FlashHarry
Well-Known Member
I have to transport a friend's ID to the vet next week. He used to travel fine, but has had 2 years of very little handling and has gone a bit wild. He was always a bit bargy. (It's a long story, but owner is unable to help much as he - accidently I think - kicked her and virtually crippled her, hence the 2 years off!). Then, became difficult to load. I've spent a bit of time trying to ride him, bit spooky & keen to return home, but that's for another post! Got a Monty Roberts halter and have been doing lots of leading & direction changing and backing up, & barginess seems much better. Got him to walk thru trailer yesterday. Went up ramp OK. Not keen to stop, but did have small meal in there. Today had no assistance so shut him in stable for a while with hay net to try & get him used to being shut in. Absolutely fine. Tomorrow, thought I'd try & load him with the front closed so he has to stop. Get owner to put back up & leave him in for 5 mins. Does this seem an OK idea. I'm trying to take it steady. Has been fine so far. Just keep thinking of what could go wrong. (Really scared he will try to climb over the breast bar when halfway to vets - don't know why, you just hear these stories. Must say he has been very calm so far. It's just he's so big & strong. Any tips? Should I tie him both sides? How short should rope be? Presumably he should be tied to weakened baler twine? It's just I'm only used to ponies!!! Journey is only about 20 mins.