CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
Any advice, or what did you do to help get your horse to load? Getting very frustrated now...
For those of you with problem loaders...
- Thread starter CastleMouse
- Start date
VictoriaEDT
Well-Known Member
I had a really bad loader and I cracked it a few years ago and now he walks in no probs at all.
The worst thing you can do is to try to over dominate the situation. Get yourself a monty roberts dually halter and learn join up with your GG (im assuming its the new one and not castle!) This way he feels confident and trusting to go wherever you do.
When approaching the ramp, do so in a straight line and dont give him eye contact. If he puts a foot on the ramp - reward him by taking him off the ramp. (sounds odd but it works!) Then try again calmly and if he goes half way up the ramp and stays there; again take him off the ramp to reward him. Keep doing this and he will go on but the first time he goes on you have to reward him by taking him off. The worst thing you can do is to get him on and them rushingly close the partition on him - he needs to trust you. Give it 4-5 times of fully loading and taking him off before you close the partition. Then take it a step further by closing the partition, leave him for a couple mins and take him off. Do the same with closing the ramp. Then short rides in the lorry or trailer.
Believe me my horse was impossibly dangerous when loading and now he walks on as if he is going into a stable. I tried everything from brroms up the bum, 2 lunge ropes, lunge whip; it just does not work with all horses as you will never out strength your horse!
The worst thing you can do is to try to over dominate the situation. Get yourself a monty roberts dually halter and learn join up with your GG (im assuming its the new one and not castle!) This way he feels confident and trusting to go wherever you do.
When approaching the ramp, do so in a straight line and dont give him eye contact. If he puts a foot on the ramp - reward him by taking him off the ramp. (sounds odd but it works!) Then try again calmly and if he goes half way up the ramp and stays there; again take him off the ramp to reward him. Keep doing this and he will go on but the first time he goes on you have to reward him by taking him off. The worst thing you can do is to get him on and them rushingly close the partition on him - he needs to trust you. Give it 4-5 times of fully loading and taking him off before you close the partition. Then take it a step further by closing the partition, leave him for a couple mins and take him off. Do the same with closing the ramp. Then short rides in the lorry or trailer.
Believe me my horse was impossibly dangerous when loading and now he walks on as if he is going into a stable. I tried everything from brroms up the bum, 2 lunge ropes, lunge whip; it just does not work with all horses as you will never out strength your horse!
dieseldog
Well-Known Member
Fed him in the lorry every night, and he used to then walk in quite happily. But then he got smart and worked out if he had his boots on when he was getting fed he was going somewhere. But I got smarter and used to put his boots on once he was loaded.
shellonabeach
Well-Known Member
For me it was practise practise practise. Little and often, I loaded mine in once a day for a few weeks, once he went in he had something nice to eat and was taken straight out again. Initially I just had him walk straight through and off the front ramp.
I also think the type of vehicle you are loading into makes a difference. Does your trailer have a front ramp? Reading your previous post you said he backed out, with a problem loader having a front ramp def makes a difference. Mine still won't go in if the front ramp is up. He also prefers his trailer without partitions to getting in my friends IW with them.
Lastly know your enemy! My boy will do anything for grass, if he won't go on for a bucket of mix or carrot I put some long grass in the bucket and he soon gives in to temptation. If you try to force mine in with pulling, lunge lines, broom etc then it will become a major and very upsetting battle. A friends horse gets tired after long days and then refuses to pick up his feet onto the ramp to load, the only way to move him is a lunge line under his heels (around his bum has no effect as he's too big and strong!) he's just stubborn and lazy and does not get upset at this.
I know it's frustrating a couple of times it has taken over an hour to load the above horses. It's hard not to lose your temper with them I know - and in these situations I tend to walk away and let my friend load him and vice versa.
Good luck!
