Loading the unloadable (Again!)

Ravenwood

Ravenwood

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I have just read someones post about successfully teaching their horse to load. Mine is a nightmare, rearing, falling over, tears (from both of us I think!) etc. Today I decided I have got to crack this because I want to get out and do things. This morning I took down the back and front ramp and bars so it was just a walk through. I went in with her breakfast and she walked straight in and ate all her breakfast although she was trembling. I am going to try and do this everyday and work up to closing the ramps and then driving her round the block etc but I have to do it on my own which is difficult.

I have just read the Richard Maxwell site and the IH site, has anyone ever had one of these people out? How much did it cost? How does the rope halter work and what ground work do you have to do?

Sorry if you have to repeat an answer from previous posts.
 
I had my local IH recommended associate out to George and it's the best money I've ever spent on him.

I use the leading techniques for everything now, and it's made my life with him so much easier
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Well done on what you've done so far though like PG said!
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I have to admit that I was staggered when she just walked in - I guess its just time and patience. I am dreading the bit when she is in and I have to leave her to go and put up the ramp in case panics and has a fit.
 
[ QUOTE ]

I have just read the Richard Maxwell site and the IH site, has anyone ever had one of these people out? How much did it cost? How does the rope halter work and what ground work do you have to do?

Sorry if you have to repeat an answer from previous posts.

[/ QUOTE ]

Firstly, I really feel for you - it really is the most frustrating situation. It happened to me years ago - I loaded up my pony and boxed out, rode in the forest and went to box him back and he simply refused. Ended up riding him home (which was miles). In the end I got the Richard Maxwell halter and video - the halter is basically a pressure halter with a long line, but you must not put pressure on the horse, the horse puts pressure on himself - I spent 2 weeks on the ground and my pony soon learnt that with me was pressure-free, but if he pulled back or ran forwards (for example) he put himself into pressure. The first time I tried to load him, it took 25 mins, after that he always walked straight in. I travelled him everywhere - always loading him with the halter and I never, ever had a problem again. He loaded calmly and happily every time. You can get Richard Maxwell out - he charges about £300, but it may be money well spent.
 
I had a guy called Jason Webb come out. He charged me £60 but my horse also went with him for schooling so I did get a discount think its usually £100 but he did come quite a way to see me.
His way was to park box in school. Work the horse very hard on the lunge just by the trailer then attempt to load. Each time she didn't load he worked her harder on the lunge. Eventaully she had to make a choice - hard work on lunge or standing in a nice warm dry (it was pissing down) box munching hay, sensible girl chose the secnond option. Although she doesn't always go in first time now it never takes me more than 10 mins. Would def recommend!
 
Loading can be very frustrating espcially if you are not sure what has caused this.

As everyone has said get a NH person out to you.

I have seen Lewis Blackburn perform miracles with people and their horses. He will train you and your horse. He is easier to get hold of and continues to give support on email should you want it.

http://www.blackburnnaturalhorsetraining.com/
 
Firstly well done on how far you have got.
I had lots of problems with my young mare when we sold our lorry and bought a trailer. There was no way you could push this mare into going into it (even though we tried every option - lunge lines, bribery etc)
I got a NH person out. Within the first 30min session she had her going on from different angles, speeds etc, she was standing in the trailer happily eating her haynet! We had another session and found a new problem - she will load to go out but not come home. I think all in all weve had about 4 sessions with her and its been the best money weve ever spent.
I was going to get Richard Maxwell out - he was booked to come out but had his unfortunate accident and was in hospital. Max charges £350 for half a days loading. When I was told about his accident I got in touch with this lady and it seems to have worked out better for me as if I have any problems she comes out straight away (she lives about 15mins from my yard) whereas I couldntve done that with Max.
 
I have looked at the associate trainers list on the IH site the nearest is one is nearly 100 miles away! Not too sure if I like the hard lungeing option - You can't just start lungeing when you are about to go to a show or hunting - did the horse load normally afterwards?

PS - Any tips on loading a NZ into washing machine also very much appreciated!!!!
 
Ahh but he only needed to do it once!!! Like I said it now only takes me at the most 10 mins to load her as opposed to 5 hours with sedative etc etc. So definatly worth a try when you have soem free time. Just make sure that when you approach the ramp all the horses attention is on you / trailer as soon as horses attention sways get back to lunging. You also need to make sure you have all day as abviously it wouldn't be good to need to rush off on a bad note. Good luck and keep us updated.
 
That was probably my post you saw - the very kind person who cam out to me wasn't an RA she was a forum member and kindly came for free, but used the NH methods with a pressure halter and it REALLY REALLY works. Can't recommend highly enough, and it might cost a bit if you are a long way away etc, but would be money well spent as you would then no longer have the stress and frustration! My next port of call would have been our local RA, despite the £100+ cost!
 
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