Claustrophobic Cob

[JollyOldStNicholas]

Has anyone had a claustrophobic horse before and if so how did you manage to overcome loading them? My cob is 8 and will walk on to the trailer (after lots and lots of training) but the second you even think about closing the door she completely freaks, shakes and sweats uncontrollably and will run straight off. She was involved in a trailer accident before I owned her so she's got trauma but I'm not sure if this is ever something we will overcome. Does anyone have any experience with a situation like this?

We had a cob who was difficult to
load and panicked once in the box. I had a kelly mark’s associate come out . She did loads of stuff using poles to block off a small space in a stable and leading around . I genuinely thought it was a waste of time but horse then went straight in box , was chilled and never had another issue travelling ? So maybe worth a try ?

My horse had separation anxiety on the trailer. I spent months just loading her feeding her and unloading, then when she was calm shutting the ramp with someone with her making sure they could get out if needed. She also has a mirror so she can see herself and a large stuffed toy horse tied up next to her. We did lots of 10 minute drives when we started traveling. I used to drive round the school and then unload her. She now loads and travels well. She didn't have any trauma though and you might need specialist help.

Love the stuffed toy horse idea , it must be huge though ?

I also did a loading session with Dan Wain. He was really good.

About 8 hands!

We've been working with an excellent trainer and the yard manager is also fantastic with her. We are working on the poles suggestion now. It's not the getting her on that's the problem, it's the overwhelming fear when she thinks she's going to be shut in. I guess I was hoping someone would have a positive story so I could see the light at the end of the tunnel! She is also very sensitive when in season and seems to have peaks and troughs in her behaviour and general stroppiness! She gets super itchy and tickly when touched for a day or two as well. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good hormonal balancer? Stroppy mare has been suggested, what are people's experience of this too?

I found Stroppy Mare worked for mine until she managed to pull the tub into her stable overnight, wolfed the lot, was stoned for a week and then refused to touch it ever again (and she was an absolute pig with food). You do need to be patient though, it isn't gping to be a Day 1 wonder-cure.

Would also suggest a Monty Roberts/Kelly Marks trained individual to help with the boxing issues.

Hang on in there!

I need this ! Mine is great to load and travel but hates standing on the box alone , this might actually work .

I think the mirror has made the biggest difference. She gives it a sniff sometimes when she loads and isn't so lonely. We also have someone in with her when we put the ramp up. She is in a large equitrek and I have moved her partition so she has more room. She has been a star walking straight on recently. But she has now taken to having a massive wee in the shavings on the box every time we load to come home!

People on my yard swear by agnus cactus for hormonal mares and geldings that need to chill out.

I've seen the difference with a gelding who very quickly went from more or less feral to being chilled out.