Help with Anxious Horse

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titbits

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17 March 2008
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Hi there, does anyone have any advice on loading an anxious horse, my horse loads fine but once on the horsebox will stand for maybe a minute then panic and start piaffing which makes the whole horsebox rock.. Sometimes he'll go up and try to spin round and run off. Ive worked away with loading and going up the ramp into the lorry is no issue its just when we get up there. Any advice appreciated..
 
Have you thought of sedating him? You could then load him, leave him to stand for a short time then bring him out. Repeat over a few days until he is happy to stand then put up the ramp, then let him out. Gradually build this up to taking him for a short round trip and keep lengthening the trip.

My friend had a mare with the same problem and this worked for her. Once she was travelling more quietly she started reducing the sedalin. She now travels sedative free and although she sometimes paddles when the lorry is stationery i.e. at traffic lights, it's more impatience than fear.
 
Ive never tried Sedalin with him. When he gets sedated to get his teeth done or for any reason by the vet he takes quite a bit of sedation so I wasnt sure if something like Sedaline would have much effect on him. Probably worth a try though..
 
Have a word with your vet about how much to give him for the best effect. As I'm sure you know it's always more effective if it's given when he is calm and relaxed and at least an hour or two before you load him. Adrenaline tends to over-ride a sedative if you give it when the horse is already stressed.
 
Ours is stressy too. Loads fine but hops about the whole journey and poops like you have never seen. Travels with a haynet but barely touches it :( I'm hoping he will settle the more used to the trailer he gets. Has only been travelling a couple of months so fingers crossed.
 
Tried a haynet and giving him a feed but he might snatch a mouthful but he's not actually distracted by food. Once he's worked up thats it, he's not actually interested in any food.. I do have a companion pony for him to travel with but would like him to settle a bit more before I put the companion on the lorry...
 
Could you put the companion on first, then he should be calmer as his friend is already there.Then ramp up and set off concentrating on balancing should then be his priority.
 
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