Trailer loading is a chapter on
its own. We could put together clinics based entirely on this
subject.
Before I go on explaining my opinions on trailer loading horses it self I
think it's important to pay attention to how we drive a trailer with horses
in it. Remember it's not very easy to stand in the back of a loud and
bouncy trailer going down the road 100km/hr. Remember to accelerate
and slow down nice and gradually so you don't send your horses flying back
and forth all the time. Remember every hole and bump makes the trailer jump
and so on. Stupid horse helmets are no excuse for poor driving and
sane horse won't be hitting his head unless you send him flying.
If you drive without respect for your animal's comfort then it's fair to not expect them to get back in happily next time.
Actual loading is not much different from crossing a river or going thru a
tight gate etc. There is nothing special about the trailer and again the
height of the trailer or the fact whether it has a ramp or no is mostly just
and excuse.
Horse has to respect you and trust you in order to go in.
Remember you can't get trust without respect. If your horses pushes you on
the ground every day, he won't respect you enough to go into a dark tight
spot.
Never pull your horse in the trailer. It won't work and you will lose plus
you will teach him how to win and not get in. Always "drive" him from
behind.
Reward every small accomplishment and ignore and work thru the bad. Many
people reward the bad and ignore the good without recognising it.
If your horse takes one step towards the trailer pet and praise him, don't wait till he backs up and then let go of the shank and yell at him, he just won. Baby steps.
If your horse takes one step towards the trailer pet and praise him, don't wait till he backs up and then let go of the shank and yell at him, he just won. Baby steps.
Once he finally goes in don't
shut the door real quick and try to trick him. I promise you, he will
figure it out. Praise him and take him out again. Nice calm and slow. Don't
let him plow you over on the way out. Do this few times and then you are
ready to go and you've been honest with your horse!
Don't leave trailer loading to
the last minute when you have to haul to the mountains or show. Look at it
as any other exercise you need to work on and practice on a day when you
can take your time.
There is perhaps more to it
then can be or should be explained via written word. I could see some
people thinking they got it and maybe causing more issues then before but
basically everything in the trailer is good, remember that. Try some
reverse psychology. Try to figure out how to tell your horse it's all nice
when you are inside and all the pressure is off, you can now chill.
Ps: don't bribe your horse, it
doesn't work. Don't hang toys in the trailer, they are dangerous. It has
nothing to do with food or bribery. It's about respect and trust.
J.K.
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