I also think the type of vehicle you are loading into makes a difference. Does your trailer have a front ramp? Reading your previous post you said he backed out, with a problem loader having a front ramp def makes a difference. Mine still won't go in if the front ramp is up. He also prefers his trailer without partitions to getting in my friends IW with them.
Lastly know your enemy! My boy will do anything for grass, if he won't go on for a bucket of mix or carrot I put some long grass in the bucket and he soon gives in to temptation. If you try to force mine in with pulling, lunge lines, broom etc then it will become a major and very upsetting battle. A friends horse gets tired after long days and then refuses to pick up his feet onto the ramp to load, the only way to move him is a lunge line under his heels (around his bum has no effect as he's too big and strong!) he's just stubborn and lazy and does not get upset at this.
I know it's frustrating a couple of times it has taken over an hour to load the above horses. It's hard not to lose your temper with them I know - and in these situations I tend to walk away and let my friend load him and vice versa.
Good luck!
CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I had a really bad loader and I cracked it a few years ago and now he walks in no probs at all.
The worst thing you can do is to try to over dominate the situation. Get yourself a monty roberts dually halter and learn join up with your GG (im assuming its the new one and not castle!) This way he feels confident and trusting to go wherever you do.
When approaching the ramp, do so in a straight line and dont give him eye contact. If he puts a foot on the ramp - reward him by taking him off the ramp. (sounds odd but it works!) Then try again calmly and if he goes half way up the ramp and stays there; again take him off the ramp to reward him. Keep doing this and he will go on but the first time he goes on you have to reward him by taking him off. The worst thing you can do is to get him on and them rushingly close the partition on him - he needs to trust you. Give it 4-5 times of fully loading and taking him off before you close the partition. Then take it a step further by closing the partition, leave him for a couple mins and take him off. Do the same with closing the ramp. Then short rides in the lorry or trailer.
Believe me my horse was impossibly dangerous when loading and now he walks on as if he is going into a stable. I tried everything from brroms up the bum, 2 lunge ropes, lunge whip; it just does not work with all horses as you will never out strength your horse!
[/ QUOTE ]
That sounds quite promising, thanks for that
I had a really bad loader and I cracked it a few years ago and now he walks in no probs at all.
The worst thing you can do is to try to over dominate the situation. Get yourself a monty roberts dually halter and learn join up with your GG (im assuming its the new one and not castle!) This way he feels confident and trusting to go wherever you do.
When approaching the ramp, do so in a straight line and dont give him eye contact. If he puts a foot on the ramp - reward him by taking him off the ramp. (sounds odd but it works!) Then try again calmly and if he goes half way up the ramp and stays there; again take him off the ramp to reward him. Keep doing this and he will go on but the first time he goes on you have to reward him by taking him off. The worst thing you can do is to get him on and them rushingly close the partition on him - he needs to trust you. Give it 4-5 times of fully loading and taking him off before you close the partition. Then take it a step further by closing the partition, leave him for a couple mins and take him off. Do the same with closing the ramp. Then short rides in the lorry or trailer.
Believe me my horse was impossibly dangerous when loading and now he walks on as if he is going into a stable. I tried everything from brroms up the bum, 2 lunge ropes, lunge whip; it just does not work with all horses as you will never out strength your horse!
[/ QUOTE ]
That sounds quite promising, thanks for that
CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Fed him in the lorry every night, and he used to then walk in quite happily. But then he got smart and worked out if he had his boots on when he was getting fed he was going somewhere. But I got smarter and used to put his boots on once he was loaded.
[/ QUOTE ]
PMSL, it's inconveniant to bring the trailer to the yard every night though, and we can't leave it there for a few nights either
Fed him in the lorry every night, and he used to then walk in quite happily. But then he got smart and worked out if he had his boots on when he was getting fed he was going somewhere. But I got smarter and used to put his boots on once he was loaded.
[/ QUOTE ]
PMSL, it's inconveniant to bring the trailer to the yard every night though, and we can't leave it there for a few nights either
dozzie
Well-Known Member
You could try my method.
