What a Horrible Day - DAY 44 update w/pics (pg 3)

[Valerie62]

I had all intentions of loading my mare in the trailer and taking her to a small fun show today....just for the experience - not to show.

This was the first time I tried to load her since I brought her home last year and the first time in the trailer I bought. Let's just say it didn't go well.

First, she didn't want to load -- at all. But I kept at it and a few hours later had her pretty much walking in and immediately she'd back out. This is a small two horse straight load trailer with a manger in front. Finally, after I had her standing in there for a few minutes each time I asked my hubby to shut the back doors. I stayed in the trailer with her (the partition was left open so I had enough room to stand beside her and I could also duck out the escape door.

Well, she panicked! Tried to back out and realized she was trapped. So she tried to go out the front window...got her front legs stuck up on the manger. Meanwhile I was still trapped inside with her! How I didn't get injured or killed is beyond me. We finally got her front legs down and the back door opened and out she went. Broke her lead rope and cut her front leg .... tore the skin back in a perfect V shape flap.

I don't know what to do now. I'm afraid to try to load her again. I've never in my 30+ years of owning and trailering horses EVER had a horse try to go out the tiny front window door and get their front legs up in the manger. I'm thinking of selling the trailer and trying a slant load with no manger. I'm terrified of her getting seriously hurt. I even thought about maybe having to give her a sedative or something when I want to trailer her. I want to be able to take my horses to shows and trail riding .... I don't want to be stuck at home 365 days a year.

I'm doctoring her wound with Underwoods. This is the first time since I lost my horse over 9 years ago and had to have him put down because of his injuries that I've had an injury to care for. All I can do is keep it clean and put the medicine on it. She doesn't seem to be limping too much ... but I feel so bad. Like it's all my fault. But all I wanted to do is take her somewhere and experience something new. I guess I accomplished that but not like I wanted to.

Anyway, here's a pic of her wound. Let me know if you have any suggestions on wound care or trailer loading. I'm just glad we're both still standing.

[Carri]

Poor girl! I am so sorry!

[BarnBum]

I would wrap it after you clean it up.
Maybe some bute, I am sure she is sore.
Is she current on her tetnus ??
Sounds like it could have been worse, glad it wasn't.

I think you got more emotional damage done than physical.
Maybe you should have considered working with her
loading before today. She hasn't loaded in over a year
and it was a new trailer for her. Now she has enstilled a
fear (more than before) now loading and being in a trailer.
Consider getting a bigger trailer. Those 2H straight loads with
mangers aren't very roomy and kinda claustrophobic for horses.
After her trailering experience today, the bigger the trailer the better
for her comfort and emotional well being.

Good luck.

[rivervu2]

Ouch!

I had a gelding that did the exact same thing and it was horrifying! Once I got him out of the trailer he would never get back in. I finally outsmarted him. I borrowed a friend's stock trailer and backed it up to his open stall door, making sure there were no gaps. I then fed him just inside the trailer so he could stick his head in. Each day the feed went further into the trailer. By the end of the week he was loading himself and eating his hay while standing in the trailer. I never had a problem hauling him after that as long as the trailer was light and spacious.

I HATE those trailers with a manger and refuse to put any horse in one after the nightmare with my gelding. If it were me I'd sell it and get a trailer that's wide open in the back so your horse doesn't feel claustrophobic.

[tuffsmom]

I just had a wound just like that from a fence put medicine on it and wrap it. If at all possible, standing wrap the other leg and put her in a stall. We had him on hand walk only for the first 7 days then went to limited turn out until the the flap was completely glued and mixed with the new skin. Mine ended up with a very small scar.

[Horsie Michelle]

Wow you really did have a horrible day. You and your mare are very lucky that both or either of you didn't get killed or really, really, hurt.

I've seen horses try to go through the window, escape door, etc.


I've got four that I'm working with to trailer...some better than others. I also have a 2h straight load (sounds just like yours) mines tall and wide.

