Help - really basic questions!!

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FeatherPower

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Right - this is probably the most basic thing in the world. I am moving Chad today to his new home outside my house. The last two times we have loaded him he has been, stubborn to say the least but there have been three of us and a long rein behind his bum to help him go in (after failed attempts with involving him rearing up!)

Now, today there will only be myself and the new YO, who is a farmer, with horses but a farmer before a horseman.

I am confident that Chad will go in BUT there is always that seed of doubt. Do I let the farmer lead him in and I take up the rear or should I try and lead him in, hoping that he trusts me enough to do this? (NB i have only had him properly for a couple of weeks and as MrsElle will tell you, it takes a while for him to build trust, he is very wary)

So - stupid question numero uno. When he is in there do I just tie him up with a normal quick release knot on a short teather?

no. 2 - argh

any other tips would be welcome.

Having not shown with my previous horse we rarely travelled but i did a lot of ground training with Ellie and had no trouble loading and unloading her at all when the time came.

thanks!
 
i would let him in myself and trust him as well that he will go in, if you are not nervous then why should he be worried!

if he wont load then maybe try swapping sometimes a new person does help depending on wht type of horse he is.

good luck

xx
 
Yes just tie him with a normal quick release knot to some baler twine. Regarding loading him, I would load him yourself, but when you do, make sure you walk straight on, nice and positively and don't stop/look back at him etc. Good luck
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As others. Tie up normally.

When you take him up the ramp let there me no hesitation, walk straight up confidently. Have the lunge line already clipped in place so that its there straight away if needed no faffing trying to sort it out. Have lots of treats or a couple of carrots on hand but make sure you are both wearing gloves!!!!
 
...and get the farmer to do the back ramp for you so you have him safe and secured quickly - get some food/carrots at the ready, and polos in your pocket to tell him what a good boy he is.
If you can - strategically park your trailer some where that encourages him to go in - we used to put ours by the side of the house and the driveway hedge - this way there was no tempting escape routes only onwards and upwards
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middle of a field/yard is a recipe for disaster

good luck
 
ok this is all really helpful - keep it coming!!

re the walking straight in, if he is going in I just let him - if he hesitates or stops should I push him back down and start again or stay put - prob with this little man is he does that fantastic cobby 'planting of feet' !
 
Yep tie up normally

As for leading him in you do it and act as if there is not a question that he is not going in first time.

Agree with the strategic parking of the trailer.

Good luck!
 
[ QUOTE ]
ok this is all really helpful - keep it coming!!

re the walking straight in, if he is going in I just let him - if he hesitates or stops should I push him back down and start again or stay put - prob with this little man is he does that fantastic cobby 'planting of feet' !

[/ QUOTE ]


i wouldn't take him back off as he may think he has won i would stand with slight pressure on the lead rope until he moves i have a very stubben cob mare and it works for her.

xx
 
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