Gah - loading! How long is it going to take?!

D

diddy

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 March 2011
Messages
277
Visit site
Morning everybody!

I'm feeling very fed up with my pony (and myself!) because he's decided that - having loaded perfectly well before - he no longer wants to go on the trailer.

He's not scared, just stubborn. He'll put two feet on the ramp then just stand there. No amount of food, gentle persuasion or swear words :rolleyes: will get him to move. We've tried moving one foot at a time. Nothing. Lunge line behind him. Zilch. Whip waved behind him or - heaven forbid - used briefly on his backend. Worse than nothing - he then refuses to go within half a mile of the ramp and any stranger walking past would be straight on the phone to the RSPCA the way he carries on (not me, I hasten to add!) :o

I'd done a really good job getting him to go in and eat his tea day after day before I even tried to take him anywhere. We've done a couple of test drives with no problems - apart from parking up afterwards but he wasn't on board for that :cool: But now it seems we're back to square one.

Am I just being too impatient - will he eventually just come round to the idea? Or should I get someone in who knows what they're doing to sort this out once and for all..?

Will have another look through all the old threads (thought I didn't need them any more, wah!!) but needed to whine a bit first... Any wise words welcome. And thank you for listening. And breeeeeeathe... :D

Diddy. x
 
Is the trailer safe? I ask because my horse did this, we then had the floor refurbed and he loaded as good as gold. I think he knew that the floor was unsafe and wouldn't get on. clever boy. He had always practically loaded himself before and does now so it can only be some sixth sense.
 
diddy said:
Morning everybody!

I'm feeling very fed up with my pony (and myself!) because he's decided that - having loaded perfectly well before - he no longer wants to go on the trailer.

He's not scared, just stubborn. He'll put two feet on the ramp then just stand there. No amount of food, gentle persuasion or swear words :rolleyes: will get him to move. We've tried moving one foot at a time. Nothing. Lunge line behind him. Zilch. Whip waved behind him or - heaven forbid - used briefly on his backend. Worse than nothing - he then refuses to go within half a mile of the ramp and any stranger walking past would be straight on the phone to the RSPCA the way he carries on (not me, I hasten to add!) :o

I'd done a really good job getting him to go in and eat his tea day after day before I even tried to take him anywhere. We've done a couple of test drives with no problems - apart from parking up afterwards but he wasn't on board for that :cool: But now it seems we're back to square one.

Am I just being too impatient - will he eventually just come round to the idea? Or should I get someone in who knows what they're doing to sort this out once and for all..?

Will have another look through all the old threads (thought I didn't need them any more, wah!!) but needed to whine a bit first... Any wise words welcome. And thank you for listening. And breeeeeeathe... :D

Diddy. x
Click to expand...

My horse did this, he is only 4 though. He came over from Belgium, loaded fine from my friends yard to come to mine and has been a d**k ever since. I am going to spend next week loading him and feeding him in there, not my preferred method but no brush will get him on!
 
Hi guys,

Suelin - trailer's new so it's not the floor but excellent question. It's a Bateson so it's nice and light inside but maybe he just doesn't want to be seen in something that looks like a caravan :)

Badgermyers - so sorry you're having trouble too. The feeding thing worked really well when I first got the trailer but I can't even get the little g** up the ramp now. Havn't tried the brush yet - maybe there's an idea! Next plan is to park it next to the wall so he's only got one side to run out.

I was really hoping to get out and about on my own over the summer. Have planned my holidays around some competitions but at this rate we'll not be going anywhere. Or he might be - but it'll be a permanent move :D

D.x
 
What can work is one very calm person with a lunge line clipped to one side of trailer and then walk around the back of him very very slowly and gradually put pressure on him to go in DONT force him just keep up little pressure which releases when he goes forward - have hat and gloves on and huge nice haylage net hanging in trailer. Leave yourself enough time to achieve this without rushing and have the attitude that he may take 2 hours to go in - hopefully he will think the better option is the haylage or feed. You can do this on your own and walk all way round in front of him to coax him in.

I have been there an know how frustrating it is ! my chap would load if trailer unhitched (make sure its stable if do this) but as soon as hitched up refused ! chiffney worked on him in end but that was because he just used to bugger off and thought it a good game !
 
I had the same problem with my 6 year old. He is now an angel - I solved the problem in the last two weeks...read on...

He refused to go in, and I tried all the same methods as you did. I stayed very calm and friendly throughout. But he would leap about, go vertical, or bolt down the side of the trailer ramp (and squash anyone who happened to be unlucky enough to be standing there with a lunge line!).