I have taken the divider out and that has helped with the four a lot. Of course I only put one in at a time but they feel less confined...until they start to feel more comfortable. All of mine trailer fine-it's just getting in the trailer to varying degrees.

Slow and steady and try to end on a positive note. I would suggest working with her at a very slow pace...sounds like you did to get her in. Just break it down into small steps forward and "perfect" each step. Please though don't stay in the trailer with her though. I have seen people at shows/trail rides/ events get very, very hurt doing that. When I load I always stay at least on the other side of the divider.

Also if you have a escape door I would suggest not leaving it wide open...more than likely if she nervous about trailering she'll see that has an escape. I unlatch mine if I'm alone but leave it "closed". I also leave the window closed in the front when I load.

You won't be stuck at home. You got her in-so you just have a little more work and you'll be tearing up the ring/trails/parks!

Hang in there and don't get discouraged!

[DappleGrayMyWay]

Well, this may not help you, but I know exactly what you're going through. My gelding...well, let's just say I'm no stranger to trailering nightmares.

Here's the thing. We both have trailers we've already spent money on, and horses who must get onto those trailers. I'll tell you what people have told me, and what I've told myself. You just have to find what works for you and your horse, and while it may indeed take hours and hours, that's what you just have to do.

My strongest suggestion is that you go ahead and start back with her as soon as you can. And just work with her until she can relax with her feet on the trailer. Let her learn that she's not in any danger on the trailer. Don't shut the door for a while.

And if you want to talk more about this we can PM. Trust me, I've been through a few bad experiences with trailers!

[Berry]

OUCH...poor girl. Keep her quiet for a few days, but quiet is relative to what they are used to. I know if I tried to keep mine stalled for an injury they'd be way more agitated and likely to hurt themselves more than if they were given their normal stall with walkout access. calm vs. confined.

Good luck with her cut. Hopefully it is only skin deep with no permanent damage.

With respect to the trailer, regardless of which trailer you have or buy in the future, I'd suggest getting her used to it over time. Practice loading and unloading and then loading and closing the door without going anywhere.

Good luck and keep us posted on her progress.

[Cutter'sGirl]

We have had trailer problems to and found the best luck with backing the trailer up to a pen and just feeding her in it every day. She might not eat for the first time or two but a few bites. Then they normally start sneaking in for a bite and backing right out. Eventually they just climb right in and we have actually had trouble with getting them out of the trailer....lol.
I hope your girl gets better....stuff just takes time..i'm sure you will get it figured out. Good Luck!!!!

[BarnBum]

Originally Posted by DappleGrayMyWay

Here's the thing. We both have trailers we've already spent money on, and horses who must get onto those trailers. !

But if the trailer doesn't suit the horse than you are asking for problems.
Not every horse fits in every trailer Not every trailer suits every horse

I know this was OT from the original thread, but not every trailer is compatible to every horse. Maybe this is the case in the OP, I dunno. But something to consider b/4 more serious of an injury occurs to you or your horse

[Valerie62]

Originally Posted by BarnBum

I would wrap it after you clean it up.
Maybe some bute, I am sure she is sore.
Is she current on her tetnus ??
Sounds like it could have been worse, glad it wasn't.

I think you got more emotional damage done than physical.
Maybe you should have considered working with her
loading before today. She hasn't loaded in over a year
and it was a new trailer for her. Now she has enstilled a
fear (more than before) now loading and being in a trailer.
Consider getting a bigger trailer. Those 2H straight loads with
mangers aren't very roomy and kinda claustrophobic for horses.
After her trailering experience today, the bigger the trailer the better
for her comfort and emotional well being.

Good luck.

The directions for the Underwoods says not to wrap. She is current on tenanus. Just had her shots last month. I think I may call the vet tomorrow about the bute....is that the only place you can get it? And can you get it without a farm call? I've never needed it before.