Put a bridle on horse. Thread a lungeline through the bit and then take it round the horses bum, under tail then bring it back round to other side and thread it through the other side of the bit. Keep the lunge rein tight by pulling on both sides at the same time as if you were holding the reins. The "bottom" end should not be allowed to drop down to the hock, it needs to be about six inches from the top or the tail. Lead the horse around a few times to get used to the feel of the rein on his bum. Then take him to the ramp and lead up. If he resists pull down and forward. The lunge rein through the bit keeps the head down and the rein behind the buttocks pushes him forward. Pull on both sides gently increasing pressure if horse does not move. The first time you try the technique you may fail so you could practise on an easier one first. You have to keep the horse going forwards. Even if they step sideways insist the next step is forward.
I will try to get a photograph sorted as it is a technique Ive used a lot with difficult loaders and it has rarely failed me and once youve mastered it it generally works well. My mare is really stroppy about loading but goes straight in with minimal fuss using this method. And I can do it on my own which is a bonus.
My old gelding was always difficult and again it worked well. A few months ago I had to trailer him from the field which meant loading in the dark! He hasnt been in a trailer now for about 10 years. He was having none of it and all I had was a headcollar and tail bandage. I improvised! Tail bandage round the bum and through each side of the headcollar and hey presto, in he went! But it did take a lot of force from me!!
Put a bridle on horse. Thread a lungeline through the bit and then take it round the horses bum, under tail then bring it back round to other side and thread it through the other side of the bit. Keep the lunge rein tight by pulling on both sides at the same time as if you were holding the reins. The "bottom" end should not be allowed to drop down to the hock, it needs to be about six inches from the top or the tail. Lead the horse around a few times to get used to the feel of the rein on his bum. Then take him to the ramp and lead up. If he resists pull down and forward. The lunge rein through the bit keeps the head down and the rein behind the buttocks pushes him forward. Pull on both sides gently increasing pressure if horse does not move. The first time you try the technique you may fail so you could practise on an easier one first. You have to keep the horse going forwards. Even if they step sideways insist the next step is forward.
I will try to get a photograph sorted as it is a technique Ive used a lot with difficult loaders and it has rarely failed me and once youve mastered it it generally works well. My mare is really stroppy about loading but goes straight in with minimal fuss using this method. And I can do it on my own which is a bonus.
My old gelding was always difficult and again it worked well. A few months ago I had to trailer him from the field which meant loading in the dark! He hasnt been in a trailer now for about 10 years. He was having none of it and all I had was a headcollar and tail bandage. I improvised! Tail bandage round the bum and through each side of the headcollar and hey presto, in he went! But it did take a lot of force from me!!
_daisy_
Well-Known Member
My young mare was a bit like Ali. She would load (eventually) but as soon as she was in the trailer she would bolt out (we have an Equitrek so much easier for her to get out very fast!) I ended up getting a NH trainer to come out and help. She was loading her wihtout problems in 30 mins and my mare has no problems with loading now. Best money we ever spent.
I tried the bribery part of feeding her, lunge lines, bridle, you name it and it didnt work.
I tried the bribery part of feeding her, lunge lines, bridle, you name it and it didnt work.
RunToEarth
Well-Known Member
We had a big accident a few years ago and the short of it was that one of the hunters had to be PTS in the box after breaking 3legs and bertha being at the other side of him had to stand there through it all. You can imagine the damage it does to a horse mentally and obviously being far from home we needed to get her out of one box and into another. I find it easier for the horses to go into lorries as opposed to trailers as they are lighter, but the ramps steeper. The trick is to stay at their head, or at least it was with her, a lot of horses get more stressed with lunge lines up their bottoms and a lot of people tapping them and ushing from behind.
