Noodlejaffa
Well-Known Member
I have a very intelligent gelding who I've owned for 3 years and event. He has, shall we say, a big personality and an even bigger ego.
Now, never had any issues with him loading until one day in September he just decided he didn't want to go in (he had watched his young field mate plant herself on the ramp and seems to have cottoned on to the idea). I consequently missed the competition having spent two hours trying to load him - only to succeed by putting another horse in first, then he went straight in.
If I'm going to a competition, I have to give him his breakfast in the lorry - he goes straight in without batting an eyelid. However, try and load him at home any other time of the day and he's just becoming a pig. Have tried coaxing, lunge line, control head collar, brush, tickle round the ankles, you name it..and he just looks at me to say - Ha, you can't make me! He is the most infuriating animal and I know he's not scared - just being clever (or thinks he is). It is a complete battle of wills. I try and remain calm because I know shouting and screaming is not going to achieve anything (apart from giving my horse some satisfaction!)
He's fine at competitions as he knows he's going home and he travels really well. But I'm now thinking crazy thoughts - like should I sell him, am I no longer able to cope with him (my confidence is fairly dented at the moment as it is). I'm at the stage of dreading going anywhere with him - haven't even had a lesson for months (used to have them weekly) as I can't face the battle :-(
Does anyone have any suggestions? I am seriously at the point of giving up.
Now, never had any issues with him loading until one day in September he just decided he didn't want to go in (he had watched his young field mate plant herself on the ramp and seems to have cottoned on to the idea). I consequently missed the competition having spent two hours trying to load him - only to succeed by putting another horse in first, then he went straight in.
If I'm going to a competition, I have to give him his breakfast in the lorry - he goes straight in without batting an eyelid. However, try and load him at home any other time of the day and he's just becoming a pig. Have tried coaxing, lunge line, control head collar, brush, tickle round the ankles, you name it..and he just looks at me to say - Ha, you can't make me! He is the most infuriating animal and I know he's not scared - just being clever (or thinks he is). It is a complete battle of wills. I try and remain calm because I know shouting and screaming is not going to achieve anything (apart from giving my horse some satisfaction!)
He's fine at competitions as he knows he's going home and he travels really well. But I'm now thinking crazy thoughts - like should I sell him, am I no longer able to cope with him (my confidence is fairly dented at the moment as it is). I'm at the stage of dreading going anywhere with him - haven't even had a lesson for months (used to have them weekly) as I can't face the battle :-(
Does anyone have any suggestions? I am seriously at the point of giving up.