Hi Sharon,

I would recommend repeating the exercise enough times so that your horse achieves your lesson goal - which should be as 'low' as needed - confidently.
Example:
-loading: if your horse was afraid of the trailer, at the end of lesson 1 he should be able to stand next to it confidently. Next lesson you can start going in it.
- backing: I don't know what equipment you use, but you might find that when you start asking to back up your horse might put his head up. You could end your lesson when your horse takes a couple of steps back in a relaxed fashion.

It depends on the level of your horse. Remember to congratulate plenty, and you can always change exercises in the middle of the lesson if you think your horse is getting bored.

Hi. Welcome to the Uni. Every horse is an individual & has its own needs. Using Montys methods requires the trainer to be aware of those needs & meet them. Repetition is good - but not too much. I've had great success with using very short training sessions, keeping my expectations small & making a HUGE fuss of them with each step of progress. My yearling filly (Holy Moley) & two year old gelding (Kirk) are fearless. When they see something new, they investigate it. I've told this story before but it's worth retelling. Six months ago I had a bridle in my hand. I'd intended to work an older pony, Max, but he was still footsore so I'd given up on that idea. Holy Moley saw the thing in my hand & came over. She sniffed at it so I held it out. It had a straight bar plastic bit. She immediately took the bit in her mouth & played with it, a lot. After a short while I slipped the bridle over her ears. She had no worries, no concern & continued to mouth with the bit. Given that she was loose in a reasonably large paddock, I removed the bridle after a couple of minutes. This was met with indignation! "I haven't finished with that. Give it to me. I want it"! I held out the bridle again & SHE put the bit back in her own mouth, just like the first time. After a short while I slide the bridle over her ears & she was happily playing. Then I saw her brother coming over to see what we were doing. I removed the bridle & fussed the her, lots. Kirk sniffed at the bridle so I held it out to him. Yeah, you guessed it - he did EXACTLY the same thing as his sister. He too got just as indignant when I took the bridle off him before he felt he'd fully investigated it so I offered it back - yes, like sister, like brother! Now there will be those of you who read this & react "fluke". Well, no! Humphrey has been ridden only on the Dually since I removed him, this summer, from the professional trainer, after a week. They had put a jointed snaffle onto a lunging accessory & longreined him for 45 minutes twice a day. He was terrified. Everytime he put his head up the device bumped him above the hocks & jabbed the bars of his mouth. Humphrey now desires to be ridden & is more confident than before I, ill advisedly, sent him for starting. I held out the bridle to him, thinking not a cats chance that he would take it - he did, twice. Now, what I think this shows is that, if the trainer gains the horses trust & the horse knows they will be treated fairly, wonderful progress can be made. Cheers, Jo.

First it's important to define 'GOOD NOTE'.
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Ears forward. Deep breath. Relaxed posture. Horse is saying, "What's next on the agenda?"
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That is a good note. That is success. That is when I quit a learning session, no matter how brief it has been.

Hi sharon,
Welcome to the Uni and to the forum!
Adding to all the above: horses learn in 3's.... this means, that whatever you do, if you repeat it three times, it's on their "hard disk". This goes for good lessons, but for mistakes as well. Whenever you see number two coming by of unwanted behavior, change the lesson, to prevent a habit forming. When your horse is learning a new lesson and does it right, the best way to tell him so, is to breathe out and stop right away. Here's about stopping on a good note, too!
Looking at your profile, I notice there are no rosettes yet, which means you either have just started watching all these wonderful videos, or you have not decided yet to do "Monty's challenge" which you find with every lesson. This way you can check your own understanding of the material offered.
It's interesting for other forum members to see what part of the world you're from, could you add your country to the profile?
Please feel free to ask as much and often as you like, we all learn from eachother!
Miriam

I'm with you there in 3 Miriam except our cob Sonny, for him it's sometimes 5 or 6 repetitions before he gets it.
x

Welcome Ms. Sharon. All good advice. I can't add anything.

