Mounted search and rescue

["Joseph Huston" <jchuston@earthlink.net>]

My SAR horse, Stormy,  had a fear of trailers (bought her when she was 14 years old)  and it was the second professional trainer that helped her over come those fears. It now takes her about 30 seconds to load. Her ability to load quickly and with out much "action" from me became very important after I had an accident while on a search and bruised my ribs. Stormy loaded quickly that night and from now on, I try to make sure every horse I trailer has the ability to load quickly, with or without her primary handler.

 

Joe Huston

 

----- Original Message -----

From: ALLEN SNYDER

To: Mounted search and rescue

Sent: 10/31/2007 10:55:48 AM

Subject: [MSAR] Thanks for encouraging response on trailer loading

It was good to hear what you said.  I would also imagine that horses may be like people in that they are often very vulnerable and easily led like sheep after something traumatic like an accident.  The demeanor of the human(s) leading them makes a big difference too.

 

I do not know what may have happened to the former race horse, then jumper (no more jumping due to old fracture) I adopted last fall.  He may have had some bad experiences with the racing chute or poorly loaded by a rough or inexperienced person.  He used to be really worried about trailers; deep, dark, noisy stock trailers. Can we really blame them?  I have been really patient and just let him stand around the trailer as well as employed the help of a professional trainer to overcome this.  The trainers sense of timing and confidence are evident in that she can load him without of fuss. Next, I will need to learn these skills because a MSAR horse should be able to load in about 5 min. or less, right? 

 

My TB gelding has a great mind and is not afraid of many of the things that frighten most other horses, so I think the investment is worth it.  Neither of us is perfect, but he trusts me; which is one of the most important aspects of any partnership. 

Happy Halloween!