Partition drama and horseboxes

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sodslaw

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Hi. Just a quick summary and 2 Qs. I have a horse that after travelling very well in a trailer, started leaning and scrambling (wall walking) in the trailer. I think I now possibly what caused it, but since I have no concrete proof will not go into that as don't want to get done for liable.
I have managed to get him travelling in trailer again, by cross tying, taking partitions out and using Bach Flower remedies and Homeopathic remedy. Going to our last show we were placed 2nd -so all well. Decided to get a lorry as I don't feel safe in the trailer -I am currently travelling w horse in trailer and yes I know its illegal and dangerous. Lovely lady brought lorry over for us to try and within seconds of moving off my horse decided to lean on the partition with his full weight!!:eek: very scary.... he could not go down however as the partitions were in his way. Also, the lorry seemed short for him (they stood sideways). Horses are 16.3hh and 17.2hh. Even the 17hh seemed a bit distressed. Decided to decline buying the lorry.
SO... Qs 1) do I just let him lean on the partition and "pack him in tighter" so he can't go down?? and see if he sorts himself out? 2) Is it my imagination or does sideways/herringbone lorries seem very short for horses of this size? what size lorry do I need??
Any help/suggestions welcome. Ps. Please don't lecture about travelling in the trailer; I've only been doing it to see what the problem was and to help rehab my horse back into travelling;)
 
Sorry you are having travelling issues. I've got a 7.5 tonne lorry which is designed for horses to travel across the width. However, my mare is quite long in the body so to give her enough room to eat her haynet I travel her herringbone. The partitions are very adjustable. Although it is stalled for 3, it allows more room if I remove one partition and adjust the other so it is as diagonal as possible to accommodate the length of my horse. As I only ever want to travel 2 this isn't a problem. :)
 
Bangagin said:
Sorry you are having travelling issues. I've got a 7.5 tonne lorry which is designed for horses to travel across the width. However, my mare is quite long in the body so to give her enough room to eat her haynet I travel her herringbone. The partitions are very adjustable. Although it is stalled for 3, it allows more room if I remove one partition and adjust the other so it is as diagonal as possible to accommodate the length of my horse. As I only ever want to travel 2 this isn't a problem. :)
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Yes, I agree with that.

I'd also say the reason your horse is travelling ok with no partition in the trailer is because she needs more room. Don't squash them against partitions, give them room to let them spread their hindlegs to balance. Herringbone is good, and so is a bit of company on the journey, even if it's in the shape of a stable mirror
 
MrsD123 said:
Don't narrow the horse stalls as they need to have feet "out" to balance, herringbone is a good way of travelling as it uses the maximum length of the lorry,
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^^What she said. Packing him in tighter is not a good idea - it will fatigue and stress him massively and although he might not be able to fall, he could still be injured by the partitions rubbing on him. When horses have been allowed to self-orientate on the vehicle during studies, they have shown a preference for being wither forward facing, backward facing, or herringbone - all these orientations are worth a try. Also, remember that travelling a horse requires it to use the same amount of energy as walking for an equivalent length of time, so short journeys only if he's struggling:)

You might find it useful to look here http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/help-tomorrow/long-distance-transportation and download the Dossier of Evidence at the bottom of thr page. Although it related specifically to horses being transported to slaughter, the evidence is from all sorts of studies and you might find some useful info to help you.:)
 
Can you not leave him in the trailer with partition out?

I do this, pony travels much better. He stands diagonally too which he obviously prefers and his back legs are always miles apart!
 
Your scenario sounds like that which I went through with my lad.

More room was the answer, especially behind. He travels in a trailer without partition and almost spreads his hindlegs the width of the trailer.
In the future I want to get a lorry, prob a 3.5T and I full anticipate that he will travel without a partition in there too.
 
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