What can protect my horse from breaking her nose on the trailer?

Question

I know I saw it at equine affaire, but what are those protective masks that go from the forehead down the nose so that horses that swing their head up when backing out of the trailer don't break their nose? Not just a poll guard, but the entire face. Please help quickly!

Answer 1

The answer to your problem is to properly train your horse to load and unload on the trailer.  If she is not afraid and knows what to do, you will not have to be fearful of her backing out AND she needs to know how to back out.  She may get into a situation where she can only get out of trouble if she trusts you enough to back when you ask her.  I've never seen one of the masks you mention but they make a contraption for everything these days.  I've just never seen the value in trying to use mechanical devices when the best idea is to address the real problem - not the symptom.  Just an idea.

Answer 2

ur trailer should be big enough so that the horse can not reach the top of the trailer!!!  I have know what your on about but also cant think for the life of me what it is called.  What you could also do is wrap a folded up towel in around your headcollar before backing the horse out, which whould also protect the nose. The most delicate part of the nose is around the nostrils, and the bone goes into a tip.

Answer 3

I would simply cover the bar with a foam.  Weather stripping usually works well but it depends on how you door closes.  If you have the old style open two horse you may be able to use the foam insulation for pipes.  That way it is no problem if you forget the guard or there is an emergency and you have to get your horse to the vet in a hurry.

Answer 4

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp...

i couldn't find one that covers the entire face..

i wouldn't worry too much about it though

let her go as slowly as she wants, don't rush her off and keep her going straight back

Answer 5

i have a mare that does that. The horse will hit the top of its head before it hits its nose so i don't think she will break her nose. I usually ace my older horse and i have done natural horsemanship  with my horse that used to fly off the trailer backwards and now she is a pro. We would just walk her on and off several times and just hold her in their longer each time and finally tie her close the door and drive away. This was really effective for me. I like Quietex paste. It has L triptophan where the powder doesn't.