After being late for an expensive lesson with my trainer - because the bugger wouldn't load, I mentioned it to her (the trainer). She told me to get a chain to go around his nose for loading. I bought one straight away - and tried it the next time loading (this is about 3 weeks ago).

So to clarify exactly what I do: my horse wears his normal headcollar, and I thread the chain through it so that it is over / around his nose.
I now have two lead ropes in my hand - one normal lead rope for the headcollar, and the other with the chain.

The first time, he tried to leap about as usual, but I gave a tug on the chain over his nose, and he took notice. He then loaded in 5 minutes - this was after several polite but firm reminders that I had a chain on his nose.

The next time, a few days later, with the chain on his nose, he walked straight on with no hesitation at all.

Since then he walks straight on, and I don't need to make any contact with the chain - but it is on his nose, and he knows it. Now he is an angel to load - and he & I can leave on time!!! The chain was the best piece of advice ever!! (much better than a chiffney as well, in my humble opinion). He stays relaxed, and quiet, and it is a much better experience for everyone.

Here is an example of what I bought - it cost about £8 in my local tack shop -

http://www.inter-equine.com/horse/h...lon-cotton/hkm-lead-rope-with-chain-soft.html

Good luck :)
 
does your trailer have front and back ramps? you could try loading him backwards as in reversing him onto the trailer... sounds mad i know, but it can work with some horses.
 
Sometimes this can work. If he's been started properly attach 2 lunge reins to the headcollar, one each side. Get someone to lead off a lead rein while you pick up the lunge reins and say walk on. The horse will think he is in long reins and just walk on. This was a tip from a very well known race trainer and it worked for a friend of mine and horse never worried again either.
 
My 3 yo decided to do this the last few times we've loaded. I took him for a lesson (groundwork) with a lady who is very good at understanding horse behaviour and getting them to do what we want but it does not involve any force/hitting/swearing etc. She would say your horse is NOT stubborn but it is a fear based response and also that YOU have taught him to behave like that!

I have to say, although sometimes I am of the belief some horses can be a littl pig-headed/stubborn, my youngster decided after this lesson he was not going to load but she came to help and he loaded in a couple of minutes!

So, I can give you some advice to help you. First you need to work on the ground with him. Using a schooling whip, tap him on his side (where your leg would be if you were on board) and increase the intensity of the 'tap' until he steps/walks forward, as soon as he does this stop tapping and praise him whilst walking a few steps. Then you need to halt him and repeat. Alternate which side you tap him on and make sure he is not afraid if the whip - if he does appear afraid the just stroke him with the whip on occasion until he relaxes. You are not using it as a punishment, it is an aid.

Once he has grasped what the aid means (they pick it up very quickly) you can then move to doing this to load him. Ensure you have treats in your pocket and go to load as normal but with the whip in your hand. If he stops miles away, then just start the tapping at that point but remember to stop the 'pressure' once he moves forwards. If he stops on the ramp then start the tapping and keep the intensity until he steps forward (even if only one step). If he does stop again then just repeat the exercise and keep tapping away (you can get quite firm but do NOT hit - ie you don't bring the whip a long way off the body, you just increase the intensity if you get my drift?). You mut ensure you remain calm and do not have any one else behind him or around about as this will just worry him - you should be able to do it youself. DO NOT turn him round and re-approach at all!!! Just keep him facing the ramp/you and keep the pressure on, only releasing this when you get the desired outcome (ie him moving forwards up the ramp).

It could take a while but trust me it works! Mine was resisting a bit and was jumping up a bit in front, going to either side of the ramp- uou then just 'steer' him the way you want by tapping on his opposite side to get him straight again. Mind went in pretty swiftly but it was all calm - no shouting, no assistance from me or sister.

I did the same technique on sunday when i took him to a show, he hesistated as I walked to the ramp but I put the technique in place and he walked pretty much straight on. He did the smae on teh way back but actually with more confidence.

Remind yourself that a horse isn't actually 'naughty', it needs to feel confident about doing what you're asking and you need to be asking properly.
 
If hes just planting, try a dually halter. It worked for my planting/rearing 4 year old. Two minutes and she was leading on and off no problem
 
@ladyt25 - also a nice method - I learned this method also - with Jason Webb - Australian horse training http://www.australianhorsetraining.co.uk/. It definitely works when done correctly and consistently.

