unbalanced in trailer.

[tallywhacker]

Sorry if i have posted in wrong group.

I have a 17'2 warmblood who will not load into a trailer with partitions. I currently travel him cross tied with full width bars. However he really struggles to get his balance and really bangs around. I went to a local rally yesterday about 10 mins away and drove the whole way at 20 mph max. Driving very carefully around corners etc. When we arrive at a venue hes always quite stressy and takes him a while to settle. When we got him he had never been loaded and has only been out a few times. Just wondering if anyone has any similar experiences and what you did to help your horse. I would like to get him out to lots of rallies etc before the winter, and to lots of dressage over the winter. But travelling him really stresses both of us.*
Thanks in advance for replies

 

[Micky]

I can only suggest what i would do...take him out on short trips around the block ( 10 mins)...take carrots or the like and feed at destination, then drive back...also practice at home loading on and through the trailer, eventually stopping for a feed on board so he realises its a good thing, not a scary thing! also maybe get your trailers floor checked ( just in case!) as horses are canny things and can sometimes detect a weakness...then focus on you, try not to get stressed beore you go to load as you can be transferring your worries to him..visualize a smooth loading, travelling and home again, you are doing the right thing taking it slowly and you can drive a trailer, so keep at it, it will get easier!