Hello Sharon and welcome to the forum. I can tell you that you are in excellent hands with these folks. They will all tell you that they have been where your at right now and it`s a journey of understanding not only the horse, but more importantly for you. Have patience with yourself and enjoy the ride. The only thing that I might add to what has already been so adeptly mentioned is that we are talking about learning for the horse and the best path for us to take so that happens. Horses are all different and how we approach them to help them learn a particular lesson depends on many things. Study the lessons, answer the questions and bring trust to your horse. Practice until you can`t get it wrong in short, incremental steps. Many blessings to you all. Bud USA

Thank you all for the input.I had never heard of the "3s" and so may have done some damage that I hope can be corrected. Since this is my first-ever forum can I ask is it possible to talk to someone by phone? I'm willing to share my # with someone in the U.S.; it's easier for me than typing. With that said Kava and I have some serious loading issues that, unfortunately, need to be resolved sooner rather than later. Loading has been an off and on issue since I got him 2 yrs. ago. He's never consistant from day to day. After much backing, rearing and spinning he'll finally relax and say ok and load. I've watched the lessons, watched clinicians, gotten trainers support. The trailer is a 2horse slant step-up without a rear tackroom. Not at all dark. Right now he will only put in 2 feet; I cannot drive him past me or lead him in. Am dur to move in 2 mos. and am faced with the thought I may need to put him down if we can't get past this. I'm a patient and diligent worker but this is 'way out of my experience. Thanks, Sharon

I understand your frustration, sharon! I am willing to bet that your boy has taken up a "bad habit" of pushing around his handlers at loading, simply because that is how he has learned to do this.
First of all; I am also willing to bet that it can be corrected!
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Have you watched any of the loading lessons? There are also some from the British horse-channel with Kelly Marks. (There used to be a link somewhere, didn't it?) Anyway, lots of good advice there on how to go about it.
They all start with making sure the horse leads properly by the Dually halter, and understands the signals it gives.
Where are you two in that training area?
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Furthermore, it is not a question of "making him go into the trailer", but convincing him that there is nothing he would rather like to do.
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Yes, it takes time, diligence and patience!
Incremental work; baby steps each session, stop and rest soon as you get any sign of cooperation from him. Don't push it! It is sooo easy to think that "Well, you git all but one foot in, so just put that fourth foot up too will you!" But sometimes it is better to back off again and say "nope, I've changed my mind! We are not going in here today!"
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Two feet is GREAT!!! Congratulate him and make him proud of his achievement - then you walk away, go grazing, play with a ball whatever, for a few minutes - or spend the time playing "follow the leader" to enhance the leading "ritual" and return casually to the trailer to see what he is willing to give you.
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Have you tried leading him *across* the step-up from both directions? Sometimes that helps a lot.
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Fingers crossed for you! Remember, it's only out of your experience if you tell yourself so. It isn't rocket science, really! Build your own confidence and the horse will come along! :)

Hi Sharon, are you on Skype? I don't mind having a chat that way if you want to talk it through. I'm in the UK but can sort some time out if you want? Connect on FB first, you can't miss me Melanie Hetfield. www.facebook.com/mhetfield
I'll go with KiKi's advice, but this is what I would do if I met your horse from what you've described.
...... work as if you have all the time in the world. The fact he's putting 2 feet on, means he is trusting you, just be patient, keep your breathing low and give him space to come forwards.
.....look him gently in the eye, smile and nod down to the ground. A single nod to the ground is equus to come forwards. when you look back up again, look gently to the eyes then hold your eyes to the ground where you want his feet to go next. Wait! Don't pull and no pressure on the head. Wait for some movement forwards then reward with a smile, when you smile at him breath out through your nose, this will give a relaxed feeling to him and a reward without you moving. When he relaxes with you, do the same again,look him gently in the eye, smile and nod down to the ground when you look back up again, look gently to the eyes the hold your eyes to the ground where you want his feet to go next. Wait!
Even without the dually the response you are giving him is relax, when he relaxes and thinks a bit more he will respond positively.
If you can by any chance get a video of him trying to load and post on the https://www.facebook.com/groups/equusonlineuni/ Facebook page we can have a look what's happening fully and what he is trying to say to you.
Mel
x

Hi Sharon, Mel and Kiki are right on with their advice to you. If you have two feet in the trailer with a step-up, you have a strong element of trust established already. The only thing that I might add to Mel`s words would be for you too exhibit a strong intention of thought process {VISUALIZING HIM COMING TO YOU IN THE TRAILER} while your inviting him to be with you as in Mel`s suggestions. I find myself facing a similar dilemma early next week as we have a coming two year old going to Saudi Arabia. She has never been in a trailer before. However, she trusts me implicitly. I am in Wash. state USA and my e-mail is bahila73@hotmail.com if you need more help....Bud

