Question # 224: I have an OTTB who is getting more used to going places away from the stable. He is actually quite calm when we go to shows or clinics alone. But when we trailer with someone (even a new horse)...
...they become BFFs and he becomes impossible. He whinnies, paces, cranes around constantly looking for his trailer partner and is very hard to keep focused. Is there anyway to overcome this? He used to be very difficult in our ring at home when he was left alone in the ring after whoever was riding with us finished first and headed back to the barn. Now he still gets distracted but he can settle down after the horse goes out of sight. At shows he has settled down somewhat after many minutes of not being able to see the other horse and if I'm otherwise distracting him by riding or hand walking him around. Soon as the other horse can be seen we start it all up again. I'd like to show with other people, share rides and enjoy spending the day together. Have you successfully seen horses like this learn to relax enough to make travelling with another horse less problematic? I see many horses at shows quietly sitting on the trailer while the other horse is showing. I don't expect that from mine but I'd like not to clear out the warm up ring with his antics when his friend starts to ride out of sight. Thanks (Lisa)
Hi Lisa!
This can be a tough problem! How old is your horse? Many times with issues like this, they will get gradually better with time, age, and experience. I do have a few concrete ideas for you to try, that will hopefully get you there much faster however! (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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