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Trailer
Oct 25, 2010 14:15:24 GMT 1
Post by sassy32 on Oct 25, 2010 14:15:24 GMT 1
Hi - just looking for some inspiration. My horse has loaded without much trouble on the trailer and we have been out on some great hacks, i went to load her yesterday and she wouldn't go on. I placed the trailer in the same place as always, used duly head collar, lead rops, treats but nothing seemed to help. The only way i managed to get her on was to open the whole trailer up and park it so that the only way she could get to her field was via the trailer - i have gone over everything in my head as to what was different but cant think of anything. Does anyone have any tips or help regarding this. Thanks
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Trailer
Oct 25, 2010 16:31:27 GMT 1
Post by Mellymoo on Oct 25, 2010 16:31:27 GMT 1
Perhaps she had a bad time last time she was in it? It would be worth doing some practise with her - loading and unloading, not going anywhere. Can you put her feed in there so she associates it with good things? We put my trailer out in the field sometimes, so the horses can go on and off it on their own - the babies learn about it with no pressure, and we can make it fun for them.
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Trailer
Oct 25, 2010 21:50:14 GMT 1
Post by sassy32 on Oct 25, 2010 21:50:14 GMT 1
Hi Melly thanks for your response the last time we went on it we went to the beach and she really enjoyed it and thankfully she hasn't had any bad experience she is usually quite relaxed. I decided much to my friends annoyance that I wouldnt rush putting her on the trailer and told her to go on without me as I don't ever believe in pushing a horse -I just feel like I am missing something. I put the trailer in the position that the only way she could get into her field was through the trailer and fed her on it - I will go back to basics as that's the best thing to do I just wish I could understand what caused her to not want to load yesterday as its quite frustrating not being able to see the link but thanks.
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Trailer
Oct 26, 2010 12:59:45 GMT 1
Post by annabelle h on Oct 26, 2010 12:59:45 GMT 1
Good for you for listening to your horse.
Also for racking your brains to see if you can figure out what changed for her. This is definitely worth doing although you may not be able to find a reason - there was a study a while ago that showed a travelling horse's heart rate increased most when tree branches knock the trailer roof, it's the kind of thing that may affect the horse but we are not aware of.
Also check her out physically, if she pulled something/put something out that makes it uncomfortable to balance in the trailer, that would be a good reason for her not to want to load. They use a lot of muscles to balance on a moving trailer. Check the trailer too, especially the floor.
Apart from that, back to basics is the best way to build her confidence, whatever happened (once pain issues etc dealt with). Good luck and well done for doing it your way.
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Trailer
Nov 25, 2010 20:12:00 GMT 1
Post by sassy32 on Nov 25, 2010 20:12:00 GMT 1
Well we are finally loading and off travelling again....all it took was a little patients lol
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Trailer
Nov 25, 2010 23:21:09 GMT 1
Post by annabelle h on Nov 25, 2010 23:21:09 GMT 1
Great! Well done.
A x
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amber
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 1,661
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Trailer
Nov 26, 2010 10:57:24 GMT 1
Post by amber on Nov 26, 2010 10:57:24 GMT 1
Just a thought,.. but i wonder if the 'daylight hours' has anything to do with it?? Have you a light inside the trailer? I only ask as at this time of the year with us having less and less daylight hours,.. do you think perhaps the trailer looked a little dark inside?? Just trying to think of what it may have been to put her off going in, as you've said your horse has never been bad loader until just recently... these things are sent to try us aren't they now!!
Amber xx
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Trailer
Dec 13, 2010 19:38:39 GMT 1
Post by outoftheblue on Dec 13, 2010 19:38:39 GMT 1
Its a weird thing how horses who usually load suddenly dont. We took our young horse just a short journey up to the local riding club (something he ahs done lots of times before) and he really did not want to go in and travel back. However, next time, he went straight in again. If only we knew what they are thinking!
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