It takes patience, consistency and positive
reinforcement to train a horse how to load on a trailer. You can train
your horse by following these general guidelines:
1. Desensitization Introduce the horse in a calm and
non-threatening manner. Let the horse
explore the trailer in its own time. Treats and soothing phrases can be used to
establish a positive relationship with the trailer.
2. Trailer familiarization Start by leading your horse to the
trailer. Let the horse investigate and sniff the trailer. Encourage the
horse gradually to place one foot on the ramp.
3. Stepping Into the Trailer Use the lead rope to stand at the
entrance. Use gentle pressure to get the horse onto the
ramp. Releasing pressure, reward your horse for small
achievements. Continue this procedure until your horse feels
comfortable on the ramp and knows how to get off.
4. Practice Loading Once your horse has mastered the
ability to step confidently onto the ramp, you can begin loading the trailer by
walking the horse onto it a few times and backing away. Increase the distance that the horse must walk
inside the trailer to be able to back out.
5. Positive reinforcement: Reward your horse for small achievements. When the horse is making progress, or has
successfully loaded onto the trailer, offer treats, pats and soothing words.
6. Do Not Rush. Take a few steps back and continue the previous
steps if the horse is resistant or anxious.
7. Consistency and Routine Practice loading the trailer
regularly in order to develop a routine. To build the confidence of your horse, you need
to be consistent.
8. Buddy System If you can, load a horse that is calm
and has experience in your trailer. Herd
animals, horses may feel more at ease following another horse.
9. Food Place some of your horse's favorite
treats inside the trailer. This will encourage the horse to come in.
10. Gradually progress: Work slowly to have the horse comfortable
and fully loaded in the trailer. Closing the
trailer doors briefly, and then increasing the amount of time that the horse is
inside the trailer will help.
11. Trailer Motion Once your horse feels comfortable in
the trailer you can try to move it a small distance. Increase the distance gradually over time.
12. Keep Calm Your demeanor is important. Throughout the entire training process, remain
calm, confident, and patient. Your emotions can be felt by your
horses.
Keep in mind that every horse has a different training
schedule. Prioritize the safety of you and your horses
during the entire training process. Consider
hiring a horse trainer with experience in loading trailers if you are having
difficulty.
