Posted 2009-01-20 7:48 AM (#97834) Subject: questions,questions,questions :)
New User
Posts: 4
Location: ktown,tn
i have a 2007 silver star 3horse slant load that i was wanting to know if i can make the solid dividers at the head into a bar type so the horses can see each other and get more air flow. also i have a mare that hates to back out or should i say will RUN out backwards but she will walk off nicely, can i put her in the first slant area, turn her around and haul her facing the rear? she normally rides in the middle spot, will this cause any problems with the way the trailer will handle? last question, my escape door is on the drivers side,it is 40" wide and in front of the wheels, could this be turned into a ramp so she could just walk off the trailer or would this mess up the trailer? is it possible to turn this trailer into a 2+1 style? 1 slant in front with ramp,2 staright load in rear without ramp?
Posted 2009-01-20 2:12 PM (#97860 - in reply to #97834) Subject: RE: questions,questions,questions :)
Regular
Posts: 64 Location: Oklahoma City
You can modify the dividers if the solid head area has a frame around it. You can haul the mare anyway you choose, it will not interfere with anything to do with the trailer. You can add a fold up ramp on the outside of the escape door (generally about $1500). I would not recommend the 2+1 change as you're getting into a lot of expense, although it can be done.
Posted 2009-01-20 2:29 PM (#97862 - in reply to #97834) Subject: RE: questions,questions,questions :)
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
You can always re-train a horse to walk out backwards if you take them time to do so. I try this- instead of starting when she is already loaded,walk her in until all four feet are in, ask her to stop then gently back her out. Continue until you et a good response -such as her willingness to calmly step out. Then next time ask for all four feet and another step- ask her to stop then gently back out. Repeat until she has a positive reponse then of course add more steps in. If she starts to run back...go back a step. The idea is to retrain her thinking that she has to get out now. She will figure out that she doesn't and isn't expected to. You must be consistant and each time be aware of her tendencies.
Posted 2009-01-20 5:38 PM (#97883 - in reply to #97834) Subject: RE: questions,questions,questions :)
Veteran
Posts: 136 Location: Alabama
If you were to let her haul facing the rear in the first slant, be aware that this would give her free access to biting, chewing, etc, the rear end of the horse in the middle stall if that horse is tied the normal direction. Just something to keep in mind.
Posted 2009-01-21 12:14 PM (#97938 - in reply to #97834) Subject: RE: questions,questions,questions :)
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
If you do haul her backwards in the first stall, you may want to consider getting a stud divider that goes all the way to the ceiling - or close - to prevent her from biting the horse in the 2nd stall.
Posted 2009-01-21 5:11 PM (#97953 - in reply to #97834) Subject: RE: questions,questions,questions :)
New User
Posts: 4
Location: ktown,tn
i was thinking i could tie her head back away from the middle horse and then give her a hay bag to sort of stay in front of her mouth. i think i can put a tie ring far enough away so she can't get to the middle horse. i really don't like solid head dividers, to hot and i like to see the horses :)
Posted 2009-01-21 5:36 PM (#97955 - in reply to #97834) Subject: RE: questions,questions,questions :)
Veteran
Posts: 136 Location: Alabama
Tying her out of reach of the middle horse would probably work. I agree with you that I don't like solid head dividers, although my current trailer has them.
Posted 2009-03-28 8:51 PM (#102319 - in reply to #97834) Subject: RE: questions,questions,questions :)
Member
Posts: 15
Location: Glen Mills, PA
I would go the training route......MUCH cheaper. It is also a very good idea to train a horse to load and unload from slants, straights, step ups, ramps, and able to back out or turn around. That way if your trailer is out of commission and there is an emergency, your horse is good to go!
questions,questions,questions :)
