Trailer Loading

     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.

    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.