Unloading problems

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Unloading problems

Posted : 5/9/2010 1:40:25 AM

We've been having some issues with unloading our horse from a 3 horse slant load trailer and would love some advice if there is any to offer. He loads like a champ and walks right in with no problem but when we go to back him up to unload, he always panics about dropping his hind feet off the trailer. When he panics he explodes out of the trailer backwards and everytime he smacks his head on the ceiling. He wears a head bumper and we've padded the ceiling where he hits, but still this leaves an unpleasant experience for him. He has associated backing out of a trailer with hitting his head and will then often refuse to back up so we end up trying to turn him around in the trailer. We know this is an unsafe option so we would like to get him past his fear. We've tried to make him slow down and take a step at a time, but once he panics there is nothing we can do to stop him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

danastark

Posted : 5/9/2010 4:58:13 AM

Used to have a horse that would fly out of the trailer in a panic and what worked for him was feeding him carrots to distract him..... I know it won't work for all horses, but worth a try to he might associate backing out with something pleasant.

As far as turning around, does he fit because if he does, I wouldn't worry about it. My 18 hd. draft cross can still turn around in my standard trailer. It's a squeeze but he does it calmly so I figure "why not?" He can back out but doesn't care for that as much and I have a ramp.

Another idea is to do the approach and retreat method where you lead him up to the trailer,, back off and reward him, then get just his front feet in, then have him back off and reward him, and so on, baby step by baby step.

Goodluck!

2manyhorses

Posted : 5/9/2010 3:14:14 PM

It's safer for them to turn around and step off forward if there's room. I turn everyone around but the last horse so they ride backwards. It's easier to get in there and untie them and walk them off if they're not already anticipating and trying to pull back and back out. There are more accidents backing horses out of trailers than anyother time around trailers.
I would work on it by loading, turn him around and make him stand quietly. Once he can stand still, walk off. Don't give him time to start fussing. Do that 3-4 times than work him normally. Everytime you get him out put him in the trailer a few times. Don't make a big deal about it and don't go anywhere until he can quietly walk off the trailer. When you're ready to haul him, try letting him ride backwards if your trailer will let you. I have found the worst forward facing riders quiet down considerably when trailered backwards.