| Horse: Duncan Issue: Loading Duncan, my 11 year old Connemara gelding appeared to be a perfect gentleman. I was assured that Duncan would go into a trailer with no bother, but may need a chiffney bit for the first couple of times. He was brought first to my daughter’s yard in a lorry so that she could show him hounds, as it was not clear if he had hunted or not. He was no problem at all for the month that he stayed there, but when it was time to bring him home, there was no way he was going to go into the trailer.This was a shock and a big disappointment. After a long struggle and lots of bad behaviour, Duncan went in and travelled home with no further problems. He appeared to settle in well on the first night, but when it came to leading him out to the field he planted himself, turned and ran away. This behaviour continued for about a month, both bringing in and turning out. He also refused to go near the mounting block but would stand to be mounted from the step stool. On trying to load Duncan onto the trailer again he showed the same pattern of behaviour as before and was becoming dangerous to handle. A friend had recommended Stefan and I contacted him in some desperation. Stefan came and using a halter, brought Duncan out of the stable whereupon ‘his nibs’ took off like a rocket and jumped the gate into the paddock. Stefan began to work with Duncan and the difference in him after just a few sessions was amazing. With the trailer it took 20 minutes of request and release until Duncan walked straight in. I have since carried on with Duncan’s training and he now follows me anywhere and will walk on and off the trailer quietly. Duncan is now far more chilled out all the time and no longer anxious about things, which seemed to be the root of the problem. I am pleased to say he is now a much happier horse. |
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