I forgot to mention one important thing!
He needs to know that he is not going to stay in there forever and that there is a simple way off; but he has to wait for your cue.
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So, once he does go into the trailer, be sure to back him (or turn around) out of it again and repeat with slightly longer intervals inside until he is confident and calmly standing there. Then you repeat again next day.
I assume he is OK with the cue for backing up - be sure to give him rope and space if he panics and flies backward. Don't get in hos way and do NOT try to stop him! You will only get hurt if you do. Stay calm and try again.
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Do NOT tie him up, slam the door shut and drive away at once, unless it is an emergency.
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If there is time for it, just make the first drive a *smooth* turn around the yard.
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Oh, and remember to wear gloves, good shoes (steel toes are a blessing here!) and preferably a helmet. Personally, I always do when loading - not because the horse might pull me over, but because I am clumsy enough to always bang my head against the narrow doorways or the metal bars in there!

Hi all, all great advice... The one thing that resonates with me when I watch Montys videos on this topic is his intention... It's not to get the horse in the trailer... He talks about changing that intent and then watch him making it a dually dance... Work on the outside, rest closest to the trailer and ultimately inside the trailer. Reward the smallest step and then release. tAke all the time it takes to make it a safe place that the horse wants to stay in. tHe problem solving trailer loading video is excellent as are some of th live lesson ones from his demos here on the uni. You will get there!

Thank you all for your input. I THINK I have been utilizing all your suggestions, and have watched the videos. Kiki mentioned leading with the dually and , again, this is something that needs constant repetition as he still insists on moving ahead and bumping me with his shoulder. I work on this first and when he's calm and being where he should be we move toward the trailer, then back and forth behind it, moving the hips as well. I also advance and retreat without letting him take a step in. When he is calm with that I tie and groom him at the trailer which now is fine. He stands calmly for grooming and saddling. When I then walk him to the rear and face him toward the opening he fights the dually by balking and rearing. once we work through that with the same exercises he will lead up, sniff and lick the floor which is fine and I give him all the time he wants before asking for a step. At this point I am standing on the ground to the left of the opening with a large "smile" in the line and I indicate with a hand gesture forward that he is to move past me. That is when he will load his front feet but no more and immediately backs out without waiting for my cue. This is where we are now stuck. If I try to step up into the trailer while he is facing it he rears and twists and of course from that position I lose the rope and off he goes. I bring him back, sit on the doorway and let him relax before movein away. I don't know where my communication is breaking down or how I am misguiding him.

Hi Sharon, how long is your lead rope? Bear with me, there is a point to this honestly :-)

lead rope - 12ft. Rope used for loading attempts - approx. 25ft.

Hi Sharon
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You have had a lot of great advice on here and I won't repeat any of it other than one observation about technique which I will come on to in a minute.
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Having looked at your explanations I think it is sometimes helpful to understand what IS happening rather what is NOT happening. Going into the trailer is not happening, so what IS going on? Please understand that this is an interpretation of what I can sense is going on not a criticism.
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You and your boy are now engaged in a dance that you both know very well. You re-enact the same scene over and over again. He does this, you do that, you respond here, he does something else. You each know exactly the steps to this 'dance'. However if one of you decides to do the foxtrot instead of the waltz you both know so well something has to change :-) I suggest you change predictions.
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For example, you say " If I try to step up into the trailer while he is facing it he rears and twists and of course from that position I lose the rope and off he goes I bring him back". It's interesting that he is willing to come straight back. If this was a panic situation he wouldn't be so keen, that's what makes me think this has become the normal routine that you both expect to do!
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There is no reason to lose the rope in this scenario if you have a long rope (that's why I was asking) but what is happening I think is that you follow the routine i.e. I stand here, I try to move there, he rears and twists and now I will lose the rope - it all becomes a self reinforcing behaviour for both of you. You need to be much faster in your reaction to his 'idea' of going away, I'm sure you can spot the signs so immediately use the Dually to correct him, long before he has been able to twist away from you to get the rope out of your hand. Does this make sense?
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Now the other part to this is your statement "At this point I am standing on the ground to the left of the opening with a large "smile" in the line and I indicate with a hand gesture forward that he is to move past me" I feel you are confusing two techniques/methods here. Have you taught your horse to go past you with the hand gesture in other situation e.g. through a gate? If so how well does he do it? If not, there is no reason on this earth for him to comply - "go in to a box ahead of my owner, on my own??? No chance!!". Also, doing it this way (sending him ahead of you) makes no use of the Dually, in fact it can aggravate the situation because it will confuse him; if he goes forward and feels the slightest tension on the Dually that will be his cue to come back not go forward. You need to be in the trailer already (by the time he has two feet on) and asking him to come TOWARDS you (the safe place). This makes use of the Dually because if he runs back out (backwards) you are not pulled out with him (important you stay in the trailer and run the line out with him). If he does come in, be ready to move quickly to make the full use of the internal space to turn him around ready to walk back out again (forwards) if you fear him rushing out backwards. If he seems very relaxed - great he can stand there with you and walk out backwards again (see my notes below). This bit is very hard to 'instruct'; you really need to use your judgement about his emotions, how he came in, watch where he is heading, don't let him panic, keep yourself safe etc etc - there's a lot of judgement needed at this point and I can't tell you exactly what to do. A word though about step up trailers
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Step up trailers are a problem, you need to be VERY careful with the running out backwards as they can hurt themselves. because there is dead space behind them where their feet can't find a hold and this leads to panic. If possible I would teach him to step up and back off a step first and make sure he feels confident about trusting his feet. You can use a heavy duty pallet or similar for this.
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Finally, if you are adamant about the 'going ahead of you' method then you will need to be extremely sensitive to your hands and his response; he needs to be VERY confident about going ahead of you in lots of different scenarios (gates/narrow spaces etc etc)
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I hope that offers some contribution.