I've tried everything, and have found the fastest way is the nose chain, but of course needs to be handled gently. My previous horse, a 17.3, 5 yr old Hanoverian was a beast to load (it took hours, and usually ended up with a vet sedating him), so I've really learned a lot about loading! The technique you described is very good, but might need the OP to have someone there to demonstrate it and teach it for it to work properly?
 
diddy said:
Hi guys,

Suelin - trailer's new so it's not the floor but excellent question. It's a Bateson so it's nice and light inside but maybe he just doesn't want to be seen in something that looks like a caravan :)

Badgermyers - so sorry you're having trouble too. The feeding thing worked really well when I first got the trailer but I can't even get the little g** up the ramp now. Havn't tried the brush yet - maybe there's an idea! Next plan is to park it next to the wall so he's only got one side to run out.

I was really hoping to get out and about on my own over the summer. Have planned my holidays around some competitions but at this rate we'll not be going anywhere. Or he might be - but it'll be a permanent move :D

D.x
Click to expand...

Feed doesnt work for mine either. Literately pulling his back legs from under him with two lunge ropes gets him on but now I have my own place its just me and him and what with him due to start the indoor SJ season he needs to load like a good pony. Im going to use my welsh for some help and bring him in and load him to feed him - everyday. Now matter how long it takes he will have nothing till he goes on haha

Ill just have to do it everyday till he gets the idea :/
 
I know what you mean. My horse can load but won't load. We've done lots of practice but he is immoveable when he doesn't want to go.

Reason: I believe he does not have enough respect for me unless he feels there's something in it for him. Also, he's not afraid of me or much else either, so no amount of arm waving/shouting/pushing or (shhh) slapping will pursuade him unless he wants to go.

There's plenty of ideas on how to gain respect from your horse/pony on this forum if you think you have a similar problem.

I've recently had success with 2 lunge lines and 2 helpers. No stress or shouting required, just persistent pressure with the lines and a few pokes in the stifle (it helps that he doesn't kick). In his case, it won't take long until he susses out how to reverse onto the lines and it's a bit awkward if there's no one around.

Good luck; please wish me some too.
 
I have a Bateson and my youngster was sticky but improving greatly. Lack of experience rather than fear. So, the front is opened up to show more light, the middle partition is tied back. It did take 3 originally, 1 to lead, and 2 behind to use the lunge reins to pull him in. Now just need 2 and he is getting quicker each time. I also swapped back boots for bandages as he was obviously stressed on each (short) journey despite travelling well. If he has bandages on he does not arrive dripping in sweat. Have tested this by travelling out with bandages, cool horse, home with boots, sweaty horse. Same in the lorry. He does like his treats too which helps!
 
Andiamo said:
@ladyt25 - also a nice method - I learned this method also - with Jason Webb - Australian horse training http://www.australianhorsetraining.co.uk/. It definitely works when done correctly and consistently.
Click to expand...

I actually sent one of our ponies to Jason to learn to load, as she was the most obstinate mule of a pony to load. She wasn't scared, just very very stubborn, and we'd tried everything.

With his method she was popping in and out of the lorry and trailers without any worries, it really does work. There is a video on his site to buy http://australianhorsetraining.co.uk/videos/loading-training-video or even better, take the horse to him, the man is a genius!
 
I had a lady who taught my gelding to load using the Australian "tapping" method and it worked very well for him. I then had her back to load a tb mare and it simply didn't work for her. The mare picked up the tapping method very quickly, but it didn't stop her running backwards, rearing and generally putting up a fight. Reluctantly, we had to resort to a chiffney to get her in, but she still wouldn't load the next time we tried.

On recommendation from several people I bit the bullet and got Michael Peace to come and help. After about 15-20 mins of really doing nothing but reassuring her, she simply walked onto the trailer, he even had her loading herself. He reckoned she had always been bullied into loading so was expecting a fight. When he gave her the time to look and think about it she was willing to give it a try.

If you really are struggling, I would give him a try. He has a loading video on you-tube which may help you load on your own.
 
My pony suddenly decided to do this while we wanted to come home from an outing.... great!

anyways, my friend has also had this issue for quite a while, and has found circling has worked, soon as the pony stops do a circle and approach, if he stops again circle.... and so on and so on. it took 5mins first time, then got quicker and quicker each time.

Seems to have really worked as he loaded straight away the other day.

Now to try it on my pony.
 
