travelling problem

[ann3962]

Hi, had my new horse for 4 weeks now. I did trailer her home from sellers yard but it was a short jorney and she sweated up a little but no dramas. However, tried to load her today, on a trail run and loading was hesitant but fine but once travelling she is what I can only describe as trotting on the spot in the trailer. Only travelled for 5 mins going very gently. When got home she shot out the door and she was very sweaty. I proceeded to walk her through the trailer stopping her in it and again she was treading the floor but would stand and then walk down the ramp. Any suggestions how to overcome this? Is it a case of ignore and keep driving in the hope she will settle or do it slowly, slowly, short jorneys etc. Travelling with a companion is not really an option. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[LaurenM]

Has the floor of the box been checked?

 

[ann3962]

Hi, yes, all checked by dealer on annual basis. The trailer is only 4 years old.

 

[LaurenM]

I'd just continue with the short journeys - even feed her dinner in the trailer with the ramps up if you think it would help.

Mine never really got over his anxiety but his was due to previous owners being idiots.

 

[ann3962]

I am not sure if I am expecting a bit much of her, in the past 5 weeks she has come over from Ireland, been in sellers yard and then I come along a week later. I am not sure wheather to just leave the trailer thing for while and let her settle or continue with short jorneys etc. Otherwise she has been a dream to work with.

 

[Louby]

Is it an Ifor with an Aluminium floor?
Only asking as a friend had the old Ifor and no problems at all, bought a new one and her horse scrabbled all over, wrecked the partitions and scared her to death. She contacted Ifor as previously no problems and they said they dodnt have a clue what the problem was. After more research she was advised to put a wood over the top of the ali floor and it cured her problems. It seems some horses dont like the 'play' in the ali floor.
May not be the answer but just a thought.

You could also try taking the partition out and allowing more room, this worked for my last horse.

 

[muff747]

In my experience, some mares and occasionally geldings have very sensitive flanks and they don't like to touch the sides. Some panic so much they fall over in the trailer.
I have advised in the past to take the partition out and put in a full length breast bar, that usually solves the problem.
Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[ann3962]

Its a Bateson trailer, with rubber matts. Had thought about taking out partition and using a breast bar but am concerned that the more room she has the more she will throw her weight around. Your right though she is sensitive girl. Really appreaciate all your help folks.

 

[Louby]

My current horse had never been in a trailer only a lorry. He was fantastic in a lorry but I couldnt afford one so after 3 iffy trailer journeys, (he always loaded) he spat his dummy out and tried to get out through the jockey door, squashed me against the side of the trailer and pretty much freaked out. I was fortunate to be able to then but a wagon (a few years later) and although he has never been the same since his trailer traumas, he is much better now. I do think some horses just cant stand up or get claustophobic in a trailer.