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  Discussion on First Long Trip
Author Message
New Member:
Peggyr

Posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2003 - 8:40 am:

I will be taking two donkeys (my horse is staying home) to N. Carolina from Texas. The trip will be about 15 hours. I had planned to board the two overnight on the way but I am wondering if that is a good idea.

Neither have been trailered much less loaded. One will be a 5 mo foal. I know loading the older one will be a problem. Loading from our home will not be a problem but loading at the overnight stable maybe. A friend suggested that I just let them both "live" in the trailer for the two day trip. They will be traveling in a covered stock trailer. Is this really a viable option? Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Member:
Westks

Posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2003 - 9:32 am:

It makes more sense to spend some time working with them on loading and unloading.even if ya just take them 5 miles and back its better than no training. True I operate a horse motel but I do this for the horses not the people and sure doesn't pay the bills. If you are unable to spend the time to train the crew to load and unload in a calm manner than you have no choice. I believe they need to get out and stretch their legs, clean out their lungs, and get on solid footing to rest.
Member:
Peggyr

Posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2003 - 10:03 am:

Thanks Janette for the reply. That was my original thought too but I have been told that they will hate the ride and it will be really hard to get them back into the trailer the next day. I do plan to start working them this weekend but I won't force them with physical punishment when push come to shove. My husband has other ideas of course, he has no patience with my donkeys! I have been fortunate to have a vet that does farm calls and it has not been necessary to transport them other than if they have been sold so I never have trained to load.
I need to start doing that.
Member:
Westks

Posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2003 - 11:08 am:

My suggestion to make things go smoother then is to feed them in the trailer for as many days as possible . Donkeys do not respond to join up so well. With mules and donkeys bribary always works better.
Member:
Peggyr

Posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2003 - 12:05 pm:

That is a good idea. The older one is a pig! Not too worried about the foal, she is attached to me and is still small enough to be hoisted manually into the trailer if necessary. Thanks
Member:
Qhsue

Posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2003 - 5:00 pm:

Many trail riders take their hooved animals on long trips without getting them out of the trailer. I took 2 horses on an 18 hour trip each way to Missouri from Minnesota and we stopped every 3 hours plus made a longer stop near KC for us 2 leggeds to sleep. We offered the horses water at each stop and ensured they could DrOp their heads down. I have a slant load that allows the horses to put their heads down.

I have heard the most trouble people have had when going long distances is in reloading once the animal gets out for an overnight.

Good luck.
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