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GinjaNinja

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I'm moving yards in a few weeks and am hoping my horse will be able to come with me! In the last year he has loaded in to our small box once with a bit of persuasion but the second time was a flat refusal. I have since managed to get him on the ramp with a feed bowl but any attempt to get him in was a no go.

Suggestions please...should I just try to get him in the lorry on the day of the move, or try softly softly approach with feed bowls and polos on the ramp every day until move?

I don't think he's scared, just stubborn and perhaps a little insecure to leave the yard.

Not sure what is best to do as I know I'm going to get stressed which won't help!
 
Id get a dually pressure halter - or similar and get him used to that, backing up and coming forward - working with the pressure - watch the video that comes with it. My boy used to be a horrible loader - full theatrics! I never gave him food. If they dont want to load they wont a polo wont sway them. They have to load confindently (or just do as they are told if being stubborn:D Once he's used to the halter I try loading - open box up as fully as possible so its nice and light. Praise when he moves forward, if he jolts back - immediately apply the pressure and do not praise until he is back where he was, then release the pressure and praise. Do not use direct eye contact. This does work. As said my boy would rear backward of the top of the ramp - he was violent. Now he loads himself - took 3 years mind!
 
The Richard maxwell training halter (comes with DVD) had our pony loading perfectly within 5 mins whereas the dually didn't work for her.
 
I used monty Roberts head collar and lead rope worked a treat now loads without it, but let her walk in without getting in front of her, always goes out front so she never backs out
 
try and park your lorry so he only has one side to run out if he tries and make sure you are not prepared to stand for any crap!! all these gentle coaxing sometimes imo is playing into their hands especially with stubborn ones! also dont exhaust the situation i.e dont kepp on trying and trying the same thing and try trotting upto the ramp that way sometimes he kind of has to go as momentum takes over also shout and scream if you like just make sure you let him know whos in charge and your not to be messed with if that doesnt work get a little old lady who knows nothing about horses or a small child as these type of people generally put us too shame when we cant do things and horse turns into an angel! good luck
 
I usually get a lunge line round the back of my mums mare that sometimes won't load.. as soon as she feels the pressure on her bum..up she goes..
 
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