Jemayni
Well-Known Member
My pony used to be terrible to load, but we did have an advantage as we knew the source of the fear (he came over from ireland in a force 9 gale!) It was merely a case of getting him used to going in; in your reply to dieseldog you said it isnt convienient if you dont have a trailer on the yard. We didnt, but in spite of this managed to overcome the problem by having a few hours, with no pressure practicising loading, only one day a week, I feel this method can be as successful as doing as little every day. Just make sure your extremely patient do not resolve to the oh so common chasing them in with brushes or he'll never learn to trust them! Once we'd overcome the loading issue we got him used to travelling, we used to just drive him around the block at 10mph, slowly he learnt he could trust trailers. Now he is like a1 loading pony (in fact its about the only thing he can do well!)
Coffee_Bean
Well-Known Member
Get yourself a pressure halter.
archoak
Well-Known Member
Try a dually halter, our instructor gives loading lessons/help and she always uses a dually and has never failed to load even the worst loader
Chex
Well-Known Member
Keep calm and be patient (easier said than done after 2 hours of struggling I know!). I use a be-nice halter, I think that made the biggest difference and think positive. I use poles up the sides of the ramp as well. I fed him next to the ramp, on the ramp and when he finally went in he was fed in the trailer a few times a week for a few months. But don't rely on food to get them in, I made that mistake, and he wasn't interested at all when it came to getting him loaded to come home
. I just take a long run up, get him walking smartly, telling him he WILL go into this trailer. I don't have lots of people hanging around, just me and my mum (and she stands hidden until he's in). I don't even need the be-nice and the poles now, but it has taken about 5 years!
Blackhawk
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
When approaching the ramp, do so in a straight line and dont give him eye contact. If he puts a foot on the ramp - reward him by taking him off the ramp. (sounds odd but it works!) Then try again calmly and if he goes half way up the ramp and stays there; again take him off the ramp to reward him. Keep doing this and he will go on but the first time he goes on you have to reward him by taking him off. The worst thing you can do is to get him on and them rushingly close the partition on him - he needs to trust you. Give it 4-5 times of fully loading and taking him off before you close the partition. Then take it a step further by closing the partition, leave him for a couple mins and take him off. Do the same with closing the ramp. Then short rides in the lorry or trailer.
Believe me my horse was impossibly dangerous when loading and now he walks on as if he is going into a stable. I tried everything from brroms up the bum, 2 lunge ropes, lunge whip; it just does not work with all horses as you will never out strength your horse!
[/ QUOTE ]
This is exactly how I do it
When approaching the ramp, do so in a straight line and dont give him eye contact. If he puts a foot on the ramp - reward him by taking him off the ramp. (sounds odd but it works!) Then try again calmly and if he goes half way up the ramp and stays there; again take him off the ramp to reward him. Keep doing this and he will go on but the first time he goes on you have to reward him by taking him off. The worst thing you can do is to get him on and them rushingly close the partition on him - he needs to trust you. Give it 4-5 times of fully loading and taking him off before you close the partition. Then take it a step further by closing the partition, leave him for a couple mins and take him off. Do the same with closing the ramp. Then short rides in the lorry or trailer.
Believe me my horse was impossibly dangerous when loading and now he walks on as if he is going into a stable. I tried everything from brroms up the bum, 2 lunge ropes, lunge whip; it just does not work with all horses as you will never out strength your horse!
[/ QUOTE ]
This is exactly how I do it
CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
For me it was practise practise practise. Little and often, I loaded mine in once a day for a few weeks, once he went in he had something nice to eat and was taken straight out again. Initially I just had him walk straight through and off the front ramp.
I also think the type of vehicle you are loading into makes a difference. Does your trailer have a front ramp? Reading your previous post you said he backed out, with a problem loader having a front ramp def makes a difference. Mine still won't go in if the front ramp is up. He also prefers his trailer without partitions to getting in my friends IW with them.