Today was the first opportunity to actually hook up the trailer because of weather, work and just plain old every day responsibilities. I really had no intentions of actually going anywhere if things didn't go well at home. I was prepared for problems but nothing like this. The last thing I wanted to do was get somewhere and then not be able to get her home unless I rode her (the fairgrounds where I wanted to go is only about 5 miles away from home).

I am leaning heavily towards selling this trailer and getting a larger slant. And I also know I've taken ten steps back .... getting her anywhere near a trailer will probably be a miracle. But ... that's horses for ya ... and I'm in it for the good and the bad.

[Valerie62]

Originally Posted by Berry

OUCH...poor girl. Keep her quiet for a few days, but quiet is relative to what they are used to. I know if I tried to keep mine stalled for an injury they'd be way more agitated and likely to hurt themselves more than if they were given their normal stall with walkout access. calm vs. confined.

Good luck with her cut. Hopefully it is only skin deep with no permanent damage.

With respect to the trailer, regardless of which trailer you have or buy in the future, I'd suggest getting her used to it over time. Practice loading and unloading and then loading and closing the door without going anywhere.

Good luck and keep us posted on her progress.

My mare is much more relaxed kept outside vs locked in a stall. I can keep her in for a few hours but she paces and wants out. I also can't lock her in without locking my gelding in too ... they are inseparable (much to my dismay) ... even if he is in sight she freaks out. Luckily the next few days are supposed to be nice so there isn't any worries about mud, etc.

[Valerie62]

I want to thank everyone who has responded so far with your suggestions, kind words and encouragement. Right after this happened and after I got her wound cleaned ... I sat down and cried for hours (I'm still somewhat traumatized). I know all will work itself out, and my husband has been more than supportive but I just feel like such a failure. Nothing seems to ever go right. I know horses are hard work but I just wish there were more good days than bad ones.

Tomorrow's another day .... good night.

[pippy]

My mom had a morgan mare that - long story- got her front legs stuck in the manger area of an older (70's?)two horse straight load. I can't remember how they even freed her- but apparently she to wanted to go out the little door up front by the manger. She was ok though afterwards.
Hope yours heals well.

P.S. My mom's horse walked right back in the next day- I am guessing she didn't attribute what had happened to the trailer. Yours may very well be more scared, because she was iffy getting in to begin with- I just thought to share my mom's experience thinking it would offer a glimmer of hope that not all horses will attribute the trauma to the trailer and are no worse off for loading.

That said, I once lead a horse in ta trailer (I went in first, horse behind me) and she started to rear and lunge, I jumped up quick into the manger and exited the door my own self- never did I lead that mare in there again, I made her go in first but after that, I was the one w/ the fear of going in w/ the horse- I felt like that was a close call that I didn't want to relive- even with other horses who didn't misbehave. So, you may find your own self hesitant but just keep working through it. You can work through this with time.

Good luck.

[Rafflesgirl]

Just wanted to say don't beat yourself up and feel like it is your problem that this happened. It is an accident and just that. And you know your mare may not be as freaked out as you think the next time.

I had a horse we were hauling once in a 2 horse trailer and it started raining and rain got in thru the open back door and the floor which was wood with some shavings over it got slippery and the mare slid right down onto her side with her legs on once side of the divider and her body on the next, hanging by her neck. We stopped when we heard the noise and opened the back door and I about had a heart attack. Luckily she was a calm mare and she just laid there looking at us like HELP. So the only way to get her out was to remove the divider (quickly) and a knife to quickly cut the tie which was hanging her by her halter. Well we were out in the middle of no where in the rain and she just got up, walked out of the trailer and then walked right back on and said let's get this show on the road!! So who knows maybe your mare won't be that frightened. If she is, just take it slow, you might have taken a step back with her as far as loading, but I"m sure with your patience you can bring her back up to loading without problems.

