Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Scrambles In Trailer
Summary
Scrambling starts because of a horse's instability in a trailer. It is a reflex attempt to keep from falling. However, once scrambling begins, it can quickly become habitual even if the initial cause is removed. Once this behavior becomes ingrained it can be very difficult to reverse.
Erratic driving technique (rapid acceleration and deceleration and sharp turning) can teach a horse to scramble. Some horses that have been in trailer accidents will also scramble. Trailers that keep a horse off balance by their design can also cause a horse to start scrambling, as can slippery trailer footing.
Erratic driving technique (rapid acceleration and deceleration and sharp turning) can teach a horse to scramble. Some horses that have been in trailer accidents will also scramble. Trailers that keep a horse off balance by their design can also cause a horse to start scrambling, as can slippery trailer footing.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If you want to rule out any physical issue being a factor in the behavior.
your role
What To Do
Correction of this behavior starts with careful driving, use of a trailer that does not throw horses off balance, and good footing. A trailer video monitor can reveal a great deal about the cause.One way I have found to resolve this behavior is to haul the horse loose in a stock trailer. This allows them to position themselves comfortably and maintain their balance. I will often take a very short ride in the trailer with a horse that scrambles. After several trips like this that gradually increase in length, a horse may stop this behavior.
Engage help from a trainer who knows how to stop this behavior. Your vet may or may not have an interest in helping your horse overcome this behavior. Prevention involves conscientious driving technique.
In rare cases, there can be physical reasons for a horse to scramble or lose balance in a trailer. This is why veterinary evaluation is still important. Vets are sometimes asked to sedate horses that scramble. This may work short-term, but it is not a good long-term solution.
For horse's that scramble badly, consider wrapping their limbs or using shipping boots to help prevent injury.
What Not To Do
Do not drive fast or erratically when pulling a trailer with horses in it.Do not repeatedly rely on tranquilizers to trailer your horse. Tranquilization is a poor long-term solution for this problem.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
In rare cases in which a scrambler must be hauled, your vet may provide sedation to control the problem and allow the trip to take place.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is the problem severe?
- Does your horse have any physical problems that make it difficult to keep their balance in the trail
- When did you first notice this?
- Do you remember a particular incident that may have caused the horse to develop the behavior?
- Is the trailer floor very slick?
- Do you have a relationship with a qualified trainer who can help you?
- Do you feel confident in managing the training aspects of this behavior?
- What type of trailer are you using?
- Have you tried anything to prevent this problem?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Very Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
