May 05, 2015

Trailer Training a Fiery Mare

The next week or more is full of rainy days and afternoon.  AKA, don't get to do anything with pony.  At least I've had some good training sessions with her but I haven't been able to have several in a row which I really need.


One day when I was working by myself Dani was very willing to step up and into the trailer.  She turned around and would just stand.  I kept it really relaxed with her and she complied very calmly.  The next step will be to work on her with the divider so she stays facing forward.  I will have to most likely get into the trailer to keep her straight or have someone outside on the side of the trailer with another lead attached while I close the divider.  I'll have to work out the logistics but I want to stay safe while teaching her the next step of facing forward.


At least we are getting there.  If the weather cooperates we can get some sessions in and the finally do a small local trail ride.  Spring in Colorado.  If it's not really wet with flooding potential it's dry with the threat of fires...

3 comments:

lytha said...

It looks like your trailer doesn't have a bumper - I'm always worried about that because when they back out, they often scrape their hind legs on it. At a trade show I was excitedly checking out the only European trailer company that offers a step-up. It had a really wimpy bumper and I said, "This is not adequate, the horses will hurt their legs." He said, "Well, they will the first time, but never again." Wrong answer: ) I hate ramps, step-ups are so much safer for horse and person. But for some reason everyone here thinks ramps are the way to go. Oh, but there was one manufacturer who has a "hybrid" - a ramp/step-up depending on where you unlatch it. It wasn't both, like I've seen back home, it was either/or, how cool: )

Christie Maszki said...

Like one of these? http://www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/RUMBER-Custom-Trailer-Bumper-8-or-up-to-96_p_537.html Since my wood goes right into the groove at the back of the trailer I don't know if I can screw this into the back lip. I'll have to look into it and maybe even look into rubber coatings at least if I can't do the bumper.

lytha said...

Yes that's a really nice bumper - it looks thick enough to really protect the horses. I know what you mean about how to attach - one of mine was always loose or hanging at an angle.