What a difference a day makes - loading issues overcome

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Leg_end

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I've been having some loading issues with my horse Buddy and, as we were due to move and I'd spent over an hour trying to load him at a show, I decided that it was time for some outside assistance as I was getting nowhere on my own. Then, as if sent by a high power, I saw a thread in competing and training recommending a fellow HHO'er. So I got in touch and Tarrsteps arrived at the yard on Friday. She was fully up to speed with our history and watched me try to load (we got halfway up the ramp and was told to stop) before she took over.

I expected Buddy to be a pickle and was ready for an afternoon loading. But TS was fantastic and got on top of his antics pretty quickly and summed him up immediately. She felt that his loading issues stemmed from his feet as he is willing to load the wrong way round into my lorry even though its uncomfortable for him to stand that way (as his head is wedged against the bulkhead of the lorry!!) as he turns on his better foot. Had never really thought of that so was interesting and made complete sense.

After a couple of goes the wrong way it was time to load properly. He hesitated a bit and then rushed on at 100MPH! Good that he went on but we had to break it down and go slooooow. Getting off was also done in a rush so that also needed the tortoise treatment.

TS got Buddy thinking a step at a time and each phase was broken down into little steps. Being on the lorry was rewarded with a treat, more to get him to breathe, lick and chew than as a bribe. Getting off was done in the same way. Buddy was thinking about everything and was getting confident with every step.

We had to be careful that Buddy didn't get too cocky so we kept time on the box to 30 seconds max and once he 'got it' we didn't repeat too often, just enough to consolidate the 'good' behaviour.

Next was my go. I was anxious that I would mess it up so I listened carefully to what TS advised and tried to put it all into practise. First time we got on straight away but it was too fast and a bit wonky! Second time I adjusted my approach, kept each stride slow and deliberate and exited straight. Much better. One more time for luck and then we had a break to let it sink in and also to leave enough time for a problem to develop.

After a short break it was time to try again. Straight at the bottom of the ramp.. Then B swung his bum round. I corrected and put him straight again. He stayed straight so we started our ascent. Spot on. Descent was the same. Big pats and smiles all round.

Our lesson was done and my confidence was high ready for the great move.

Moving day dawned and after all my stuff was moved it was time to load. I'd had some texts from TS reminding me to keep calm and remember the system and she was available if I needed her to be.

So I got Buddy ready. We had a bit of a crowd so I was a bit more anxious but TS had said to think of the adrenaline/anxiety as a dial and to mentally turn it down - it really works! I had warned people that he may not load immediately and may revert to swinging to the right but we would get there in the end (and hopefully faster than last time).

I lined him up at the bottom of the ramp... And he walked calmly in! Text book!

I could not believe it (nor could my onlookers who were rather open mouthed!). It was a super calm experience! Then coming off the other side, despite being wired, he concentrated on me and our exit was cool, calm and collected. Successful mission all round :D

I'm having TS back in a couple of months to teach Buddy to load himself - now THAT will be a cool trick ;)

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Good to hear. I was lucky enough to have someone to break things down and teach me what to do with my difficult loader/floater. (He threw himself done in the float on two different occasions.) And second that remain calm and keeping to the system are the key. My horse knows that there is a pattern we stick to and he is really comfortable with that.
 
Lovely to meet you both and pleased your relocation was a little less stressful than it might have been.

So often it's finding that small thing that's gone wrong and putting it right, which can be easier for someone coming to the situation with a fresh eye. You'll be travelling solo in no time. :)
 
It's amazing what a difference a really experience eye can make - I had a similar experience years ago now with a user on here - not sure if she is still around - who came and helped me with loading with J and he's never looked back!!
Didn't know you were on the move though, directed someone to your blog the other day whose horse has just been diagnosed with Navicular, hope that's ok!
 
Thanks all. TS just has that little special something that means she can look at a situation and read it immediately. A very unique talent :)

My husband could not believe it - if he could have given Buddy a high 5 he would have done ;)

Ecrozier - Yep, just wasn't the right place for us :( But onwards to better things :) Happy for all blog referrals, its getting a bit popular over there!!
 
What a lovely post, and nice that a HHOer was able to help. Nice to hear of success stories. I went through an episode with my boy and I learned so much.

I'd suggest keeping up the practice regularly (if you aren't going out generally, that is) as I am probably a bit rusty now as haven't taken him out on his own for a long while (he's fine in company). I suspect he might have gone backwards a bit but I would feel confident in returning to our previous training to get us back on track if needed.

Enjoy your new home.
 
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