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Message |
    
Heidi M.
Member
Username: heidim
Post Number: 163
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 - 2:26 pm: |   |
Hello. I have a two-year-old gelding that loads nicely into our trailer but has never been down the road. Your excellent trailer loading article stops short of giving advice for that first ride. It just seems like a whole different ball game for a young horse to go from a quiet trailer with the birdies singing outside to a shaking, quaking, gravel-crunching road experience. My gelding is very fond of my old mule mare who travels nicely, and so it makes sense to load her along with him. Is there any other advice you can offer to help make that first trip more enjoyable for both of us? |
Imogen Bertin
Member
Username: imogen
Post Number: 1001
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 - 6:24 pm: | |
I know this doesn't really help your current situation Heidi, but I live down a really bad rough laneway (no tarmac, big potholes and stones).
I never have any trouble because I trailer them from when they are about one month old... they never know that roads are supposed to be any different... it does help if Mum is a good traveller too though...
I think you should try feeding them in the trailer without moving it for two or three days, then load them up and immediately take a short trip, come home, feed them in the box. Next time go a bit further, then feed them. Then gradually remove the food bit, then try travelling without a companion.
Good luck, I'm sure others will have good advice, let us know how you get on.
Imogen |
Leilani
Member
Username: leilani
Post Number: 338
Registered: 4-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 - 6:34 pm: | |
Hi Heidi,
I think that short, frequent trips would work. When my young mare was at the trainers, he took her everywhere he went. At 6 yo she has more trailer experience than my 14 yo.
Watch your driving and never change directions and speed at the same time. Leilani |
