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  Discussion on Question re: difficulty between trailers
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Member:
annes

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 27, 2010 - 6:10 pm:

I am taking my 8 yr TWH on a trail ride away from my farm this weekend. He has not been on a group ride or in a trailer for 6 years. I practiced loading him in and out of our step-up stock trailer this weekend multiple times and he did great. I also took him to the vet's office yesterday for his Coggins and he was in the trailer for about 1 1/2 hours without problems. My question is this: Another rider offered to pick us up in her trailer which is a slant load - she said it has a high step-up. (it is the backing out that bothers me more than the stepping in). I have not seen the trailer and am not sure I should try him on a different trailer on "ride day". Just how difficult is that type of trailer loading/unloading versus the stock trailer where I lead him in and back him out? Thanks for your opinions, I want to make sure we both have a stress free and happy ride.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 27, 2010 - 7:12 pm:

If it's a true slant load, he doesn't need to back out. You can turn him around and let him come out front end first. Usually they can manage the high step up fairly easy if they're used to a step in (no ramp) trailer. He might jump out the first time or two, as opposed to coming out one foot at a time. Just give him plenty of lead rope and don't stand directly in front of him.
Member:
cometrdr

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 27, 2010 - 7:13 pm:

Personally i think you will be fine - if it is a slant load stock trailer chances are that the gates swing and you can turn him in the trailer to lead him out?
ask your friend. also think of the cool advantage - he will be getting in a trailer that already has a horse in it. Bonus - horses love to join others - its when they are alone that makes them nervous. good luck have fun
Member:
rtrotter

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 27, 2010 - 7:50 pm:

I agree with Julie and Muffi, I don't think you will have a problem. The slant load can be used both as a back off trailer and a walk off trailer.So, your horse can do whatever you want him to do.

A good shipper friend of mine shipped my colt the first few times he shipped and he backed him off on purpose because he said inexperienced young horses get too excited coming off the first time but backing them off makes them pay attention to where their feet are going and not where the ground is in front of them. As a result, my colt backs calmly off of any trailer, not just a slant load.

This seems to be true because when he first arrived from the breeding farm to the training center(his first shipping experience) he literally fell off the side of the trailer ramp ( walking off forward) and landed on his butt. That was right after the girl that shipped him told me how well he got on and how well he shipped!

Any way, I don't think you'll have a problem with an aged horse.

Rachelle
Member:
hpyhaulr

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 27, 2010 - 8:10 pm:

Ann, We have a 6 horse slant load. Occasionally we will have a horse who has issues with the height of the step up, but not often. On those rare occasions when we do, we simply look for a depressed spot and park the trailer in there which lessens the step up. Having another horse already in there is a bonus aid. As for the backing out, again, rarely is that a problem, but for the most part, we turn them around inside and lead them nose first. I have found that this is an issue for more humans than horses. IF you want to test out the loading theory, create a bit of a ramp and pull your stock trailer on it and see how he steps up. I hope he surprises you!
Member:
terrido

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 27, 2010 - 8:19 pm:

Well gee Cyndy beat me to it! haha
Member:
mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 28, 2010 - 10:44 am:

The one thing I might mention that could make a difference to your horse is that stock trailers often have more light than a typical slant load. I'd make sure the windows on the trailer were open and as much light as possible is coming in when you load. If a horse is used to the step up on the stock trailer, like the others said, he won't have any trouble with the slant load.
Member:
annes

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 28, 2010 - 10:52 am:

Thanks, it looks like everyone is unanimous so this helps me a lot! I was being over cautious about the change in trailer possibly causing a problem and even thought the "strange" horse in the trailer might upset him. You can tell I am new at trailering and I am over-thinking every move! The weather forecast has gone from 30% chance of rain to 60% but I am praying for a good riding day. Thanks again for your advice!
Member:
alden

Posted on Sunday, May 2, 2010 - 9:42 am:

I feel all horses should know how to load/unload from both kinds of trailers. You never know when it maybe necessary to back a horse off a strange trailer. So I suggest you train your horse to back out of the stock trailer. I have both kinds of trailers and as part of my training all horses know both trailers.

If he has problems stepping down first make sure he'll back up on flat ground easily, then back between objects, over small depressions or ditches. After the horse is good on the ground load them half way and back out until that's easy. Then loading the whole way and backing out should be no big deal.

Good day,
Alden
Member:
hpyhaulr

Posted on Sunday, May 2, 2010 - 10:29 am:

Alden Chamberlain, You're my new hero! Any possibility we can clone you??? lol
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