[Amykatrina]

Your comment about the horse trying to get through the window kinda struck a cord with me. I offered to trailer a friend-of-a-friends horse for her to auction, she couldnt get him to do anything for her so off he went. Loaded not too badly but before we even left the yard he had done the same thing as your mare. I have an older 2 horse straight load, fixed manger as well, and it took him all of 30 seconds to try to climb out the very small window in the front. It took us 4 hours to drive a normally 1 1/2 hour trip because we had to pull over every time he would freak out, tossing my truck and trailer around on a busy highway. We eventually blind folded him and that worked for quite a while until he rubbed it off. In hind sight, if we had covered the windows I'm sure that would have done the trick as well. Some horses just dont like seeing where they are going. This horse was only going to be on my trailer one time and he did manage to flip himself upside down and break a whole bunch of stuff in it before we got him unloaded. Not fun. And not cheap fixes as far as my trailer went, unfortunately she didnt offer to pay for ANY of it

None of my horses want to load on my trailer when I get them because most have been hauled in slant loads, or open stock trailers. Im a firm believer that any horse can learn to be loaded and travel in a straight load, some just with ALOT more work than others. It takes time, lots of patience, lots of new ideas, and short trips to begin, but they CAN do it. and the added benefit is that once they load and travel in a 2 horse straight, they'll hop in darn near anything Keep working at it, I feel your pain but it will be worth it in the end when you dont need to worry about hauling anymore. PM me if you want some ideas of things you may not have tried yet

[sundancer maiden]

Use her friendship with your gelding. Have her watch him get in and out of the trailer. Whenever you do try to load her again, in whatever trailer, put him in and let her stand next to him. Of course this only works if the gelding is totally trailer trained and very calm!!
Please don't be so hard on yourself. She has ridden in a trailer before so I would never have expected that sort of situation either! I agree with the idea of a larger, more spacious feeling trailer also. It's amazing, when you think about it, that horses ever feel comfortable in a small, confined space! That would go against every prey animal instinct!! Just take your time, and make sure you feel strong and confident when you work with her. She'll pick up on the tiniest fear or insecurity.
Let us know what you deside to do, about the trailer, and working with her. If you need a confince boost, come here and we'll do our best!!

[BarnBum]

Originally Posted by Valerie62

The directions for the Underwoods says not to wrap. She is current on tenanus. Just had her shots last month. I think I may call the vet tomorrow about the bute....is that the only place you can get it? And can you get it without a farm call? I've never needed it before.
.

Yes, bute is only avail thru your vet. You can just walk in the office and pick some up. It is nice to keep bute on hand for issues that arise.
I always keep bute and banamine on hand for those times you need it "now" Neither will go bad as long as you keep it refrigerated. My refrig is never w/out either one. Rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I am sure your horse will benefit some bute, I am sure she is sore and the bute will help her out and make her more comfortable and less stressed due to the pain.

I suggested to wrap the foot to keep it clean and the flies/bugs/dirt / mud out of it.

Today is a new day.....

[WickedNag]

I had a horse with a cut very much like your horse. Took him to the vet and they cast him and I kept him stalled till the cast came off. Very minimal scarring and he was good as new.

Sorry I can not help with the trailering issue. By best friend is great at teaching any horse to trailer and I have never had anyone act up no matter how scared they were to start with. Good luck to you.

[Valerie62]

She's a little swollen in the wound area this morning. Not limping and she is putting all her weight on the leg. She let me soak it with cold water (couldn't get her to stick her foot in the bucket though so I used a cold compress). Reapplied the Underwoods with baking powder coating as recommended in the directions. She seems to be doing okay except for the mild swelling - which is probably to be expected.

As for wrapping, there is nothing in the pasture where she can get it dirty. It's a rather cool day here today so I don't think bugs/flies will be an issue. I wish I could have stayed home from work today but I couldn't.

I do have a call into the vet to get professional advice. I do not think this is an emergency so I did not schedule a farm call. I'm going to ask about the bute.

Thanks again to everyone for your words of wisdom and sharing your own personal experiences. I'll keep you posted on our progress.