Loading up side ramp...help! sorry bit long

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Carlosmum

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Have changed from Ifor to an Equitrek trailer. Mostly because horse charged out front ramp & I don't want to be run over.
He is quite a claustrophobic chap & though would load in the Ifor & travel happily he wouldn't stand & wait.
Tried him in the new trailer today. He walked to the top of the ramp but then when I asked him to turn so he was 'in the trailer' he charged out backwards almost cracking his head on the way out. Fashioned a temporary poll guard & tried again.... same everytime.
Problem no. 1 I have to be able to load him on my own.
Problem no 2. He wants to go in but panics once he is in

I don't want to frighten him, he is trying but does anyone have any ideas or do I plead with my non horsey OH for some help behind. I don't want any one damaged horse or human.
Little Pony has learned to load but he is not a stressy type.
 
Some do find this really difficult - they panic because they think they will fall off the ramp.

I had one that did this and we finally got him sorted by parking over raised area in the paddock so that the ramp was completely flat.

My horsebox is side loading and the horses face backwards so have to be led up on the off side which really confuses them.

If you have no means to level the ramp just keep practising up and down for a while, feed in the trailer and gradually move the feed around so that he follows it.

Also some ground work where you reach around with a schooling whip and say over and move his quarters away from you. Then at least you have a clear instruction for him to follow.
 
I'm not an expert but first thought were to take out the partition, so you can load him walk him around and unload him without stopping. I'd have a bridle on him for extra control, with a long line, not a lead rope.
Does he like his grub? Keep him happy with a bucket of food under his nose?

Don't shut him in, just get him used to going in, and out with plenty of space, all ramps, doors and windows open for added light.

Don't panic! You will both get the hang of it, just allow plenty of time and practice and if your OH is non horsey, can you ask someone who is to help? Non horsey people can, although not meaning to, be more of a hindrance than a help.
 
Hi
Can I suggest you push the partition to the far side (assuming the is an Equitrek) so pony has lots of room.
Now leave the trailer and practise the amnaouver you want pony to do on the ground.
What you are asking is for the horse to move forwards and then move his quarters aways from you.

Stand in front of your horse and ensure you have his atention by moving him backwards away from you - therefore if he does panic you can command him to go back rather than he decide it.
Once this is automatic and smooth taking a schooling whip or similar, whilst standing in front of your horse gently ask him to move his quarters away from you by tapping where your leg would be so that he smoothly mves round. Each time he does wait and let him think about it. Once he has the hang of this (and this is more for your confidence than his) find and slope and mimic what you will be asking him to do - that is go upwards and then turn.
When your happy try with the trailer - but as soon as he is in, give a treat or a pat and take him back out. Wait a minute or so and repeat about 20 times - get him to think that there is nothing to this.Do not over praise while your doing this - only when he tries.
As you will be on your own there is little point having other people help you.

Loading is my pet hate - not the loading but watching others cajole, ponce about, hit etc....
I personally feel it is far better to spend a month sorting this at home for a lifetime of ease!
 
thanks guys,
Today I had planned to build a trailer sized pen from jump stands/poles & practice.Tommismum your post was timed perfectly. :) I'm not one for poncing! and I have decided we wont go anywhere until I feel happy, but there is a HT next weekend & he does love them, if only he could talk!
 
I had the same problem but in reverse. After a lifetime of travelling in wagons
one of my mares would not tolerate an IW I presume she was claustraphobic. She would get half way in then rear and reverse at 100 miles an hour, nearly squashing 2 small children and their mum. Ripped my hands to shreds. After a lot of thought I bought a new Equitrek Trail Treka which has her well and truly fooled. Up the ramp, turn straight, partition closed, then ramp. Sorted.
 
Some good advice so far. Especially as far as moving him about on the ground away from the trailer. Plenty of backing up, so you take control of that direction.

Building a mock trailer also a great idea, so he gets to understand what to do without the added issue of being in the trailer/on the ramp.
 
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