Hi Nat
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Welcome to the Uni. I'm not quite understanding the question I'm sorry. Do you mean he trembles and sweats when standing in the lorry even if the lorry is not moving?
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Could you also tell us more about him, how long you have had him, any history of other problems with loading/travelling/vehicles. Is it just this lorry or is it other lorries and trailers too? When he is in the lorry, will he eat anything? (Terrified animals don't eat so it can be a good fear indicator) Has anything ever happened to him near/on a lorry? Has he ever been hit to make him get into the lorry? Anything you can think of to tell us about :-)

Hi,

She came to me calm and sweat free on my aunts 7.5t lorry where she traveled herribone for 1.5hours. There's been no dramatic incident.

Our first 3 times out we went in a friends 3.5t van which is also rear facing. She traveled with her 'best mate' (she's quite clingy to other horses) fine - happy and relaxed, eating etc, the third time she got a little sweaty on the way back. Then my van was back on the road so we started going out on our own and with other people but meeting them at the venue. She got more and more reluctant to load and started to tremble & sweat as soon as she's up the ramp.

I wondered whether she might get better but we've been out about 12 times. During that time I have had windows installed, move the partition over and started to cross tie her. The last two journeys I took very very slow (in case it's been my driving). She always stood stock still (except for the trembling) but doesn't eat - I know inside she's worried - it's all over face, her veins are up, she's sweating and she's frantically looking out the doors and windows.

When it took an hour to load (journey number 10), I took a step back and starting loading practice. The day after the incident she walked up the ramp in less than 2 mins with very little encouragement. She loaded great on journeys 11 & 12 but was still very very uncomfortable.

When we get to the venue she's very hyped up, it takes a good 10 minutes before she'll start to eat hay and then she'll snatch and chew with eyes on stalks. I can get some good work (jumping, dressage, hacking) out of her but she's very distracted.

Before I had her my aunt had traveled her twice - both times absolutely fine (and with her field mates).

Let me know if you need more info!

Natalie

Hi Natalie, Welcome to the Uni great to have you with us.
There are several of us on the team and we all aim to provide you with as much help as possible. We've all got different experiences so don't worry if we all give slightly different advice, every horse is different but all can be helped. Our main focus is the non violent method of training that Monty teaches which we all use in our training and caring for our horses.
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I picked up on the point that your mare (what's her name?) used to travel with her field mates. Is she now travelling alone?
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Horses are naturally claustrophobic and when put into confined areas on their own they have lots to take in. If she is now travelling on her own, then this could be the issue you have to deal with. If you have a large enough lorry to take 2 horses, first try with a companion that she likes on the yard. Not necessarily on a drive, but load the both of them, close the doors and see how if she settles.
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Join up with your mare is essential in this case, she needs to feel that she can fully trust that what you are doing is safe for her and Join Up will help. Before doing the join up, first show her the lorry, load her if she does not resist then take her and join up with her. After Join Up, head to the lorry again, this time close the door for a few moment, then open it again and re assure her she's ok. This can be done in an arena, but do first learn the process from Monty's lessons and learn all the signs before attempting. http://www.montyrobertsuniversity.com/lessons
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Other lessons from Monty that will help you are REWARD AND REVERSE
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TRAINING THE YOUNG HORSE: FIRST WEEK Day 5, lessons 3,4 & 5 These all show training in confined spaces. You'll be able to see the incremental training Monty does here that will be of help.
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Make sure you do the Monty Challenge at the end of each video so you earn achievement rosettes.
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Mel
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Hi Natalie!
I think Mel has got a good point about a friend in the trailer.
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Another thing that I thought of was if there are fumes leaking in to the trailer. I've seem horses react that way for that reason.
Also, but less likely, it could be some vibration (sound) in the hull that we might not hear but they pick up on.

Hi Nat. I read your post several hours ago & have given it some thought. Now, reading between the lines, this seems to be a young mare & perhaps being transported to you was her first experience of travel? Was she a homebred from your Aunt? Did your Aunt give her time to become comfortable in the lorry? My thinking is this: a young mare who has been overwhelmed! Good upbringing, loaded because she trusted, been considered to be happy & that's you're problem. Insufficient preparation for initial journey - but she coped. Then further journeys, but not really with her welfare uppermost. She has gone seriously downhill from journey 3 onwards. So, go back to basics - the beginning. Load her & give her a bucket with treats in & then put her back with her pals. Repeat until she wants to drag you up the ramp. This is as long as it takes & maybe twice a day for several days - or longer. Once achieved, move on to a fifty yard drive whilst eating treats from bucket. In other words, go back to the start & use baby steps. I understand why, having spent time, money, energy & emotion getting your horse to a venue you would want to compete. Don't! Once you progress to travelling somewhere, have her meet with a calm friend, graze calmly & go home. She will so appreciate this lack of stress. I can't tell if the stress is the travel or the competition but you need to identify your mares needs & meet them. Keep us posted on your progress so we can help you further. You will get progress, this can be sorted. Cheers, Jo.