Forgot to say....when he is first learning to step off a pallet (or similar) he may want to look behind him (as we all would!) - don't overly restrict him, let him look behind him but don't let him turn,he only needs to turn his head a few inches to see his blind spot - after a lot of practice he will learn to trust you and his sense of touch/placement

Exactly the point I was going to pick up on Vicci... "I indicate with a hand gesture forward that he is to move past me"
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Sharon, he is trusting you; now you need to trust him. Apply what Vicci has just detailed, but trust HIM that when you lead him into the trailer all the way that he will come with you. With stopping and inviting him to go past you change the lead, that's something that can happen after he's gotten over the issue of trailer loading. You're nearly there Sharon, remember breath and keep calm at all times.
Mel
x

Thank you both! This could be as you say - we are in a routine we don't realize. I will try as you suggest. I did not understand that asking him to go past me into the trailer would be adding to the issues as he does this willingly in other places. This is something we have worked on in the past - gates, stalls. So, I will stop this method for now and work on leading him in. In your opinion will it be better for him if I stepped up and faced him and asked him to come in toward me, or stay facing forward with him beside? Either way I must stop and step up myself. This is a joint issue problem with me. Thanks so much for listening and taking your time with us.

Vicci, that`s just so-oo excellent of a step by step process to helping Sharon with her horse and his loading issues. Sharon, my advice to you would be to visualize every small facet of Vicci`s suggestions so you can habituate each of the steps as they unfold. Trust is the overriding issue for your horse. It seems to me that you are very close to success. Remember to breathe deeply as all of this unfolds. If your horse is going to trust, he will need this connection from you. Stay safe Bud

Thanks Bud, that's very kind of you :-)
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Sharon, in view of your joint problem and you having problems stepping in beside him already I would opt for getting in to the trailer and asking him to come towards you. Once he's ok with that you can go in beside him, be very very casual about the whole thing; the slightest doubt in your mind will mean doubt in his. Finally, when this is dead easy you can then teach him to go ahead of you and load himself :-) Keep us posted, and as Bud says, be very safe Sharon, a lot of things can go wrong here!

Thank you, Vicci, Mel and Bud. I'll be away from the computer for the weekend but will be schooling with him. I may try and get panels to attach to the trailer sides; a small "pen" so he can focus on me and have no place to escape to. I realize in general this won't be possible but may encourage him to think "inside the box"! Enjoy your weekend, Sharon

Hi all,
This thread is so great! All advice and questions help everyone to think in small steps and visualize what's going on and where the problem might be!
I'm very curious to see what this weekend is going to bring for Sharon and her boy!
Keep us posted and heaps of success!
Miriam

