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Discussion on Kicking while trailering | |
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Posted on Friday, Nov 24, 2000 - 1:57 pm: Hello--I don't own a trailer, and usually just ride nearby trails. I have a friend who is willing to trailer my 11 yo mare,along with her horses, so that we can ride different trail systems. My mare has had limited trailering experiences, but they've gone well (as far as loading/unloading is concerned). My concern is that my mare has a tendancy to kick out at unfamiliar horses...sometime, not always. I have ridden her with this friend and she gets along well with my friend's mare, not so well with her gelding. The last thing I'd want to have happen is to load her in the trailer and have her injure herself or other horses by kicking. My friend has a 3 horse slant trailer...my mare is the largest/heaviest of the 3, so ideally I suppose she should be trailered first, followed by the other mare, then the gelding. I think the first time out I'd prefer to have my mare go in last, however, because it would be easier to intervene if a kicking fest should occur. Any one have thoughts about this or experience with kickers and trailering? (I do have kicking chains that are used at night for stall kicking...any thoughts about using those the first time?) |
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Posted on Friday, Nov 24, 2000 - 6:21 pm: Hi there,If your mare is already accustomed to your friend's mare and is comfortable with her, I wouldn't think you'd have any problems. It is harder to kick in a slant load as well, so that may help. Would it be a possibility for you to haul out once without the gelding--in other words, leaving the middle compartment empty? If your friend's trailer is a gooseneck, I don't think it would make as much difference if you hauled your heavier mare in the last compartment. In a bumper-pull, though, you might feel it. I personally would not use kicking chains; these are likely to rap her any time the trailer moves--whether she's kicking or not--and they may well make her worried about hauling. If she feels secure, she won't have reason to kick. Just some thoughts. Best of luck! ~Amy |
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Posted on Saturday, Nov 25, 2000 - 12:02 pm: Thanks Amy--I think it would be smart to trailer ust the 2 mares the first time out, and I agree, I would rather not use kicking chains as I could just predict problems there. My friends trailer is a bumper pull, but I'd think for a short, quick trip to nearby trails it wouldn't be a problem to put my mare in the middle. I am so excited to do this! My mare and I definately could use some change of scenary and some riding companionship! thanks for your response! |
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Posted on Monday, Nov 27, 2000 - 1:58 pm: Beth-I would actually start with no other horses in the trailer for a couple test runs around the block. If she kicks or fusses have the driver slightly tap the brakes or swerve (mildly!). This has worked well for me in the past convinceing squirly horses that pawing or kicking wasen't wise. It is not enough to knock them down or scare them but the trailer moves just enough that they feel they need ALL 4 planted to balance. The other thing is to tie their heads so they cant stick their noses over the dividers to fuss with each other. Good luck, be safe, and have fun! Emily |
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Posted on Monday, Nov 27, 2000 - 5:41 pm: BethEmily has the right idea. In my experience the key is to take the time to "practice" don't wait until the day you want to ride. Prepare (read practice) in advance of you outing. Taking your horse slightly off balance when he kicks will take some timing because your horse had to relate his kicking to being off balance. I have not had your specific problem. However you work it your horse is trying to be the alpha horse and you have to intervene. It sounds like you may need to do some work with your horse outside of the trailer on the ground |
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