Posted 2009-08-18 9:46 PM (#109614) Subject: Need advice
New User
Posts: 4
Location: grand rapids
I purchased an 8' wide GN horse-trailer with mangers last year, got a good deal on it and thought that the under-manger storage option was ideal. Prior to that my horses were hauled in a BP open stock trailer. My 18 yo 16hand QH has issues with being claustrophobic in the new trailer and has put a hoof in the manger on 2 separate occasions when he was hauled by himself. Thankfully no injuries, but I was hoping he would have scared himself enough the first time to not do it the 2nd time. Hauling w/ another horse he has had no issues. Will not having the divider in give him more room and help him not feel so claustrophobic? Should I tie him lower instead of at the factory installed tie rings up high? We do have access to an aluminum welder to install new tie rings. Is it OK to haul 2 horses in these type of trailers without that divider? It would only be with his pasture mate, another gelding. I am thinking that I could start feeding both boys in the trailer at night, with the trailer hooked up to the truck of course, to start making the new trailer more familiar and comfortable. Any advice, ideas or input would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 2009-08-19 8:19 AM (#109633 - in reply to #109614) Subject: RE: Need advice
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
I have ties high and low in my stalls. The high ties are only used for haybags. The low ties are for the horses that I tie in. The ties being low will keep one from climbing in a manger, as well as, throwing their head into the roof.
Posted 2009-08-19 8:02 PM (#109669 - in reply to #109633) Subject: RE: Need advice
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434 Location: Brooksville, Fl
It seems interesting that he has only stuck his foot up there when he's by himself. Perhaps he's just missing his buddy and getting antsy? Tying him in low will help as stated before. I don't think I would leave them in there at night un-supervised, if that's what you were thinking. I don't think it would help and they could get into some kind of trouble. I don't see any issues with hauling without dividers but be sure that clausterphobia is your real issue first.
Posted 2009-08-19 8:13 PM (#109670 - in reply to #109614) Subject: RE: Need advice
New User
Posts: 4
Location: grand rapids
Yeah, I would be "standing by" while they were in there leaving them in just until they finished eating. Not sure what his other issue might be besides anxiety and claustrophobia, since he hauls fine in the stock trailer. I will try tying him lower & taking the divider out. I just hate to haul 2 horses every where I gotta go just to keep him happy.
Posted 2009-08-20 2:32 PM (#109693 - in reply to #109614) Subject: RE: Need advice
Member
Posts: 32 Location: Paige, Tx
I think opening the partitions and giving the horse more room might help but it sounds like he is not liking being hauled alone??? I assume you were saying feed them their grain in the trailer NOT leaving them in all night. This is often done with horses who don't load well but it shouldn't hurt. Good luck Nancy
Need advice
