Crackerz
Well-Known Member
So last week i ordered some Confidence EQ to take the edge off one of my boys whilst travelling. Yesterday I used both gels, to make sure i got him covered, i applied it 30 mins before loading, making sure to keep him calm at all times, which he was. He loaded ok, but calmer had zero effect. We got 20 mins down the road to a show an hour away and had to turn round and come back.
Now, for those on here that may know me in real life or through FB, they will know i never give up like that easily, but even i drew the line at the potential dangers.
He is ok on a motorway & dual carriageways but thats it.
My box i have is a 3.5t Equisport van conversion (converted in 2014). It has an emergency exit and is plenty big enough for him, he is 15hh. He has a good 3' behind and 2' above him when he stands quietly on the box. He acts exactly the same in my box as he does in a 7.5t.
I can't remove the partition as i can't risk him turning and double barreling at the side ramp which I assume isn't as reinforced as the bulk head. The partition is on the widest section though and he has plenty of room...
He is anxious/nervous. Nothing bad has ever happened unless it happened as a weanling but can't imagine he would remember that far back??
His nerves then turn to anger and he starts double barreling.
I understand it's partly a balance issue. I don't travel him in boots or bandages because he would go loopy if they slipped an inch & he doesn't need that added stress.
It's also partly maybe a slight claustrophobic issue too, but more in the sense of he is one of those horses that likes to decide 'i'm going over there' and then goes, as the crow fly's, taking out anything in his path!! (for instance he took out a 12m section of post and rail, including the upright stake, in bulldozer fashion when he wanted to go in the other field)
So what next?
I am thinking of travelling him for 15 mins 3x a week round the block.
Also, it's been suggested to talk to my vet and get something like Sedazine to help make the journeys calmer and help settle him on our practice runs. I have never had much luck from things like that in the past and am skeptical to say the least at using it travelling....
Desperately need help
Now, for those on here that may know me in real life or through FB, they will know i never give up like that easily, but even i drew the line at the potential dangers.
He is ok on a motorway & dual carriageways but thats it.
My box i have is a 3.5t Equisport van conversion (converted in 2014). It has an emergency exit and is plenty big enough for him, he is 15hh. He has a good 3' behind and 2' above him when he stands quietly on the box. He acts exactly the same in my box as he does in a 7.5t.
I can't remove the partition as i can't risk him turning and double barreling at the side ramp which I assume isn't as reinforced as the bulk head. The partition is on the widest section though and he has plenty of room...
He is anxious/nervous. Nothing bad has ever happened unless it happened as a weanling but can't imagine he would remember that far back??
His nerves then turn to anger and he starts double barreling.
I understand it's partly a balance issue. I don't travel him in boots or bandages because he would go loopy if they slipped an inch & he doesn't need that added stress.
It's also partly maybe a slight claustrophobic issue too, but more in the sense of he is one of those horses that likes to decide 'i'm going over there' and then goes, as the crow fly's, taking out anything in his path!! (for instance he took out a 12m section of post and rail, including the upright stake, in bulldozer fashion when he wanted to go in the other field)
So what next?
I am thinking of travelling him for 15 mins 3x a week round the block.
Also, it's been suggested to talk to my vet and get something like Sedazine to help make the journeys calmer and help settle him on our practice runs. I have never had much luck from things like that in the past and am skeptical to say the least at using it travelling....
Desperately need help
Last edited: