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RE: [RC] [RC] trailer loading/unloading - RaeI agree. I used to have a 2 horse straight load with a ramp. That's the trailer this gelding learned to load in and we had no problems. Then, when I bought the 3 horse slant gooseneck, also with a ramp, I wanted to get a 2 horse straight without so that my horses could get used to different types of trailers. This gelding hasn't done much in the last couple of years. He was given to panic attacks, so I was waiting until he grew up mentally some before starting him again. Now, he's doing great and we're having to haul twice a week for lessons - in the 2 horse straight w/o a ramp. He pops in great, but is getting worse and worse at unloading. It started out tippy toeing backwards and shaking to beat 60, but now he won't even try unless I get in with him and insist. I want him to be able to unload himself because someday I may have to put him in a trailer that I can't climb in with him in. BTW - all my horses self load into the gooseneck. I only have to go into that one to shut the divider behind them. And, all but one will back out. The one mare, I will let turn around because when she backs out, she shoots backwards at a very fast speed. If I try to slow her down, she freaks, goes faster and throws her head up and hits it on the door. Not quite sure what to do with her, either. Rae -----Original Message----- From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Diane Trefethen Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 9:38 PM To: Ridecamp Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] trailer loading/unloading I would highly recomend anybody with horses finicky about backing out check into Double D Trailers. Their tack closet in the back has a unique design. The whole thing is enclosed and swings completely out so all horses can turn around and walk out. The problem with arranging your situation to suit the horse's perceived needs or fears is that just when you really need the horse to cooperate, the props he is used to may not be available. If your horse gets in and out of a trailer because you've asked him to, regardless of the type of trailer, the fact that the ambulance at a ride is one of those the horse has to jump up 2 feet to get into won't be a problem. You ask; he gets in. Jim Holland said, "teach your horse to load", don't just "put him on the trailer". This is an important distinction, the same one as the difference between teaching your horse to tie and tying him. In both situations, one case involves the horse learning a skill while the other involves him being in the mood to do what is asked. When things are going south fast, you may well need your horse to respond to his training and not think he has the freedom to decide that the stars aren't right so it won't do what you ask. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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