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Head down in trailer

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Last activity 2009-11-01 7:05 PM
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pinkmouse
Reg. Jan 2009
Posted 2009-10-24 10:03 AM (#112317)
Subject: Head down in trailer


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Location: Virginia

I have noticed that my gelding prefers to ride in the big slant load trailer with his nose almost touching the floor.  He picks his head up to eat hay, but puts it right back down - even when we are stopped.  Is this unusual?  Rides in this trailer are usually several hours to competitions, but he starts out the ride with his head down.  I am looking at getting a small trailer for local use and was wondering if the chest bar is necessary.  Can I remove it so that he can put his head down if it is more comfortable for him?  Does he even have to be tied? I am avoiding trailers with mangers for that reason alone. 

http://uniquehorsetrailers.blogspot.com/

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laurie
Reg. Jun 2004
Posted 2009-10-24 12:20 PM (#112322 - in reply to #112317)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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I have never had a horse put his head down but I would never put a horse in a trailer with that long of a tie to find out. My thinking is that it seems like they could get hurt with there head down. What if you stopped quickly or something and they popped there head up quickly and it hit something? Or jammed it somehow while down?
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wyndancer
Reg. Apr 2007
Posted 2009-10-24 1:59 PM (#112328 - in reply to #112317)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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I think the head down position is better for clearing of the sinus cavity....I wouldn't worry.
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pinkmouse
Reg. Jan 2009
Posted 2009-10-25 9:43 AM (#112358 - in reply to #112317)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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Laurie - the rope is just short enough so he can't get in trouble, but can put his head straight down right below where it is attached.  He wears his Equifacesaver (yup - it's the 'pricey' head bumper) in the trailer so his head has extra protection.

I just feel like something is not right because when I stop and check on the guys, the other two are happy to see me and stick their noses out through the bars and my boy just stands there with his head down.  He looks absolutely miserable. He picks it up briefly, but then it goes right back down again.  This is a horse who normally has his head in the clouds.  As soon as he is off the trailer his head is back up again.

Do horses get motion sickness?  I know they can't regurgitate, but I wonder if they can get other symptoms?

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laurie
Reg. Jun 2004
Posted 2009-10-25 10:53 AM (#112363 - in reply to #112317)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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You might try hauling him backwards. If they have the choice that is how they tend to ride in a stock trailer. Put him in the 1st stall and turn him around. Then you can load the other in head 1st. Just a thought to see if he is more comfotable. I have my ties so they can't get any lower than there chest.
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Slidinspots
Reg. Feb 2006
Posted 2009-10-30 9:58 PM (#112624 - in reply to #112358)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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Could the headbumper be causing a problem inside the trailer that makes him feel he needs to put his head down?
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Slidinspots
Reg. Feb 2006
Posted 2009-10-31 8:58 PM (#112659 - in reply to #112624)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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I was thinking of this today when I loaded my gelding. He tries to look under the divider as he hates the solid divider. Is your horse trying to look under the divider?
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pinkmouse
Reg. Jan 2009
Posted 2009-10-31 10:46 PM (#112661 - in reply to #112317)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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Slidinspots - good questions

When I used the old style head bumper I used to put it on just for loading and unloading (they don't stay on right) he still put his head down while traveling.

When he puts his head down, it is straight down and he is not looking at anything but the wall straight in front of him.  He barely moves at all.  He does eat his hay, but takes his time.  While I prefer that, it is not normal for him.

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Ncatanz
Reg. Jun 2008
Posted 2009-11-01 5:55 PM (#112684 - in reply to #112317)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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I would try loading him backwards too,  if may improve his balance,  try it and see if he is happier.
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flatlandfilly
Reg. Jun 2006
Posted 2009-11-01 7:05 PM (#112689 - in reply to #112317)
Subject: RE: Head down in trailer


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You might try taking him for a ride without the headbumper to see if it makes a difference. It may be bothering him.
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