Lastly know your enemy! My boy will do anything for grass, if he won't go on for a bucket of mix or carrot I put some long grass in the bucket and he soon gives in to temptation. If you try to force mine in with pulling, lunge lines, broom etc then it will become a major and very upsetting battle. A friends horse gets tired after long days and then refuses to pick up his feet onto the ramp to load, the only way to move him is a lunge line under his heels (around his bum has no effect as he's too big and strong!) he's just stubborn and lazy and does not get upset at this.
I know it's frustrating a couple of times it has taken over an hour to load the above horses. It's hard not to lose your temper with them I know - and in these situations I tend to walk away and let my friend load him and vice versa.
Good luck!
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for that
We have a 505, I was thinking it was perhaps down to headspace as well?? He's 16.1hh.
For me it was practise practise practise. Little and often, I loaded mine in once a day for a few weeks, once he went in he had something nice to eat and was taken straight out again. Initially I just had him walk straight through and off the front ramp.
I also think the type of vehicle you are loading into makes a difference. Does your trailer have a front ramp? Reading your previous post you said he backed out, with a problem loader having a front ramp def makes a difference. Mine still won't go in if the front ramp is up. He also prefers his trailer without partitions to getting in my friends IW with them.
Lastly know your enemy! My boy will do anything for grass, if he won't go on for a bucket of mix or carrot I put some long grass in the bucket and he soon gives in to temptation. If you try to force mine in with pulling, lunge lines, broom etc then it will become a major and very upsetting battle. A friends horse gets tired after long days and then refuses to pick up his feet onto the ramp to load, the only way to move him is a lunge line under his heels (around his bum has no effect as he's too big and strong!) he's just stubborn and lazy and does not get upset at this.
I know it's frustrating a couple of times it has taken over an hour to load the above horses. It's hard not to lose your temper with them I know - and in these situations I tend to walk away and let my friend load him and vice versa.
Good luck!
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for that
CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
You could try my method.
Put a bridle on horse. Thread a lungeline through the bit and then take it round the horses bum, under tail then bring it back round to other side and thread it through the other side of the bit. Keep the lunge rein tight by pulling on both sides at the same time as if you were holding the reins. The "bottom" end should not be allowed to drop down to the hock, it needs to be about six inches from the top or the tail. Lead the horse around a few times to get used to the feel of the rein on his bum. Then take him to the ramp and lead up. If he resists pull down and forward. The lunge rein through the bit keeps the head down and the rein behind the buttocks pushes him forward. Pull on both sides gently increasing pressure if horse does not move. The first time you try the technique you may fail so you could practise on an easier one first. You have to keep the horse going forwards. Even if they step sideways insist the next step is forward.
I will try to get a photograph sorted as it is a technique Ive used a lot with difficult loaders and it has rarely failed me and once youve mastered it it generally works well. My mare is really stroppy about loading but goes straight in with minimal fuss using this method. And I can do it on my own which is a bonus.
My old gelding was always difficult and again it worked well. A few months ago I had to trailer him from the field which meant loading in the dark! He hasnt been in a trailer now for about 10 years. He was having none of it and all I had was a headcollar and tail bandage. I improvised! Tail bandage round the bum and through each side of the headcollar and hey presto, in he went! But it did take a lot of force from me!!
[/ QUOTE ]
That method does sound like it would work, will try it out thank you
You could try my method.
Put a bridle on horse. Thread a lungeline through the bit and then take it round the horses bum, under tail then bring it back round to other side and thread it through the other side of the bit. Keep the lunge rein tight by pulling on both sides at the same time as if you were holding the reins. The "bottom" end should not be allowed to drop down to the hock, it needs to be about six inches from the top or the tail. Lead the horse around a few times to get used to the feel of the rein on his bum. Then take him to the ramp and lead up. If he resists pull down and forward. The lunge rein through the bit keeps the head down and the rein behind the buttocks pushes him forward. Pull on both sides gently increasing pressure if horse does not move. The first time you try the technique you may fail so you could practise on an easier one first. You have to keep the horse going forwards. Even if they step sideways insist the next step is forward.
