Murray
Stephen and Samantha Murray, are the faces behind the business. Both originally from Cumbria, they moved to Inverness separately, with Samantha moving in March of 2018 and Stephen following in July of 2019. The pair married on Samanthas 29th birthday in October 2019.
The couple have years of experience between them, both with a background in professional driving.
Stephen holds his full category D (bus &coach) licence, along with professional drivers CPC and digital tachograph. He has had a long and successful driving career spanning over 22 years transporting passengers all over the UK & Europe.
Samantha also holds her category D licence, professional drivers CPC and digital tachograph, and has driven coaches across the UK & Europe for 8 years. In March 2018 Samantha obtained her category C+E (HGV Class 1) licence.
Stephen grew up in the Scottish Borders, taking part in the local common ridings every year on a hired horse. Although he hasn't owned his own horse until recent years, he was part of the local riding school pony club, and participated in all the activities there.
Samantha has worked in a few professional yards ranging from a riding school & dealers yard to racing yards. She has extensive knowledge and experience with horses and even qualified in Equine Sports Massage Therapy in 2019 to further her knowledge and understanding of equine anatomy.
Samantha has also spent many years successfully competing her own horses in eventing, dressage, showing and sidesaddle. Breaking and schooling horses for clients is also something Samantha has had experience in alongside her work and own horses.
The Lorry Puppy!
Willow
The latest addition to the Murray clan, Willow joined us in May 2021. She is a Border Collie who loves days out in the lorry with us and chewing the seatbelt!
She is great company for us on the road and she loves saying hello to everyone. You can be sure that wherever the lorry is, Willow isn't far away!