Dear Keith...
Friday, September 14, 2007
Hi,
I found your site and thought I would ask for suggestions on this situation. I have a 6-yr old mare whom I have had since she was a yearling. I have done all the basic ground work with her since day one and she has responded to everything I have asked...she accepts me as the alpha and I enjoy riding her immensely. I have trailered her at least a couple of times a month alone and with other horses without a problem since she was a yearling. She was loading fine and backing slowly..no rushing in either direction.
This spring she turned 6 and for some reason has decided to exit the trailer over the breast bar. Yup...she comes right out the escape door. This is a 16.1H horse and I have no idea why she has started this..there is nothing I have done differently with her. Nothing in the trailer to scare her, no bugs or bees as I always shut the trailer up when I unload her. She is usually alone in the trailer when this happens. The trailer is a very light, airy straight load...it is a Hawk with plenty of ventilation, space, etc. I do not believe this is an issue with the trailer. I think she does not want to be alone in it as she stands fine with other horses in the trailer. I literally have taken the action of "loading and going" with her, which is completely against my norm.
So, my thought is to start from square one again and have her stand for longer and longer periods alone in the trailer, take her for short rides. Any thoughts or suggestions are very much welcome. Thanks very much.
-carolyn m |
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