kicking in the horse trailer

Question
We have 2 horses that kick and kick in the horse trailer to the point that when you stop to unload them they have blood or big raw spots from kicking when your going down the road.It doesn't seem to mattere what stall you put them in they just kick.They  just started to do this in the last few months.We have bought shipping boots and they have broken the velcro sstraps.Please  I need some help.

                      sincerly,marcie

Answer
Hi Marcie,
           There are several reasons that horses kick while being trailered. They may not want to be close to other horses, they may be bored, they may have learnt that if the kick, then the trailer will stop and they can get what they want.  I would first check out the trailer and make sure that the horses are having a comfortable ride. Make sure that there are no sudden starts or stops and that each horse has hay to keep them busy. If they are tied, try hauling them loose to see if that makes a difference. You should also check to see if each horse displays the same behavior when  being trailered by themselves. Some horses do feel crowded, when being in a trailer with another horse. If you have the type of trailer that will allow it, then back te horse in and let him travel backwards.

Please let me know if this does not work.

Lisa