SOS
Well-Known Member
I bought a horse last autumn which had only travelled in 7.5 and 3.5 ton lorries. She originally loaded fine on a IFor 510 trailer/all transport but this along with her unridden behaviour deteriorated quickly (within a fortnight). It transpired she had many ground issues and didn’t understand how to respond to pressure. This with good trainers has now resolved and she has no issues in general day to day handling and is a much happier, calmer horse.
However the loading can still be iffy with the trailer. She will load but it takes time and can revert back to her previous behaviour. I also often need other people there to help put up the ramp/unload her. I’m not sure if there is a negative association with the trailer or still misunderstanding the question I am asking.
Now here’s the debate... I recently tried her in different transport and she practically self loads onto a 3.5 ton lorry. Much more relaxed in general and I could load/handle her alone which is essential going forward as I don’t always have people on hand to help.
So go and buy a 3.5 ton you say? Well to fund one I would have to sell my trailer and towing vehicle (also my everyday, vehicle of a lifetime, dream car) and buy the lorry and run a very cheap car everyday, as well as using some savings. This is a big commitment as if I was to sell the towing vehicle I wouldn’t be able to afford another (it’s a Defender basically).
Now I’m thinking do I try a side loading/backwards travelling trailer - Equi trek or similar? Or carry on with the iFor and admit for the foreseeable future it’s going to be a work-in-progress?
Thoughts?? I hate to feel I’m ignoring the mare when she obviously loads a lot better in the lorry but I would also have to give up a lot financially to change all the vehicles.
However the loading can still be iffy with the trailer. She will load but it takes time and can revert back to her previous behaviour. I also often need other people there to help put up the ramp/unload her. I’m not sure if there is a negative association with the trailer or still misunderstanding the question I am asking.
Now here’s the debate... I recently tried her in different transport and she practically self loads onto a 3.5 ton lorry. Much more relaxed in general and I could load/handle her alone which is essential going forward as I don’t always have people on hand to help.
So go and buy a 3.5 ton you say? Well to fund one I would have to sell my trailer and towing vehicle (also my everyday, vehicle of a lifetime, dream car) and buy the lorry and run a very cheap car everyday, as well as using some savings. This is a big commitment as if I was to sell the towing vehicle I wouldn’t be able to afford another (it’s a Defender basically).
Now I’m thinking do I try a side loading/backwards travelling trailer - Equi trek or similar? Or carry on with the iFor and admit for the foreseeable future it’s going to be a work-in-progress?
Thoughts?? I hate to feel I’m ignoring the mare when she obviously loads a lot better in the lorry but I would also have to give up a lot financially to change all the vehicles.