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  Discussion on Unloading Probelm
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 10, 2000 - 3:48 pm:

I have a 3 year old Walker and she is learning to go up into the trailer, but will refuse to back out of the trailer. She will back on solid ground fine, but in the trailer she gets right to the edge and as soon as her foot goes off she panics and jumps back in We have a 2 horse Straight Load Step up trailer. I am constructing some ramps in hopes that will help her, but any advice would be helpful.

Posted on Sunday, Jun 11, 2000 - 9:38 am:

Hi there
How big is the step down? can you back to an upward slope to try and lower the DrOp? Maybe you have someplace on your property with a slight DrOp that you could practise backing down before putting her in the trailer. you don't want to frighten her, go slow. If you are making a ramp make sure that it is solid and doesn't make her even more nervous.

Posted on Sunday, Jun 11, 2000 - 10:09 am:

We frequently use Barbara's suggestion here. Another good idea is to just allow the horse to load their front feet then back him off repeatedly. This is so he learns the distance he must step down is not terrible.
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jun 11, 2000 - 10:40 am:

Hi Cynthia,
Great suggestions so far, and here's something else you might try... you can use plywood on top of several landscape timbers or 2x4s to help teach her to back off of something. Linda Tellington-Jones practically constructs a "trailer" of plywood floor and sheet-plastic walls/ceiling before approaching the actual trailer. Even just doing the floor part will help; as your mare becomes comfortable backing off of the plywood with it flat on the ground, you can raise it some--just make sure it's stable. DrO's suggestion about the front feet on and then backing off is a really good one... you can also move up to three feet on and back off etc. This will also give you good control and communication so that you don't develop a horse that barges IN or OUT of the trailer---both of which are dangerous and unnecessary. You should be able to stop her at any point in either the loading or unloading process.
Good luck and keep us posted.

Posted on Sunday, Jun 11, 2000 - 10:43 pm:

Another option is to use ropes around one back leg. Do it out of the trailer,on the ground, first. Put steady pressure on his legs as if you are pulling him backwards. As soon as he steps back let up on the pressure IMMEDIATELY. Timing is crucial here!. He should soon learn that when he steps back that the irritation will stop. This should easily transfer into the trailer. It is a lot less hassle than building a ramp..........and it looks better!

Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2000 - 2:39 pm:

THANKS for all the suggestions. I don't really have that great of an slope, but have tried to getting down to where it is about 8 inches. Various places have been no higher than 14 inches. Will keep you all informed of the progress
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