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Discussion on Travelling yearlings
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Member:
Lexi
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 - 4:27 pm:
Hi I am picking up a couple of yearlings from a sale soon and they have not been handled much - their only journey will have been the lorry to the sale. I don't have access to a lorry so will be bringing them the hours journey home in a 2 horse rear load forward facing trailer (Ifor Williams). I can't decide how to do so safely as one of my current yearlings tried to jump the front bar (and he has been well handled, ties up OK and had travelled OK before!). I'm hoping that they will not panic as they have each other although they will not have met. I'd appreciate any advice on whether to tie up or go loose?, tie high or tie to front breast bar so can't rear and get over it?whether to block off front with hay bales? - but this means there's no room for me to get up there to lead them, tie them or access them via jockey door. Also should I remove the partition or will they find it easier to brace against it? Any success stories of travelling youngsters appreciated!
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Member:
Tuckern
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 - 1:10 pm:
Hi Jo,
Is there any way to remove the front bars?
Since they haven't been handled much, I think they would be less likely to panic if they were loose and not tied up, and could move around. I would also take out the partition, so they can position themselves however they feel most comfortable (they'll probably end up standing with their heads towards the back).
Just some ideas.
Nicole
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Member:
Paardex
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 10:16 am:
Hi Jo
I used the same trailer for foals and yearlings but mostly let them travel loose whitout the partition in between this way they did not feel constrained and were less likely to get over the front bar. Hay bales in front worked well to but they need to stay in place. Needles to say completely closing the trailer was necessary[at the back]even though it would get hot in there.
With only one yearling or youngster I would always take an old pony with them to keep them company.
Jos
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Member:
Lexi
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 1:47 pm:
Ok, sounds like taking everything out is the best option -I just thought the bars were to stop the horse weight getting too far forward for the truck/trailer balance but maybe that's OK. One more thing - how do I get the rear ramp up safely without them trying to jump out the back while I do it?!!! Tie them then untie before set off?
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 11:27 pm:
I don't know...sometimes--if they tie--the best solution is to tie in order to get them to stand still. I had a couple of horses exit the trailer unplanned. Both were untied, which I thought for the best at the time. Now I am not so sure.
One went over the tailgait before we could close the top doors, the other under the front bar and out the escape door.
One was a very experienced older horse who was used to being tied in the trailer (I gave in to pressure that they "ride better untied").
Tie high, but loose enough to be comfortable (but not to get a leg over.) Take out all the mangers, hay nets, etc. Drive quickly but carefully and hope for the best!!
I have read that tying high helps if they lose their bearings, because they can use the tie as leverage to get up.
Also , be aware that some horses will crowd others to the point of panic. Partitions could help with that. But I am a minimalist... I agree with those above. Keep it simple--no obstructions like barriers, hay nets, bars; but I think tying is good unless they are notorious for panicking when tied.
Just my opinion,
Erika
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Member:
Paardex
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 23, 2006 - 8:15 am:
If they know you well you can stay with them while the ramp is being closed[open the front door in advance!]something to eat always worked wonders with mine.
If you dont know them open the front door and feed/talk to them while the ramp is being closed.
If they don't trust people enough put a calm horse with the front door but take care they don't try to use it as an exit.
I have tried all methods and if everyone stays calm and takes their time even if you have to reload once or twice the next time they will be much better.
Good luck
Jos
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