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Discussion on Won't Load to Come Home/Step-Up Trailer | |
Author | Message |
Member: Dyduroc |
Posted on Monday, May 9, 2005 - 7:07 pm: We usually trailer in a 2-horse, straight load with a ramp. No problem loading heading out; no problem loading to go home.A few times a year, however, we ride with friends who have 3- or 4-horse, slant load, step-up trailers. No problem loading heading out; BIG problem loading to go home. Initially, I thought it was because my horse had to back out of the step-up (last horse in, no room to turn around). Now I'm at a loss because the last time we trailered in a step-up, she was loaded 2nd to the last to give her room to turn around and walk out. Unfortunately, this didn't solve the problem. I really don't like the idea of someone having to hit her (I'm talking serious force here) with a crop to get her to move forward. Voice commands don't work, chain over the nose doesn't work, annoying tapping with a crop doesn't work, allowing her to step up/back out a few times doesn't work, a calm voice with reassurance doesn't work--only a serious smack with the crop gets her to move (she winds up jumping on). I've sat quietly in the back seat of the truck, closed my eyes and focused on how the rig was being driven and can honestly say that the drivers are good about slow accelerations, slow corners, smooth and steady braking etc. so I don't think it's the driving. Why only the homeward-bound trip on a step-up? I'm still scratching my head over this one. If anyone has ideas, please share! dyd |
Member: Christos |
Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 9:01 am: Hi, Dyd, it sounds like some other horse is making her life miserable on the trip out, so she's reluctant to go back in with him. |
Member: Dyduroc |
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 10:26 am: Thank you, Christos. After reading your post, I went through my journal and found a 'common denominator'--a Quarab mare that can be unpredictable. There's only been one incident on the trail (trying to kick my horse) but now I'm wondering if there's some serious mare 'talk' going on in the trailer while under way (dividers keep the horses from being able to kick or bite each other).The other thing I've thought about is the truck engine. Both step-up trailers are pulled by trucks with diesel engines whereas the ramp-load is pulled by one with a gas engine. My horse has always been fearful of diesel engines but she's made progress in this regard (she no longer refuses to move forward or tries to bolt). When we load at the barn, the truck isn't running so I'm wondering if the smell and sound of the diesel engine has something to do with the loading problem. Hmmm. More food for thought. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. dyd |
Member: Christos |
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 11:41 am: Exhaust fumes can be an issue, D.If the diesel trucks have high exhaust pipes, for instance, and there's a window open in the front of the trailer, you wouldn't want to go back into the gas chamber either. Some configurations can cause exhaust fumes to fill the trailer instead of being carried away. This is complicated to analyse but easy to find out. Just rub a damp white cloth all over the horse after the trip. If it is stained black you have a problem with fumes. |