I will try to get a photograph sorted as it is a technique Ive used a lot with difficult loaders and it has rarely failed me and once youve mastered it it generally works well. My mare is really stroppy about loading but goes straight in with minimal fuss using this method. And I can do it on my own which is a bonus.
My old gelding was always difficult and again it worked well. A few months ago I had to trailer him from the field which meant loading in the dark! He hasnt been in a trailer now for about 10 years. He was having none of it and all I had was a headcollar and tail bandage. I improvised! Tail bandage round the bum and through each side of the headcollar and hey presto, in he went! But it did take a lot of force from me!!
[/ QUOTE ]
That method does sound like it would work, will try it out thank you
CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
My young mare was a bit like Ali. She would load (eventually) but as soon as she was in the trailer she would bolt out (we have an Equitrek so much easier for her to get out very fast!) I ended up getting a NH trainer to come out and help. She was loading her wihtout problems in 30 mins and my mare has no problems with loading now. Best money we ever spent.
I tried the bribery part of feeding her, lunge lines, bridle, you name it and it didnt work.
[/ QUOTE ]
There is a lady near us that I know is big into Natural Horsemanship, might try her out as a last resort as I'm not big into NH...
My young mare was a bit like Ali. She would load (eventually) but as soon as she was in the trailer she would bolt out (we have an Equitrek so much easier for her to get out very fast!) I ended up getting a NH trainer to come out and help. She was loading her wihtout problems in 30 mins and my mare has no problems with loading now. Best money we ever spent.
I tried the bribery part of feeding her, lunge lines, bridle, you name it and it didnt work.
[/ QUOTE ]
There is a lady near us that I know is big into Natural Horsemanship, might try her out as a last resort as I'm not big into NH...
CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
My pony used to be terrible to load, but we did have an advantage as we knew the source of the fear (he came over from ireland in a force 9 gale!) It was merely a case of getting him used to going in; in your reply to dieseldog you said it isnt convienient if you dont have a trailer on the yard. We didnt, but in spite of this managed to overcome the problem by having a few hours, with no pressure practicising loading, only one day a week, I feel this method can be as successful as doing as little every day. Just make sure your extremely patient do not resolve to the oh so common chasing them in with brushes or he'll never learn to trust them! Once we'd overcome the loading issue we got him used to travelling, we used to just drive him around the block at 10mph, slowly he learnt he could trust trailers. Now he is like a1 loading pony (in fact its about the only thing he can do well!)
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you
We tried tipping him with the end of a brush, but it just aggitated him, so we left it out.
My pony used to be terrible to load, but we did have an advantage as we knew the source of the fear (he came over from ireland in a force 9 gale!) It was merely a case of getting him used to going in; in your reply to dieseldog you said it isnt convienient if you dont have a trailer on the yard. We didnt, but in spite of this managed to overcome the problem by having a few hours, with no pressure practicising loading, only one day a week, I feel this method can be as successful as doing as little every day. Just make sure your extremely patient do not resolve to the oh so common chasing them in with brushes or he'll never learn to trust them! Once we'd overcome the loading issue we got him used to travelling, we used to just drive him around the block at 10mph, slowly he learnt he could trust trailers. Now he is like a1 loading pony (in fact its about the only thing he can do well!)
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you
CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Keep calm and be patient (easier said than done after 2 hours of struggling I know!). I use a be-nice halter, I think that made the biggest difference and think positive. I use poles up the sides of the ramp as well. I fed him next to the ramp, on the ramp and when he finally went in he was fed in the trailer a few times a week for a few months. But don't rely on food to get them in, I made that mistake, and he wasn't interested at all when it came to getting him loaded to come home
. I just take a long run up, get him walking smartly, telling him he WILL go into this trailer. I don't have lots of people hanging around, just me and my mum (and she stands hidden until he's in). I don't even need the be-nice and the poles now, but it has taken about 5 years!
