Re: [RC] "different" training technique - trailer unloading - Elizabeth Walker
Practicing backing up sounds like a good idea.
I've run into problems before where the issue was that the horse simply wasn't sure how to back out (or wasn't sure where the ground was). I saw this very clearly when Caisson needed to be trailered back from a vet check on our first ride. The trailer was a slant with the tack room in the back, so the horses had to back out - no turning around. It was also higher off the ground that others he had been in. He started to back out, putting one foot down, but he had about 2 inches to go when he decided there wasn't any ground under there! He yanked his foot back up into the trailer, and it took three people to convince him to try again. He just *knew* we were trying to get him to back off a cliff.
Doing the halfway in, back out several times might help if that is part of the issue.
On Sep 15, 2008, at 2:23 PM, Sharon Hahn wrote:
Hey, using the fly spray as "encouragement" for your horse to back out is a pretty good idea, so long as he doesn't start associating the trailer with scary fly spray and refusing to load (as another poster pointed out.)
One other thing I found works very well is to practice backing in situations other than the trailer. Back him into his stall, or through the barn door. It amazed me how difficult this was when I tried it for the first time, but it really helped with the trailer loading later on. And try practicing backing out when you first load (i.e., put two or three feet in, then back right out again).
If that doesn't work, just keep asking and wait. Very few horses will choose to live out their lives in a 2H trailer when another alternative is available. It helps if you get back right before suppertime. :)
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