Travelling alone

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lilpinkdonkey4

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Ive just got my new lorry, (Very excited) and we practiced loading and driving (without Beau) this morning.

She was fine to load and we shut the ramp up etc. we then went for a drive about 5m forward and she wasnt so happy, she has been travelling in the past with another horse PLUS this new lorry is rear facing so thats a bit different for her to get her mind round. ANYWAY... does anyone have any tips for travelling horses alone when they arnt used to it.

We are going to take her for a drive round the block tomorrow.

Thanks,
Bx
 
If shes not used to travelling facing backwards she might just need time to find her feet. My horse loves her little box, she takes herself up the ramp
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You are doing everything right - short introductions and keeping everything calm. It will take a little time. Perhaps follow your very short practice journeys with something she loves - either a hack or a meal, depending on her preferences.
 
JoBo No she didnt have hay in the box, I was only expecting to practice loading (she used to be a major bad loader- took us 3 hours once!) however she was so good i thought it would be worth starting the engine and moving off a bit... will def put some in for the practice journeys.

I think the rear facing is puzzling to her but people say its meant to be the best way... nat1003 does yours travel backwards well?

NoCollection thanks, thats what we did today, as soon as she came off the lorry she went straight into her stable with her snackball... snackball for her is like champagne to us!!!
 
Yes really well. I cant tell ive got her in the box. She could be a bit tricky loading into a trailer or large box but she now takes herself in my little box.
 
Is this a 3.5 ton lorry?

I've got one and when I strted practising with my boy he was throwing himself around etc etc on my 3 min journeys round the block. I got really worried about him and didn't want to travel him. Then one day I HAD to, and after about 5-10 mins he just calmed down! Now I don't even hear him move at all- he's the perfect traveller! I think they need a bit of time to get into the swing of it.
Bite the bullet and do a longer journey with her:)

edited to say, that as I only ever travel one horse at a time, I've taken out my partition and just cross tie him. I've also brought several youngsters back from the sales like this and they've all traveled really well first time
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Yep its a 3.5 tonne lorry, so yeh different from the 7.5 one shes used to! what do you mean cross tie... sorry if im being thick but do you mean tie to both sides so she cant swing round? We will only ever travel her alone. we can move the partition over so she has more room (or less) what do you think?

I was hoping to travel her until she stops so that she doesnt learn that the more fuss she kicks up the less time she spends in the lorry. Our block is quite long... so hopefully she will chill! Thanks for your help.
 
Yes, tie her from both sides..... so she can still move her hear around, but not turn.

The more room she has the easier she should find it to balance- she can stand herringbone if she wants etc. I know they don't have the support of the partition for turns etc but if you drive slowly enough they don't really need it anyway..... I can do full roundabouts and he doesn't move a hoof!

I guess it's trial and error finding out what she likes. Good Luck:)
 
Works for mine and my friends horse when I took him to the vets. Mine will now also stand in the box quietly at a show (with her own reflection), which makes life much easier.
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Ebay - It was listed in the Homes/Gardens bit as acrylic mirror and was much cheaper than buying one of the ones sold as horse mirror and was the same thickness acrylic. I just backed it with plywood and fixed it to the lorry.
 
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