Yaaay we're mobile! Now what?

[Shadowdancing]

So I caved and bought myself a little 3.5 ton. Drives fab, horse is fine on it. So excited.
Mare is a tricky loader and very nervy at competitions and this is why I wanted to get one to work on both these things with her. We're going to practice putting her on the box and just getting her off again a few times this week.
What's the best next step? At the moment i'm leaning towards arranging to take her to meet some of my friends very local to us, have a short hack and come home.
Then maybe having lessons at other arenas before the more challenging stuff, competitions and hacking her alone.
DYING to go on a fun ride!
Any thoughts and tips? I want to keep it all light and fun at first to improve her loading and behaviour once we get places.
Thanks all!

 

[DragonSlayer]

I think you're doing all the right things with a stressy mare.

Starting to build it up is a great idea then once you think she's fine with that, I'd be inclined to take her to a couple of local shows, not with the intention of competing, but to let her soak up the atmosphere.

It's great being mobile, though I know I do take it for granted on more than one occasion, especially as the lorry is booked in for it's MOT next month and it's now £133!!

ARGH!

 

[epeters91]

I've just bought a horse trailer so we can get mobile my girl lost her footing first time exciting the new trailer fell down the ramp cue a big fear of the unloading ramp and not wanting to go in. I spent a bit of time with her coaxing her in, treats inside the trailer to show her how nice it is and on the weekend we went to a local school and back she was completely chilled out and refused to leave the trailer straight away when we got home because she was enjoying her hay haha. Now she's learnt to step carefully on the ramp it's all good.

I'm sure with you having your own box that your horse can get used to and go in regularly you will see a massive improvement. I don't normally offer food as a reward for my girl but I do when loading because it takes the stress and fight out of any disagreements. Just take it slow and tell her you have all day to wait for her to get in the box haha she'll soon get bored and join you

Good luck!