Horse struggles to pick back feet up going onto lorry

[showqa]

My horse really does struggles with his back feet going onto the ramp. He has no problem stepping on with his front feet, but he hesitates for an age whilst thinking about getting his back feet on, although once his back feet are on he rushes on. This means he scares himself and so loading is always more of a trauma for him than it needs to be.

So, anyone have any ground work ideas that will help me help him be more aware of his feet in such a circumstance? Already do raised pole work on the lunge and under saddle, but looking for some other ideas. Thanks all.

 

[Miss L Toe]

Yes, you can do lots of grid work, including going down a "path" with a right angle, and to get him oriented, tie a bandage round his bum from girth to girth, this will help him, see ~ Sarah Fisher videos

 

[showqa]

Thanks Mrs D.

Actually I do grid work with him, although only just started doing with him recently.

It's all to do with his hesitation when loading. Not making excuses for him, but I can see that he's very wary of putting his back feet on - doesn't have much back feet awareness. So just thinking if I could improve this in other ways should help the loading.

 

[Miss L Toe]

The idea of the bandage is that he is aware of his back feet, and you can find out what his issue is if you ask him to go over lots of surfaces, rubber mats, and tarpaulins etc etc.
also do backing and so on, it is an issue he has which has "peaked" on the ramp.

 

[showqa]

Had a good look at the TT exercises and really think the Labyrinth could be useful. Also wondering about the teeter totter - have you used one? I've done some NH with him on a course, so I think I might be able to combine it with this. Thanks a lot MrsD.