Hi, Miriam; yep, I'm back to small steps and learning to be more aware of my body and what it's telling Kava. SO, no trailer work this weekend. Instead we went back to leading, backing, standing still. approaching the mounting step. Not long sessions but he did frequently lick and chew; he also pinned his ears and stuck out his lip. This helps me know when the pressure is getting to be more than he's willing to take just then. Maybe back to the trailer next weekend. Sharon

Hi Sharon,
Great that you took a step back and learn about bodylanguage!
How fast you reach your goal is not important, the only thing that counts is the relationship with your horse...
If you go at it as if you had all year to get him on the trailer, you might find that it works next week. If you go at it in a way that it has to be next week, you might find that it takes a year. Look for comunication with the horse and he will tell you what he needs.
Keep the good work going,
Miriam

Let me ask your opinion, please, regarding our trailer safety. Picture Kava standing in the trailer. The box is open; the divider is latched back against the wall. I'm standing at his head on the left ready to ask him to turn and unload head first. Lead is clipped to the near (left) ring of the Dually. Better to just turn his head toward me and make the turn which then puts the rope on the opposite side, or reclip it to the off ring so it will be close to me when he turns? Should I care where the rope is at that point? Ideally, I should be able to walk toward the opening as he turns, right? He has never just leaped out when facing the opening. Thanks. I'm hoping for positive things to happen this time. Sharon

Hi Sharon, I believe that I can answer this question for you. When you lead your into the trailer, aim him toward the passenger side so that you have plenty of room to make the turn to go back out. You then take the leading position on the left side and curl the horse around your body and pivot so that both of you flow into the turn and face the back opening. You can prepare the horse and yourself for this move as you school him on the basic rudiments of leading before you get into the trailer. The more you can work with him on leading and your leadership, the more he will trust you. I would suggest breaking down that turn that you would eventually do in the trailer into small segments so he knows exactly what your asking of him. You will find that the practice will help to know where to place your feet while your horse is in close and personal to your body. You can do this Sharon. Go slowly while building your confidence and his trust and breathe deeply; that will help tons. Bud

Hi Sharon,
What Bud writes above is so very well described, your task is now to visualize all steps before even thinking of taking your horse near the trailer! When you're confident that Kava will follow your lead, and all small steps are familiar to you, he will come with you to the end of the world....
A lot of Dually-dance and no pressure on the leadrope has to be done before you enter the trailer. The narrow turn in the trailer should not be difficult for him, depending on his size. In case it's too much of a bend for him, just back him out, he follows your directions now that he trusts you.
Your positive hopes are the best capital you can bring in: if you believe in your horse, he will believe in you! Go for it!!!
Miriam

Great stuff Bud, took me a while to process it then I realised I was struggling because I'm in the UK and it would be the drivers side not the passengers side!! Haha, Right hand drive UK, Left hand drive most of the rest of the world!! Trust the Brits to be different :-)

Hi Vicci, and thank you. I totally blew that off about the sidedness on which you drive. WOW, too funny. Thank you for writing about your dilemma with my description. That`s great stuff. Bud USA

Hi Sharon, I struggled for years to load my horses in safe and timely manner. Everyone has their own take on just how to load a horse. Until I got with Monty did I see the light at the end of the tunnel {horse trailer]. I found that the very most important aspects of a happy horse loading into a demon filled trailer were found in the small incremental steps in leading a horse. You have told us that your horse will place his two front feet up into the trailer, but then gets frightened and bolts backward away from you. I have just reviewed all of the different videos on loading that I can find of Monty`s approach. He talks a good deal about the importance of backing a horse up with the FEEL of your intention and then to ask him to come forward with that same FEEL. Kind of a push-me pull-you exercise. This needs to be ritualistically habituated in order to break up the cycle of behavior that your guy is exhibiting when he breaks free from your hold on the leadline. I might add, to pause and breathe deeply between the two. My thinking here is to create a habit of the pause, because upon loading in the trailer you are going to take him right back off to let him know that his outside world just hasn`t come to an end in his life. The whole idea here is to keep him relaxed listening to you. All horses approach their emotional conformation differently. I know this well because all of my horses were foaled right here at Skyhaven. And yet, when they leave with their new owners, they all have to cross the bridge of trailer loading. Some walk right in very settled and confident, while others take a different approach. Monty`s methods will work on all of them as long we take the time to implement with building trust. The small leadership exercises are key to this whole issue. As Miriam stated, a positive mind set is great capital.