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't like the 5 years part...
Will buy myself a pressure halter then!
Keep calm and be patient (easier said than done after 2 hours of struggling I know!). I use a be-nice halter, I think that made the biggest difference and think positive. I use poles up the sides of the ramp as well. I fed him next to the ramp, on the ramp and when he finally went in he was fed in the trailer a few times a week for a few months. But don't rely on food to get them in, I made that mistake, and he wasn't interested at all when it came to getting him loaded to come home
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't like the 5 years part...
henryhorn
Well-Known Member
I agree with Victorias method, use a controller headcollar and teach the horse to back up and walk forward the minute it releases the strain on the rope itself.
We tend to lift their foot onto the ramp them just praise and wait.
Last weekend Jacques was very worried about loading but we took him in then out again to show him he could cope without being panicked.
We use feed as a reward but echo what V says, don't look at the horse, if possible don't even speak to it, and don't just load it for a competition.
I have used various methods in the past including a hook on manger which went on the front of the trailer and the horse was allowed to eat a small feed every time it walked in. In the end that horse loaded himself and stood eating whilst I moved the partition across.
With boxes I tend to run some experienced horses up the ramp with me at their shoulder level, but with a trailer it's go slowly, gain the horse's confidence and don't fight.
The Monty Roberts method is the best I've ever met, to prove a point we started using it after taking us three hours to load a wild four year old for a MR demo; to come home their wrangler took less than two minutes, he stood that horse rock steady without a headcollar on the box whilst he changed the dually for it's headcollar and it loaded beautifully forever after that night in box or trailer..
Make sure your trailer has no partition in at all to start with, and if the horse is worried, travel it with just a straight breast bar. If things are going wrong it tends to be the partition that causes the fear..
We tend to lift their foot onto the ramp them just praise and wait.
Last weekend Jacques was very worried about loading but we took him in then out again to show him he could cope without being panicked.
We use feed as a reward but echo what V says, don't look at the horse, if possible don't even speak to it, and don't just load it for a competition.
I have used various methods in the past including a hook on manger which went on the front of the trailer and the horse was allowed to eat a small feed every time it walked in. In the end that horse loaded himself and stood eating whilst I moved the partition across.
With boxes I tend to run some experienced horses up the ramp with me at their shoulder level, but with a trailer it's go slowly, gain the horse's confidence and don't fight.
The Monty Roberts method is the best I've ever met, to prove a point we started using it after taking us three hours to load a wild four year old for a MR demo; to come home their wrangler took less than two minutes, he stood that horse rock steady without a headcollar on the box whilst he changed the dually for it's headcollar and it loaded beautifully forever after that night in box or trailer..
Make sure your trailer has no partition in at all to start with, and if the horse is worried, travel it with just a straight breast bar. If things are going wrong it tends to be the partition that causes the fear..
VictoriaEDT
Well-Known Member
CM my boy in question is a typical coloured cob who WAS very bargy and basically ill mannered. I took him to Adam Golding and Nicola Goldsmith (who wrote the book whispering back) in the Cotswolds. we spent a week together (me included as it was obviously something I was doing wrong) and honest to god I came out with a completely different horse. I could even ride him in a dually halter (I dont but I can if i wanted). I have had Charlie for 11 years and I always used the same transporter wherever I went; when he picked us up he was absolutely speechless and couldnt believe it was the same horse.
Prior to going to adams I never was rough on charlie and everyone said I should be, I knew there must be another way than "beating him"........and there was, communication. I went there to fix a loading problem and we only tackled the loading on my last day after we had done 6 days of join up and other things. I was amazed as he went straight in first time!
Prior to going to adams I never was rough on charlie and everyone said I should be, I knew there must be another way than "beating him"........and there was, communication. I went there to fix a loading problem and we only tackled the loading on my last day after we had done 6 days of join up and other things. I was amazed as he went straight in first time!