How to trailer a horse

Safely trailering a horse

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There are many factors that can lead to difficulties when trailering a horse. The following article will discuss steps that you can take to train your horse to enter a trailer safely and consistently.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

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.

Step2

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.

Step3

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.

Step4

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.

Step5

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.

Step6

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.

Tips & Warnings

When trying to load an uncooperative horse into a trailer, it is essential that you stay emotionless and calm.
After the horse has been loaded sucessfully, be sure to drive carefully and smoothly. Giving the horse a jarring ride will only reinforce his negative associations with the trailer.
Be consistent yet gentle when getting your horse to load into the trailer. If you try to force him to load, it is likely that he will be even more determined to not enter the trailer.
Be patient with fearful horses. Horses naturally perceive anything that is restrictive and confining as a threat to their safety.