Ben; I'm breathing! I'm breathing! Had a very positive weekend working with Kava including the "push-pull". He still tends to swing like a fish on a line when approaching the trailer. Should I instantly correct or wait relaxed for him to stop moving his feet then ask for movement of my choice? On the awesome side by Sun. he was loading willingly and standing long enough for me to close the partition, reopen it and back him out before he started to move his feet. Right now I am not comfortable curling him around my in the area we are in but that may come with time. He does back willingly and I say "step" when his hinds get to the edge. On Mon. he initially resisted as he usually does but then was so rushy I halted him at the trailer and push-pulled until he waited for my cue. At the end of 40 min. he self loaded and backed out on cue, then did it without the lead. We quit right then. Next, I suppose will be moving the trailer to different spots and loading him away from the pen. Then loading and starting the truck engine and moving the rig a short distance, again unloading and reloading. Have I missed any inbetween steps? Thank you to everyone who are giving me support and info. I hadn't thought of. Never thought I'd get this far with him. Do any of Montys lessons deal with what to do when actually in the trailer? All I've seen are the actual in and out. After loading and before unloading? Dealing with the partition, lead, tying, untying.

Wow, you're doing great! So glad it's moving on so well. Your plan for next stages sounds great.

Well done for finishing on a good point! I don't think the lessons do cover inside the trailer once loaded. Good one to suggest!
Mel
x

Hi Sharon and a very big CONGRATULATIONS. The more that you load your boy, the more confident you both will be with the trailer loading. This should bring about a more relaxed session as you continue your work. I have a couple of questions to ask. How wide is your trailer inside? Are you working on the push me--pull you exercise on the outside? This needs to be done often enough that your boy can read your intention of direction without pressure on the halter or the lead-line. Try very hard to read your boy as he is approaching the trailer. If he is getting nervous, stop right there and calm him with your deep breathing while rubbing his face to gentling the demons that might be starting to swirl around his thoughts. Ask him to back up and then go for a companion walk. Try to smile and talk to him, and then try to load again until everything works like clockwork. I would strongly suggest that you continue to load him into the trailer on a consistent basis and he is relaxed before moving the trailer. Slow,incremental steps will keep him going from day to day while feeling most confident about himself as he loads. Sharon, please be very proud of yourself and your guy this is really good stuff. What you are doing is going help him for the rest of life. GOOD WORK, Bud USA

Hi Sharon, one other item that`s extremely important and might give an ease to the teaching and bring about more learning. .If you have noticed on most of Monty`s videos whenever he desensitizes a horse he most always walks the horse in a circle. This called sensitizing the horse and there should be a balance between desensitizing and sensitizing as this prevents flooding the horse emotionally. .Another thought would be to place a container of treats or grain for him at the front of the trailer. He gets a reward for being in the trailer with you. I hope this continues to help you. Bud USA...

Yes, you're right; I've seen him circle. Usually, I let Kava stand and relax facing the trailer before asking for a reload. There have been times I've walked him away to get a relief. I can do this every time if you think it creates a better learning experience. I do put hay and/or feed pellets up front; I also back him away before he has finished as an incentive to reload. The trailer width measured from the opened partition to the opposite wall is 70 in. You are the second person to say look at the horse and smile. Now I'm overly conscious of body language doing the uni - so, a closed-mouth smile or one that shows teeth? Thanks, all for sticking with me. Sharon

Hi Sharon,I think that you will find that the smiling will help you flow with Kava on a more consistent basis. For me, smiling eases any tension that could be building on my part during the lesson. When you load a horse into a trailer, there`s a multitude of things taking place for both you and your horse in a short period of time. When it`s done right, I look at it as an art-form. Keep on practicing until, as Monty says, " you can`t get it wrong". ... When do take him for a short ride, scope out a place with lots of green grass before hand, stop and unload and have a tea party with him. He will never forget that time with you. . Also, regarding the inside width of the trailer, I think that there would be enough room for a turn around, but only when your ready and have practiced outside with him. Keep on trucken girl, you`re doing awesome. Bud USA

we are progressing! Kava is loading willingly once we are actually at the trailer. He still resists coming toward it but once there will stand quietly for grooming, feeding and resting. He tries to back out after a few seconds (unless he is distracted by grain or hanging his head out the window.) but will stop when asked and move forward again. I have begun closing the partition for longer periods but not tying his head and he stands quietly then. Yesterday my husband drove the rig for a very short distance on a paved road and very slowly. I rode in the back in the second "stall". Kava started out calm but then got antsy and tried to rear several times. We stopped until he settled, then went on to a turn-around. I unloaded him and led him a few feet away and let him graze, then reloaded with no problem and we drove back. He stood quietly for this. I unloaded him at our site and had him stand a few minutes at the rear of the trailer and rubbed on him, then put him in the pen. Any further thoughts or insights? Am I moving too fast with the driving portion? Also, would anyone suggest I work on this daily or are longer breaks between sessions less threatening? Daylight is longer and warmer here in Tx. now so either is an option. Sharon

