KBR Horse Training Information Exercising Body AND Mind Trailering Made Easy Part Six

I'm occasionally asked, "How much pressure do you apply when leading a horse into a trailer?" In answer to that question I typically ask the horse to stand at the entrance to the trailer, I walk to the forward end, then I simply ask the horse to follow me (off lead) with my body language.

By establishing a following response in the horse and getting him comfortable following through a variety of visual and physical obstacles, the horse should instinctively want to follow me into the trailer. We may have to address some momentary fear but once the horse understands the physical dynamics of the trailer, and so long as he hasn't been thrown around by a careless driver, he should have no resistance to trailer loading.

A "green" horse loading on a verbal cue

NOW BACK TO REALITY In the real world some horses have phobias and will tend to balk even if you've done your homework. Again, most of the secrets to success involve preparing the horse well in advance of approaching the trailer. Get the horse used to following on a light lead through a variety of obstacles. You want to establish reliable and consistent forward motion away from the trailer before asking the horse to deal with the added stress of entering this big metal cave. If the horse tends to stall, get someone reliable to support your "ask" by applying a little pressure from behind with a flag or other object. Ask the horse first with your cue then get immediate support if the horse doesn't respond to your ask. You only want to correct the horse if he doesn't get the idea to respond to your ask and to your body language. "Take and give." Take up the lead with your ask but give back the instant the horse responds with forward motion. Let the horse lower his head, see where his feet are in relation to the ramp or step, and let him follow calmly. Cue him to continue moving forward with your body motion leaving as much float (slack) in the line as is practical. Break down the session so that the horse has frequent opportunities to "win" and earn praise. With some horses, simply rewarding their taking a couple of nervous steps toward the trailer will do a whole lot more to develop confidence and response than trying to force a greater response. Then simply build on those smaller steps. It's a focus thing. Don't tug on the horse's head unless he's trying to turn away in which case try to keep him facing the trailer. Be careful around the trailer entrance as oftentimes horses will throw their heads up in response to the taut lead line. It won't help if he smacks his head. But we don't want the horse gazing all about. Usually once a horse is encouraged to focus forward, the horse will move forward when asked. Some horses will try to side step past the side of the trailer rather than enter it. Establish your body position so that it helps discourage such avoidance behavior or place objects (such as barrels) next to the trailer to discourage the horse from "thinking outside the box." Stay calm and relaxed. Getting stressed around the trailer will just make trailers stressful for your horse. If the horse seems stuck, think through the situation and reorganize your setup in order to make it easier for the horse to make the right decision. If the horse starts getting visibly stressed, go back to the steps that he can handle comfortably and let him regain his composure, including basic calming and focusing cues such as the Seven Safety Steps. If you or any of your assistants start getting visibly stressed, stop on a behavior that the horse can do correctly, then go do something else until everyone is composed. Once in the trailer give the horse positive feedback, let him settle if possible, then ask him to exit before he decides on his own that he needs to leave. Think ahead as to how you are going to turn the horse around in the trailer and get out so it doesn't become a chaotic activity. If in doubt, pass a long lead to someone outside the trailer, ask the horse to turn and let the second person invite the horse to step out. Always wear a helmet, hard soled closed toe shoes or boots, and pay attention to where you are in relation to where the horse signals he intends to go. There is no need to get shoved, stepped on or knocked down teaching a horse to load, however wear appropriate equipment in case something beyond your control happens and spooks the horse while you both are in a confined space. Only one person can be in charge. Different people shouting different orders at the same time only creates confusion and chaos. Develop a strategy before you start and as long as that strategy is getting results, stay the course. If it isn't working, stop and analyze the situation, agree on a new strategy and follow that course so long as it is working. Always remember that the final solution is an accumulation of many minor steps. Some horses will take these steps all at once. Other horses may have to get comfortable with each step. Proceed at a pace that is challenging but comfortable to the horse. Never forget that safety is everyone's job. Everyone has to look out for him/herself and everyone else (including the horse.) Return to Part Five Return to The Beginning

We will be presenting additional safe trailer loading ideas. Regardless of the methodology used, one common element prevails.

This element involves teaching the horse to move forward when you ask. Think of it as like trying to get your car out of the mud in a location where you have to go uphill. You won't succeed just sitting there in a bad spot spinning your wheels until the car is buried up to its axle. You need to get it to move forward by first letting it roll back to solid ground where you know you can make it move forward reliably. Then tinker with the proper amount of throttle until you find just that point where your momentum takes you past that sticky spot and out of trouble. Always ask the horse to move forward from a spot where he will respond to you, then adjust the intensity of your request to get him past his emotional sticky spot.

"See y'all next time!"

It is also important to get a sense of a particular horse's "horsenality" to understand what may either motivate a horse to cooperate or what may cause a horse to undesirably react. A good explanation on various types of "horsenalities" can be found at Do You Know Your Horse's Horsenality? presented by Parelli Natural Horsemanship. Important Note: If you take on the project of developing an untrained horse, everybody will want to give you advice. Don't act on any advice, including the ideas offered in this site, unless it makes sense to you and fits your individual situation. Your abilities and the sensitivities of your horse(s) may differ from the examples given. Be alert and rational with your actions so neither you nor your horse will get hurt. This information is offered as illustrations of what we do and the reader must apply common sense since he or she is solely responsible for his or her actions. Happy trails! Press Back to return to the page which brought you here Return to KBR Training Section Go to other Wild Horse Links Return to KBR World of Wild Horses & Burros Go To KBR Horse Net KBR Horse Training Information, © 1997 Lamm's Kickin' Back Ranch and Willis & Sharon Lamm. All rights reserved. Duplication of any of this material for commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. This prohibition is not intended to extend to personal non-commercial use, including sharing with others for safety and learning purposes, provided this copyright notice is attached. Email us to submit comments or request reproduction permission.