Update on trailer loading training

Paint Me Proud

Paint Me Proud

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Well after my completely self pitying recent post about the fact Chico keeps refusing to load the HHO massive managed to give me a virtual kick up the backside.

On Monday I started my new plan. I dropped the trailers front ramp down and stuck Chicos bucket of feed on it.

I collected Chico from the stable and as I lead him across the car park to the trailer he started to blow and huff, obviously getting anxious. Despite being really windy, spooky weather and suspicious of my intent he ate his feed from the ramp with all four feet on the ground.

This was repeated on Tues, Thurs and Fri, all with very windy weather.

Yesterday after he had had his food and gone back to stable we turned the trailer around so i could use the rear ramp as well.

So today I dropped both ramps and positioned his bucket half way up the back ramp, finally without gale force winds! :D

Well Chico strode out happily across the car park making a bee line for the trailer. He stopped momentarily when he realised he was now faced with the 'getting in' end on the trailer but then got down to munching.

Each time he lifted his head to chew i nudged the bucket further up the ramp and I am ecstatic to announce WE HAD A BACK HOOF ON THE RAMP! :eek: Given it was only his 'toes' resting on the edge but I'm happy none the less :)

Really pleased so far, here's hoping we can get a whole back hoof on in the next few days :o Fingers crossed

p.s. thanks for the kick up the backside :D
 
It really is about patience isnt it :) Sounds like a step (excuse the pun) in the right direction.

Had a trailer training day myself today too. seriously chuffed, got all mine on. Admittedly 2 are pros, but got yearling, 2 year old and 4 year old on too. Plus I was on my own.

Having a glass of wine to celebrate, will have one for you too !
 
Can you manage to park the trailer in his turnout field and leave both Ramps open putting his hay and feed in there?

Or do the same in a menage or arena? Then he could start to load himself more for dinners

We used to do this with our bad loaders all the time
 
travelmad said:
Can you manage to park the trailer in his turnout field and leave both Ramps open putting his hay and feed in there?

Or do the same in a menage or arena? Then he could start to load himself more for dinners

We used to do this with our bad loaders all the time
Click to expand...

No, that isnt an option that is available to me sadly.
 
Ah wonderful! Just making these scary things part of the everyday routine seems to work much better than any miracle cure. Well done, good luck for the rest of his feet! :D
 
travelmad said:
Can you manage to park the trailer in his turnout field and leave both Ramps open putting his hay and feed in there?
Click to expand...

I tried this years ago with a difficult loader. He became a giraffe and could reach everything without putting a single foot on the ramp, and added to that he ate various parts of the trailer. Not a good idea IMO
 
Glad all is going well. What is the horse like to lead from the ground. You need total control of the horses feet to load. Maybe some ground work over scary stuff eg tarpaulin etc.
 
Well done - I used this approach of feeding on the ramp and then in the trailer with my first pony who everyone said would never load. His old owner just wouldn't believe me when we started boxing to shows instead of hacking!

I wouldn't put the trailer in the field with the ramps down though and leave it - sounds like an accident waiting to happen.

Keep up the good work, you'll get there in the end.
 
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