Friday, June 22, 2007

Trailer loading - attempts 2 & 3

Today I got both Jake and Skittles loading in the trailer. Jake (left) went in without issue at all, but had a bit of trouble backing out. He'd be fine if he could turn around and come out head first, but was completely unconfident backing out. We tried it a few times and each got a bit better, but not great. I had to be in front of him each time rather than having him back out just with pressure on the line from outside the trailer (he'd keep trying to turn, rather than back out).

Then I went out to get Skittles (last 4 pics) to see how she'd do. She was high-headed and snorty to start like she always is. I started with friendly game with the carrot stick and string and she had a hard time standing still, but eventually settled. Then I did some squeeze game up against the trailer. She had to do that a few times before she could squeeze beside the trailer without trotting. Then I changed direction and asked her to "squeeze" into the trailer. She did awesome. Each time we approached, she got just a bit closer, then retreated. Each time we retreated, she licked her lips and got more relaxed. After only the 4 approach, she stepped in with her front feet, then we backed out again. On the next attempt she walked right in. Unfortunately she turned around and LEAPT out. So we tried again to see if she could come out a bit calmer, but ran out of time (had to get son to gymnastics and daughter to birthday party!). So we ended with just getting her front end in and backing out. We'll have to try again another day and see if we can't get that exit nice and relaxed.

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