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Step 1
Allow your horse to familiarize himself with the trailer. One way to do this is by placing the trailer in the pasture with your horses. Allow the horse to explore the trailer on his own terms.
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Step 2
Feed your horse his meals on the ramp of the trailer. Gradually move the food further and further into the trailer. This will help the horse to associate the trailer with something positive.
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Step 3
Create a safe, comfortable environment when loading your horse into the trailer. Limit the number of people around the trailer. Put bedding on the trailer ramp to muffle the noise of his hooves.
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Step 4
Try to back the trailer up to a confined space. This ensures that the horse has nowhere to go but into the trailer. This will also prevent him from running or bolting in panic.
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Step 5
Reward your horse when he has made progress. Even just a few steps toward the trailer can be rewarded with some grain or a piece of carrot. This will reinforce positive behavior and may give the horse incentive to keep moving toward the trailer.
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Step 6
Be confident. When you lead your horse up to the trailer, do so with the attitude that he is going to walk right in. If you are hesitant or uncertain when approaching the trailer, chances are, your horse will be too.
