ADVICE ???? moving young horse

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tryingnotogiveup

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In a fortnights time I will be moving my boy to a yard closer to home. The journey is only 20 minutes at most, however he's very easily spooked and panics. I brought him roughly the same distance to where he is now and after a quick 5 minute stress when first in the box he travelled fine. however when he went in without a hitch I could see the shock on his old owners face. now after having him for a year I understand why... he has a tendency to freak at anything new (or old actually) hes only ever been loaded half a dozen times in his life id guess to top it off hes feeling his spring feet to say the least at the moment when I bought him was also the first time I have ever transported a horse myself aswell so im not exactly experienced myself either. just wanted some trade tips really for loading, tie him not tie him , what to get him wearing etc
 
I would firstly try and desensitise him with loading as much as possible. Try loading him every morning and every night for the first few days/week. Once he is settled with that, try taking him on short trips every night to get him used to the movement and noises; each time make the trip a couple of minutes longer and by the time is comes to move, he should be ok with it.

If you feel he's particularly high spirited, I'd lunge or exercise him prior to loading.

If he is not happy with travelling at all, I would try and oral calmer or mild sedative.

For what to wear - Some horses do not like the feel of travel boots as they can be quite restricting. I'd either bandage him or put overreach boots on all 4's and a full set of schooling wraps or boots.

I'd also recommend tying him up.

Good luck!
 
Young horse I would not boot but would tie up - and then treat the horse like what it is - a horse. Expect him to load be confident about it and take your time... The more fuss you make the more the horse thinks there is an issue they take their cues from you.
 
Use a full breast bar just in case you do have to brake suddenly. I would tie him up but travel without a partition if you can?
 
I always travel my youngsters with an older horse, any chance you can do this?

I agree with the practicing, the more you can do the better.
 
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