Loading a stubborn horse that won't travel alone.

[dukesmum]

Hi help please for ideas on how to load a very stubborn horse he walks into lorry and travels like a dream as long as someone is in there already but if he is to go in the lorry alone not a chance! He pulls of and runs away even in a chifney he walks up half way realises no one is in there and is off. Tried feed, whip, lunge line waiting it out - nothing eventually we give in and load up one of our others! The trouble is we are going to a big 4 day show and I don't really want to take one of my others as it means 2 lots if livery and one bored horse. He is not frightened of the lorry at all just hates being alone! How can I solve this suggestions please.

 

[be positive]

A mirror may work, its certainly cheaper than an extra stable and could be a permanent solution.

 

[mightymammoth]

I've got a horse called duke as well who won't load just plants so I know what a nightmare it is

 

[Littlelegs]

Do you have access to a box with front unload so you can load him with the other horse then remove it & then leave him in for a feed or similar, build up to having him happy to stay in it alone for short periods with ramp closed? Then do a short journey round the block alone & gradually increase it.
And get him used to being alone in familiar places, even just 5 mins in a stable with a net helps at first.
I wouldn't recommend loading him then removing the companion & heading to the show or you may end up making it worse. If the shows too close to build up slowly, see if there's anyone local going who might want to share transport.

 

[Angelz]

I have 3 mirrors in my trailer, one above jockey door and loading ramp and one down the side of the jockey door, stuck on with no nails and duck tape don't know if that'll be enough to tempt him in though, but does work once in

 

[dukesmum]

You are so right Victoria 1980x it does my head in. Yes I have thought of mirrors but from the bottom of the ramp he won't see the mirror. He is in a lorry so I can't put another in then remove it :-( someone even suggested a plastic horse like they have in the saddlers but I would rather borrow one to see if it works first as I imagine they are costly.