Rocko is a scrambler !

by Vicki
(Australia)

I'm interested in getting a 5yr. gelding Thoroughbred . Apparently he is a scrambler in the float and as I have never had a horse that scrambles in the float, I'm concerned for his safety and mine. I'm looking for some ideas on the best way to go about this. Do I tie his head? Do I take out the middle bar?

I really want him to have a better experience than he has previously had.

I have to go over very rough road for about 25 kms before coming to sealed roads to get him to his new home. I would appreciate any ideas on the best way to go about this.

Thank you.

Answer:

Trailering a frightened horse that scrambles is a safety concern for both the humans and the horse. Too often horses are forced onto trailers without the proper training involved and the situation gets worse instead of better. I see it all the time.

If you are unable to go to where this horse is and spend the time to teach the horse how to load easily first then your options are limited right there. Once a horse has had a bad experience it takes much more time to help them through it and undo the old bad experience. Horses have great memories!

The first thing I would consider in these situations is to hire a professional horse hauler who owns a big (preferably new) trailer where the horse can be in a stall compartment and free to move within it. The newer trailers also usually have a great suspension system for rough roads too, like air shocks.

Take your trailer to where the horse is and do some quality training sessions until the horse at least loads well. Meaning he can get on and get off with ease. If you are able to then just take him 50 ft stop and unload a few times might also help. But time may not be on your side, If it’s not then from there, yes take out your middle bar, do not tie the horse and once the horse is on the trailer start moving quickly. The movement from the trailer sometimes calms them down but not always. Drive with care.

Elaine Polny
Training Horses Naturally