Hi Sharon, I was wondering if you any Texas blood in your veins with the steadfastness that you have shown all of us about Kava and trailer loading. Again, a big CONGRATULATIONS from all of us for what you are accomplishing. My whole family came from Texas and had much to do with the settling of the State in 1800`s. Enough of that, and back to your questions. Sometimes, on that initial ride, horses can become emotionally flooded. Every horse is somewhat different, however we as trainers in this situation have choices to help at the time. One choice is to stop and settle the horse. You did this in a most successful manner, because when you stopped and unloaded to allow him to graze he climbed right back in the trailer for you when you were ready to continue. That tells me that everything you did was right-on for your horse and his actions. The other choice that was open to you was to keep driving until the eventual rhythym sounds of driving down the road were SOOTHING the sting of the demons that were flying around him while rearing. What I am saying here is that you found a way to help your horse and in this situation, and it worked perfectly. Maybe on the next trip you can find a soft ice cream parlor and treat everyone for their fforts....................................................... . . . . . . . . . . .Sharon, the more that you can help Kava realize that the aura that surround the horse trailer is filled with really good things that happen to and for him, the more relaxed he will become for you. Please don`t forget about the deep breathing. It really helps concerned horses. In all of Monty`s lessons we see ritualistic habitation as a powerful learning tool for horses. I would keep on this until you see him so excited to go into the trailer that he cannot wait for the door to open. Then girl, you will really feel like "T TEXAS TYLER" ..Great job. Bud Wash State USA that .

Bud, I hate to break your excitement but I live in CO. on 71 acres in South Park - yep, just like the tv show!! BUT, I work in San Angelo state park for the winter 6 mos. There is an equestrian campground here where I stay and have my horses. 65 miles of riding trails.. I've been coming here for 5 yrs. So you see why this issue is sooo important - we have an 800 mi. drive 2x/year. This takes 2 overnight stops at horse motels which aren't always enclosed and safe if a horse gets loose. Anyhow, thanks for all your input and everyone's encouragement. I was seriously looking to having him put down. Sharon

Hi Sharon, please for give an old man for his ramblings. I believe that you are well on your way with Kava and I hope that you feel very good about your accomplishment with him. I am in hopes you will find that your efforts with the trailer training will merge into other aspects of his training and your life. Again, congratulations...Bud

I'll take all the ramblings I can get! I never expected to find so much insight and support through a keyboard. And, had I not gotten a free month with the uni when I bought Cavallo boots this all may have turned out very differently. I've joined for a year now so this is not the last; the more I learn the more questions I'll have...Sharon

Hi Sharon,
Congratulations! Look at you, at Januari 14, 2016 you started from scratch, now only a month later, you've completed 200 lessons and you've come such a long way!
All of us have embarked on a lifetime of learning, when we decided to take Monty's path, welcome to our forum...
Before you know it you'll be able to help others with your advice, the great thing is that doing so you'll learn even more! One horse at a time.
Keep the good work going,
Miriam

just an update - loading lessons are progressing well; as long as there is food in the bin Kava will stand well and quietly. He does get very excited when the rig stops and begins stomping and pawing, occasionally kicking the trailer wall. He does stand until I get the partition open and ask him to back out. At this point would you recommend ignoring the behavior and rewarding when he is quiet, or just ignore it altogether and go about my business? Also, as this progresses do you have any thoughts on putting him into a trailer where I cannot lead him in? The friend I travel with has a 2 horse slant with the tack room in the back. There is no safe room for me to stand and ask him to load. He would be on top of me. I could run the line out the window and stand outside to ask him forward but I'm afraid that might ruin all the work we've accomplished so far. I also don't want to introduce the new trailer too soon although he has been in it once before - not happily. Thanks, Sharon

