Travelling issues

Shutterbug

Shutterbug

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I am having terrible issues with Sam travelling in a trailer and I have just discovered the reason for this. On speaking to a previous owner, she told me that he was travelling in a trailer which was involved in a collision and the trailer overturned with him inside. This explains a lot, as the one and only time I have taken Sam anywhere in a trailer, it took an hour to get him in and then he freaked out as soon as the side window was closed. He ended up kicking himself and injured his coronet band resulting in a weeks stable rest and antibiotics. We are doing so well with our jumping now and XC, and my plan is compete him unaffiliated next year out and about. But I won't put him through the stress of travelling knowing what I now know. He goes fine in a lorry, but I cant afford a lorry and there is nobody on the yard that I can travel with who does have one. The plan was for me to buy a trailer after my wedding later in the year, but if I can't get him over his fears there is no point.

So, anyone got any tips on how to help Sam overcome his fear of travelling in trailers. We are going to start with loading him at the yard and just letting him have his tea in there so that he gets used to being in the trailer. How long should I do this for before attempting a short journey to start with? Is there anything I can give him to keep him calm while travelling that won't result in him being half asleep by the time we reach a competition?
 
Don't know if it will help,but Murph had only travelled in a lorry when we got him and couldn't balance in a trailer. After seeking advice we now travel him without the partition and cross tied. He seems fine now and loads very happily. I would certainly spend lots of time loading him, feeding him in the trailer etc before you try a journey. What about a calmer to take the edge off him. I have heard So Kalm is very good, you just give it them about 2 hours before the stressful situation. Good luck, I hope you get it sorted.
 
Hi Hevs,

I have a friend whose horse was in a trailer which overturned - miraculously both her horse and the companion were both okay but a bit bruised.

He didnt have any issues travelling after that but I suspect they probably carried on travelling and quickly replaced all the negative experiences with good ones so he got over it.

I think MM's advise is sound - taking the partition out would be a really good start but you need time, lots of time to get him used to it all again.

I wouldnt advise drugging him.
 
Hi,
Wouldn't it have been nice if the message he was nervous about trailers had been sent along with him, poor boy?
Rescue Remedy and lots of quiet practice sessions at home. Including switching engine on but not moving anywhere while he has his feed. Watch his eyes and breathing to tell you when to move to the next stage, if he frets, go back a step.
And try taking the partition out - but use chest bar and breeching bar before moving anywhere. Good luck!
 
I would feed him every night in the trailer consistently for 2 weeks.

At first leave it open but then gradually close ramps etc.....then at the end of the 2 weeks, start the engine on the car, let him finish his food, and go for a 10 minute drive

So he associates the trailer with good things
 
Thank you so much for all your helpful replies. Yes, it would have been nice if the previous owner had mentioned it, the girl I spoke to owned him prior to the girl I bought him from and she did tell them that this had happened. I could have started this last year and he may be over it by now.
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We will start our intense trailer training next week, my friend has kindly offered the use of her trailer and to give me a hand with him. I will let you all know how he gets on in a few weeks
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