KBR Horse Training Information

Exercising Body AND Mind

Trailering Made Easy
Part Four

  LEADING A HORSE INTO A TRAILER

I prefer to send a horse into a trailer, however with larger stock trailers and slant loads it may be more desirable to lead a horse into a trailer, particularly if you are loading a brat who wants to stir up trouble with horses already in the trailer if he isn't led in and tied off. Leading a horse into a trailer should be as easy, if not easier, than longeing a horse into the trailer.
Flowing forward motion is the key
The key to safe loading when leading a horse into a trailer is to have the horse conditioned to walk forward into any situation on a light "ask." We have found that the best conditioning prior to trailer loading attempts involves working the horse on bomb proofing obstacles. Once the horses have confidence proceeding through the various bomb proofing elements, we give them a 30 to 45 minute time out, then approach the trailers. Typically all horses are loading well in 90 seconds or less.

(To get some bomb proofing ideas, click here.)

Practicing over "Fallen Tree Lane"

When approaching the trailer the idea is to relax and generate the same forward motion we do when navigating obstacles. The horse should respond to a light "ask" and at the same time keep track of his feet and where he is in relation to the obstacle (the trailer.)

We won't tug on the horse's head unless he tries to turn away from the trailer. Otherwise the horse needs to move on a loose lead so he can see his feet and focus on his own movement.

Horse's first try - stepping right up
Once in the trailer the horse should be able to relax and explore. We may put some hay on the floor, depending on the horse. The horse and handler should stay "connected" and the horse should remain on a loose lead.

If the horse wishes to rush out, the handler should try to refocus the horse, and if that doesn't work, then ask the horse to come out before he becomes unnerved. Eventually the horse won't need to rush.

(This was a mustang's first load attempt on a lead. In this case we had someone outside holding a second line on the horse in case she wanted to rush out.)

Exploring the inside of the trailer
Once the horse is settled in the trailer, the handler can ask the horse to come out, allowing sufficient space for the horse to exit without crowding the handler.

Light and easy and familiar movement on the part of the handler helps the horse consider exiting the trailer the same as with any other obstacle... He thinks and then he responds.

(Since this mare didn't appear afraid of the trailer we disconnected the safety lead before asking her to step out.)

Stepping out relaxed

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