Posted 2007-04-16 8:59 AM (#59383) Subject: Trailering Troubles - Suggestions
Member
Posts: 12
Location: Wonderful WY
Seeking suggestions / possible causes. Our 14 yr. old Appy has recently become very apprehensive about getting into his trailer. Stopping short, rearing, turning sideways. "Bribes" do not work, loading on the other side has not mattered, rope on rear legs / hocks does not work - this is where he sidesteps!
Posted 2007-04-16 12:01 PM (#59397 - in reply to #59383) Subject: RE: Trailering Troubles - Suggestions
Veteran
Posts: 148 Location: South of Dallas
Was there a switch to a different trailer? Or a driving incident, such as a very sudden stop or swerve that threw him off balance? Is it really dark inside? Maybe with his age he's had some visual changes and the inside is scarier looking to him. I had a little Arab mare that seemed to have some vision changes which would cause her problems.
Posted 2007-04-16 1:23 PM (#59404 - in reply to #59383) Subject: RE: Trailering Troubles - Suggestions
Veteran
Posts: 113 Location: Lyons Oregon
I read somewhere about a short in the wiring of a trailer that gave the horse a shock everytime the brakes were applied. Also sometimes its something that doesn't show up when the trailer just sits there--- squeeling brakes, exhaust leaking into the trailer, uneven tires... If there's nothing different about the horse, maybe there's a change in the trailer, truck or something bad about the destination. I cured my trouble loader by taking her places she liked a few times and taking her for short trips and then right back home instead of always to someplace where she had to "work." But that may not work for everyone or every horse. But it got us both over our trailer stresses.
Posted 2007-04-16 2:19 PM (#59408 - in reply to #59383) Subject: RE: Trailering Troubles - Suggestions
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
I had a similar situation a few years ago. I bought an older 4h nose to tail BP trailer that my horses absolutely hated. In retrospect, I don't blame them. I quickly "untrained" them from loading willingly, and very soon had two horses that would refuse to load into anything!
A trainer friend of mine showed me a great method to retrain them, whereby the horse decides he would rather be in the trailer than not. There is no force, no pulling, no pushing. It takes patience and consistency, but it works. I'd post here, but I don't want to get flamed. I am not a trainer and people have different opinions. I'd send you a PM but I don't know how. If you want to post your e-mail, address I will send her method. Or if you know how to PM, contact me!
Posted 2007-04-16 10:54 PM (#59436 - in reply to #59435) Subject: RE: Trailering Troubles - Suggestions
Member
Posts: 12
Location: Wonderful WY
Thank you all. I had not thought about the wiring thing. He used to love getting in - to go roping, riding in the mtns., see other ponies!! Thanks again and Appy trails to all!
Posted 2007-04-17 10:07 PM (#59507 - in reply to #59436) Subject: RE: Trailering Troubles - Suggestions
Expert
Posts: 1885 Location: NY
I had a simualer problem and it was from the drive was bad!! that is way i brought my own trailer and do it my self good luck he will get over it just take time
Trailering Troubles - Suggestions
