Richard Maxwell loads the reluctant Eric

30m 8secs
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Posted: 09/01/2010

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Library > Training for all disciplines > Horse Behaviour

A difficult loader is one of the most traumatic and stressful experiences for horse and handler, and it's surprisingly common! Sarah demonstrates the problem with Eric, who has been difficult for years. Horse behaviourist, Richard Maxwell sets about understanding Eric's evasions and finding ways to counter them. "The horse's smartness is his ability to look stupid, so it's important we respect his intelligence. It's like playing chess", says Richard. Using a training halter, he starts a dialogue with Eric that involves being able to move his feet and increase the speed of his responses. Richard applies this, with dramatic results, to loading!

Comments

joallan 1 Feb 2012 OK Richard, my boy was a once a good loader but he only gets loaded when he is moving to another yard, so now he won't load, I did all the stuff and he was reluctant to go back and also will fall in to me on the right rein. We tried to load three times, all with experienced people, and in the end we had to twitch and lift each leg on to get him to his new home, I don't know how he will ever load now, he is not frightened, he travels happily, he is mow a bit wary of me lifting his front leg.

Graeme Green 21 Sep 2011 Hello Richard/Horse Hero. I had to box my 6 year old who had never been boxed since he arrived at current yard about 18 months ago. I watched your video and established a plan of approach. I have been working him on the ground with a Dually for about 6 weeks on and off so we had established some basic groundwork. Armed with these tools we worked quickly through avoidance and planting and soon estalished a gentle pace. Within 20mins he was loading and unloading at my side without thinking, within 30, he would wait at the bottom of the tail gait while I got on and then bring himself on from a slight wiggle from down lead line. So really, thank you!!

equipod 9 Jun 2011 Hi Richard, really helpful video. I wonder if you could give me some advice as I have come to an impass with uor loading progress. I have a 17.2 gelding in a 2 horse straight load float. He will walk all the way on ,wait a minute and rush off. I let him go and nicely ask him back on again. I have progressed to standing near his rump and patting him there but I just cant seem to get him to stay put ! I find each week he stays on a little longer. Do you think he will gradually feel more settled to stay in? He was loaded by his previous owners and he panicked inside and bashed his head on the roof splitting his ear open. Thanks for your advice, Wendy.

Hamachi 25 Nov 2010 I have been through this with my gelding and found myself in tears threatening him with the knacker-man many times before we finally got past it. He loads like a dream now, to the point where his latest trick is not wanting to come out of the trailer! I can so sympathize with this owner! The best part of the video was that the owner was able to get the same results as Richard and to see the relief on her face. Cheers!

LADISLAO 15 Nov 2010 Mr Maxwell you should do clinics, all around the world . If it is possible, Spain first please. What amazing techniques. Each time I see your videos Im speechless, you are a Crack. Good morning from Spain.