This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> mark, if you can't get into the trailer with your *own* horses, then it's time for more groundwork outside of the trailer, so that the horse learns to respect your space, and so that you become more comfortable handling them. If you are unsure of just how to go about it, perhaps a local trainer can assist you? It doesn't take Parelli to do this, just common sense. Did you read my previous post? Did you understand it? I tried to go step by step theu the whole process, but idf you felt it was unsafe to do, please understand i wouldn't have posted it for a second if I had thought it was. If something wasn't understood let me know and i can elaborate. The main point I wish to make in regard to trailer training, or any groundwork is that it takes focus & consistancy, and it takes TIME. No magic.
Karen McCarthyGreat Basin Fjords :: Carson City, Nevadahttp://www.picturetrail.com/weegees -------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Skeels, Mark A (GE Healthcare)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com To: <fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com> Subject: RE: trailering Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:17:11 -0500 This message is from: "Skeels, Mark A \(GE Healthcare\)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> One of the reasons I brought up the subject is because with the stock type trailer when you unload the horse backwards, you really have to get into the trailer with the horse. This is because with a lead rope on the horse unless you have a rope connected to both sides the horse tends to want to turn around and come head first. So if you back your horses out, are you getting into the trailer and backing the horse out from the horses head? With a stall type 2 horse trailer this isn't a problem, as the horse has no width to turn around, and you can back them out without getting into the trailer. Just curious as to weather you actually get into the trailer when you back them out. We were trying to train them Parelli and they have you back them out without going into the trailer yourself. They teach the owner to avoid getting into the trailer with the horse if at all possible and training the horse on how to load walking in forward but unload backing out. Of course they have big fancy expensive trailers, probably mostly slant load in their shows, which we do not have. I would think at some point you would have to get into the trailer to attach the lead rope and string the lead rope out the back. I guess every situation is a little different, as far as 2 horse trailers, vs. stock, vs. slant load and a person would just have to assess the situation and do what they think is safe in their situation and with their horse. I haven't had the issue with the horses skinning the backs of their legs, as we stop the horses before they walk off, they usually sorta look down and assess the situation some before they walk off. Mark Skeels This message is from: "Janice Lee" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> We have done quite a bit of long-haul trailering with both stock trailers and slant stall trailers. When trailering with the stock trailer, we do just what Karen McCarthy does. Start with them tied and then turn them loose if they are riding quietly. They almost always turn and face the rear and rarely move around at all. As far as backing out versus coming out face first...I have seen several bad situations in which horses got their hind legs skinned up by coming out face first. A good ol' broke horse might be just fine, but a young horse or skittish horse can come out too quickly when allowed to come out face first. Backing them out leaves me in control of the process. Not too fast, one step at a time is a good lesson in handling in general, and in my opinion the safest way to unload horses in most trailering situations. Janice Lee Little Farm Fjords Valley, Nebraska