Hi Sharon, Kava seems to loading into the trailer pretty well now, but he doesn`t settle himself unless eating while in the trailer. You need to find a way to help him relax while in the trailer. Unless distracted, he seems to still find demons that live in the trailer. In his mind, he knows that demons are present, however he is willing to walk passed them when entering the trailer if you are leading him. You are his safety net and that is such a good place to be for both of you. My suggestion would be for you to tie Kava somewhere outside the trailer for extended periods of time and you walk away. There is something that happens to a horse when being tied that relaxes a horse emotionally.. Most trainers can`t explain it completely, but they all recognize the results If you can ritualistically habituate over a week`s time, you probably will see a more relaxed individual in Kava.
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.Regarding your other question, you might practice with Kava on the sending exercise. That`s where you stand to the side of him [leading position] and ask him to move forward beyond where you are standing by himself. You might need an extension of your arm [short whip with styrofoam rapped around the end and duct-tapped on]. If he makes no effort to move forward. tap him on the butt for encouragement. Practice this through a doorway first until solid with the his effort to move out. Then move to the trailer. However, do not abandon the other loading procedure. Reward often and keep smiling. You are doing a great job. Bud

Thank you, Bud; All my ground activity starts at the trailer here. It's my tack room. So, he is always tied here for grooming or rubbing or being tied while I go do something else out of his sight. He's fine with this. I have also worked on the "direct and drive" with props on hand: pen doors, stable doors at home both into and out of (light to dark), aisleways and the weighscale at the vet's. Narrow places through trees but all are outside here. I use a thin, stiff pvc piece of water pipe with a small bag wrapped at the tip. We seem to be on the same page with this;I guess it's the refusals I have trouble finding ways to get around and make it positive. Maybe I'm too low key. Sharon

Hi Sharon and thank you for being truthful. I struggled with just what you are talking about with my horses for years. Then it dawned on me that horses who remain alive in their thought processes take the freedom to say NO at times. Furthermore, I discovered that it was up to ME to find a way to help them re-think what was asked of them with a positive outcome. I found that it comes down to shaping the way that they think. That is the number one reason why working with horses can be so frustrating. Horses learn things in small increments. What can be totally insignificant to us could HUGE for the horse.
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.Horses, through their DNA, are acutely aware of their environment. Safety is the number one issue at all times with them. I believe that our thoughts when we first approach them, should be about them and the environment, because that`s where their thoughts are going to be. Approaching our horses in this manner produces a good place to start a conversation with them. This approach helps us to get the ME out of our thoughts and the WE in our thinking. Horses will really resonate with this type of greeting. I wish more professional trainers would approach their trainees in this manner. A few seconds with a warm GOOD MORNING AND A RUB ON THE FOREHEAD type of greeting can really tip the scale for learning that day.
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Horses that feel the freedom to say NO to us will also feel the freedom to come back to us when they are ready. We just have to have the patience to allow it to happen. My stallions taught me this many years ago. Control is important but so is freedom of expression. When working with horses we are dealing with the right brain part of our thinking. That gets complicated when the ego gets in the way.
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. Think back only two shorts months, what looked to be impossible is now freely happening for you. I hope this helps you in some way. Your friend Bud

Nicely put Bud, always a good morning rub before any chores are done! We all like a hello in the morning. :D
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an example of Pye saying NO this week was asking him to come into the night pen so I could shut the gate. The rest of the herd were in and he refused to come in. I was in a rush so put the lead rope on his neck and asked, then promptly took it off as his head went up in disagreement and I said sorry as he wasn't ready to make a decision. I then went and closed the gate and showed him the herd were already in the pen and I'd like him to join them, I opened the gate and offered for him to come forwards in my hand gesture and the shoulder invite. He took a few steps forward and stopped. I closed the gate and sent the others away from the gate area, then opened the gate and invited him again. This time he came through the gap, gave me a lick as he passed and then waited till I closed the gate and joined him. Giving him a rub and fuss with thanks.
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The horses are very capable of thinking things through, we just need to be patient and clear with our requests. If they say no, which they are entitled to do so, reasoning with them can achieve a result.
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Sharon, with the refusals try and focus on why he is refusing first, there will be something he is trying to tell you, then you will be able to find a amicable resolve.
Mel
x

Meant to add, if you read my story of Pye saying NO, can you see why he didn't want to come through the gate? x