Mare won't load in my Dodge!

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G&T

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Hi all,
This is my first post, sorry its long-winded... I'm looking for some advice re my 5 year-old TB mare who doesn't want to load in my very lovely ;) 1985 3.5 ton Dodge. She's not the best loader in general but actually travels very calmly - the problem doesn't seem to be that she's scared of the lorry but more that she can't quite work out how to get in it!!! The ramp is really quite steep and the problem is made worse by the fact she has to step up about 8 inches to get onto it. Every time she has finally given up and gone in she's stumbled over the lip/step thing at the bottom of the ramp and then staggered up the ramp nearly falling over her own feet. I feel that if the ramp wasn't as steep she'd be OK - we've loaded her off the side of an xc bank (a hill not a step) so that the ramp didn't have to go fully down and after a 20 second dither she walked straight in very calmly.

I've considered cutting losses and getting a different box/trailer but have spent so much getting this one running well that I'm loathe to throw in the towel straight away, especially as she travels better in this box than in the newer side load ones I've previously hired, and she tends to kick the back of the trailer I've used a few times (big Ifor Williams). Its actually a lovely box inside - light and airy with LOADS of head room which is great for her as she's 17hh - so what I was wondering was whether anyone knew if it was possible to extend your ramp in some way so the incline was less steep? I'm really looking for recommendations of coachbuilders with experience of tinkering with horseboxes - in the Oxford area.
ps. I should also add this mare has no issues with her back to stop her going up a steep ramp it seems to be more that she's confused and not terribly foot-sure. Thanks for any help!:)
 
We also have a 3.5 Dodge - initially our 17hh warmblood seemed to be unsure about getting in it - however we worked out that it was because the ceiling in the horse area was dark wood and she seemed to think that she wouldn't fit. We eventually got her over it - we don't find our ramp particularly steep but if you would be prepared to travel a little I could recommend our horsebox guy - he is based in Kensworth nr Dunstable in Bedfordshire but he may be willing to give you some advice over the phone. His name is Jason Lennox and his number is 01582 872000. He has always been excellent for me.
 
Thank you very much Clannad48!:) I'll def give him a call - I agree the ramp is far from being horrendously steep and my friend's older (and more sensible!) mare goes up it no trouble, just that my youngster is like an uncoordinated daddylonglegs at the best of times and doesn't seem able to work out what to do with her feet - we try putting her front feet on etc but it always ends with her falling all over the place and staggering in with her knees round her ears, frightening herself in the process.
Thanks for advice, its nice to hear from a fellow Dodge owner! I often find myself chatting away at competitions with random people who also drive one and come over to commiserate with us on owning a Dodge/compare notes on how often theirs breaks down etc! I actually really like it though! bit of a retro vibe :D
 
Ashgrove said:
I also have a Dodge 50!! I'm busy painting the inside white to give the illusion of space, although it is perfectly large enough already.
Click to expand...

When you've finished painting yours can you come and do mine - pleeeese.

I keep on planning to paint the inside roof in the horse area but being only 5ft tall and having many other things to do I would love someone to do it for me ;)))
 
The horse area in mine is really nice, all white and cream inside with nice new padding - the cab where I have to sit on the other hand is really rough! I was thinking about it the other day and I'm fairly sure I actually pay more towards my horse's upkeep than I do towards my own! Mad..:rolleyes:
 
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