Tips for How to Load a Horse Trailer
Every horse owner needs to know how to properly trailer a horse. Learning cues to properly and safely load your horse can make training your horse to use the trailer less stressful for both you and your horse. Whether for showing, trail rides or moving to a new stable facility, trailers can get your horse to and from a destination safely when done properly.
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Familiarize Your Horse to the Trailer
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Allow your horse to become comfortable when approaching a trailer. Horses by instinct see a trailer as a confined place, and may balk when being lead to the trailer for the first time. Place the trailer into your horse's paddock, or pasture, leaving the ramp down so the horse can inspect the trailer at will. Place some hay or your horse's grain inside so your horse associates the trailer as something positive. Move the food further back each day until your horse walks freely in and out of the trailer with ease.
Make the Experience Comfortable
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Horses associate comfort with a positive experience, and may react negatively when presented with something out of the comfort zone. Make new experiences such as loading into a trailer simpler by knowing your horse's comforts and discomforts. A horse who hates the thump of a ramp may benefit from padding the ramp upon landing with straw or bedding. A horse who bolts when lead up to a trailer may load better if the trailer has been backed up to the stall door, leaving the horse with no choice but to load onto the trailer.
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Time Management
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Avoid the disappointment that can happen when you miss an event due to a horse refusing to get into the trailer. Giving your horse plenty of time to load into the trailer before setting out for an event can put both you and the horse at ease. Horses can sense when you are pressed for time, and are more likely to act up at loading time. Allow yourself plenty of time before leaving so both you and your horse can be relaxed while loading the trailer. Never allow yourself to get mad at your horse, as a horse's instinct to flee danger will kick in.
Rewarding Your Horse
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A carrot, apple or other favorite treat helps reinforce loading as a positive experience at every step of the way. Reward your horse even when it accomplishes small steps; however, do not reward with a sugary treat each time. Instead, alternate a simple pat and vocal praise with food treats to get results.
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References
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