Trailer loading

Some horses have had bad experiences through poor driving.

Bad driving plays a big part in a horse being reluctant to load.

What do we mean by bad driving?

· Harsh breaking – brought on by poor planning ahead.

· Taking bends too fast.

· Taking roundabouts too fast.

· Pulling away too fast from junctions or traffic lights.

· Generally driving too fast.

Travelling with a horse on trailer should always be a positive experience, giving them a smooth ride with no harsh breaking.

Ideally the horse should be introduced to the trailer at an early age.

How to introduce a young horse to the trailer .

Park the trailer against a wall or a fence to block escape routes on both sides.

Take the partition out to give the horse more space. Drop the front and back ramps and open the side door.

This will open up the space, let in more light and the horse will feel less claustrophobic.

Lead an experienced horse into the trailer and out at the other end, keeping the young horse close to its stable mate, as he should follow.

Practice this a few times then stand the other horse in the box and get the youngster to stand along side him.

Make a fuss of him in the box, stroking and talking to him. If this goes well put the partition in and lead the companion in first followed by the other. Tie them both up.

Next leave the experienced horse in the trailer and lead the young horse off and then back on.

Lead the horse back on to the trailer, tie him up then lift up the ramps and the side door.

If the horse does not progress in a couple of days you will need to feed him in the trailer, so he associates the trailer as a positive, pleasant experience.

You must do this everyday until the horse is relaxed and not feeling anxious.

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