My current favourite is to make the horse walk in a circle round me at the bottom of the ramp, when it starts to look in the trailer I offer it the chance to load itself, it it still says no it goes round again and again until it is ready to load. The first time my big boy took an hour and twenty minutes. Now if he says no I just ask him for a couple of circles and he thinks about it and loads himself. The trick to this is that you stand very calmly in the middle, don't make eye contact, don't talk to the horse except to tell it to walk on, just let it work it out in it's own head - either I keep walking round for ever or I go and stand quietly in the transport with my haynet.
 
I took the trailer to our gravel carpark, the only food available was a haylage net in the trailer. I didn't have a bucket or any treats. I tried the normal way in from back to front, but no go for a couple of hours. So took her to the front and asked her to load through the front ramp. She hopped up, grabbed a mouthful of haylage and cantered out. After that, she started going in back to front and now she's foot perfect. I didn't use anything other than a leather halter and a lunge line, which was very handy when she cantered through! I didn't shout, haul, wave whips about, coax up, just used lots of patience and had a lot of free time. Don't do ANYTHING if you've only got an hour or so.
 
Andiamo said:
@ladyt25 - also a nice method - I learned this method also - with Jason Webb - Australian horse training http://www.australianhorsetraining.co.uk/. It definitely works when done correctly and consistently.

I've tried everything, and have found the fastest way is the nose chain, but of course needs to be handled gently. My previous horse, a 17.3, 5 yr old Hanoverian was a beast to load (it took hours, and usually ended up with a vet sedating him), so I've really learned a lot about loading! The technique you described is very good, but might need the OP to have someone there to demonstrate it and teach it for it to work properly?
Click to expand...


This is the lady that me and ladyt25 have lessons with

http://www.saraussher.co.uk/saras_journey.html
 
I smile at your thread - but in sympathy.

I have just sold my trailer due to similar difficulties and after deciding that I no longer had the time, patience (or money) to keep trying with him. I hated seeing it go but there was just no point keeping it any longer.

I hope you have better fortune.
 
Don't despair! I just managed to load my naughty 4 year old on my own...TWICE and all within 20 mins. He ate his feed up there and had a good groom! Only took a few minutes each time before he walked right up!

Seeing as he normally takes 3-4 people and an hour each time I am quite impressed!

Here are some pics to prove it!



Phoneyard007.jpg


Phoneyard008.jpg
 
Andiamo said:
I had the same problem with my 6 year old. He is now an angel - I solved the problem in the last two weeks...read on...

He refused to go in, and I tried all the same methods as you did. I stayed very calm and friendly throughout. But he would leap about, go vertical, or bolt down the side of the trailer ramp (and squash anyone who happened to be unlucky enough to be standing there with a lunge line!).

After being late for an expensive lesson with my trainer - because the bugger wouldn't load, I mentioned it to her (the trainer). She told me to get a chain to go around his nose for loading. I bought one straight away - and tried it the next time loading (this is about 3 weeks ago).

So to clarify exactly what I do: my horse wears his normal headcollar, and I thread the chain through it so that it is over / around his nose.
I now have two lead ropes in my hand - one normal lead rope for the headcollar, and the other with the chain.

The first time, he tried to leap about as usual, but I gave a tug on the chain over his nose, and he took notice. He then loaded in 5 minutes - this was after several polite but firm reminders that I had a chain on his nose.

The next time, a few days later, with the chain on his nose, he walked straight on with no hesitation at all.

Since then he walks straight on, and I don't need to make any contact with the chain - but it is on his nose, and he knows it. Now he is an angel to load - and he & I can leave on time!!! The chain was the best piece of advice ever!! (much better than a chiffney as well, in my humble opinion). He stays relaxed, and quiet, and it is a much better experience for everyone.

Here is an example of what I bought - it cost about £8 in my local tack shop -

http://www.inter-equine.com/horse/h...lon-cotton/hkm-lead-rope-with-chain-soft.html

Good luck :)
Click to expand...

I second this. We use a chain on all youngsters when loading them for the first time, and one of my lot is notorious for not loading. The only way to get her on is with a chain - it takes less than two minutes now! Much nicer than the five hour battles we used to have.
 
Hi all,

Just to say thank you to everyone for all your advice/sympathy :) We took a couple of days off and then gave it a go today. Loaded his friend on first, who just loves going on a trailer. And then he walked in himself as good as gold. We even got the ramp up.

So yay! for now. But we're just taking it slowly - now I've got him on again will just try and feed him in there each day but won't brave a trip for another couple of weeks - lesson learnt about being too ambitious :)

D.x

P.S. Badgermyers - lovely pics - go you :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top