LOADING A DIFFICULT HORSE
This section is for overcoming problems with loading, so if you just want ‘how to load’ please go to level 10 in the care section.
I do not blame any horse for refusing to get on a lorry, trailer or float.
If your horse is proving to be difficult, you have to remember it is against every instinct in his body to go in that small, noisy box where everyone seems so stressed.
I am truly amazed how much power we have over these wonderful animals, that they do go in at all.
Everyone has their own way and you will see many versions on how to load.
If you have been stuck at a show with your horse not getting on the trailer, it is amazing how many experts there are. Remember you are responsible for your horse’s welfare.
DO NOT LET ANYONE DO ANYTHING TO YOUR HORSE YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH.
I have met many horses that will not load and find this the best way.
There are many phases to build up your horse’s trust to make loading easy and I recommend you work through them.
I have found it is good to do all the back work, although sometimes impractical, so I have included a video of the lovely Filly, who dislikes trailering and has not done all the groundwork.
I will show you how to get your horse to load quietly, although it is not magic, so you will need time and patience.
Select a halter that will give you more control. There are many varieties and you will have to imagine what effect they have on the horse. I often use the “be-kind” in the first picture.
Practice leading and moving your horse with the headcollar you choose. There is no point adding the trailer into the equation, if you cannot control them away from the trailer.
Make your horse step on something they are unsure of. I am using a rug (all the straps are undone so there is no risk they can get stuck in it).
Make your horse approach something they are unsure of.
Once you are sure your horse respects you and the halter, and you can move them easily forward and backward, it is time to introduce the trailer.
Before you take your horse to the trailer make sure:
A- It is hitched up correctly.
B- it is parked on secure non-slip ground. Tarmac is not good as it is slippery. I am loading on tarmac but it has a rough surface. This is still not ideal as you can hear Filly slipping a few times, but it is the only place we can use where we can enclose the area, so that she cannot escape onto the road.
C- There are no objects around they can hurt themselves on. I do not like to park up against a wall, for example, as I have known horses to get their leg stuck whilst panicking about loading, with nasty results.
D- The trailer is as open and welcoming as possible with all partitions open and bars down, but never leave the jockey door open.
E- You could put a thin covering of his bedding down so it is more familiar in look and smell.
F- You are protecting yourself by wearing non-slip boots. I also recommend a hat and gloves (I am not wearing the hat and gloves, as I have worked with many horses for many years, and if I felt I was in danger with any horse, I definitely would).
G- If your horse is a rearer, a poll guard would be good.
H- You have plenty of time.
Approach the trailer with confidence and definitely no stress, take deep controlled breaths. Keeping everything calm is the key.
Let your horse look around the trailer. Do not ask anything more of them until they are happy at this stage.
Approach the ramp asking for a forward step. When they do reward them with a treat. Make sure you do not give them anything they could choke on as, if they are stressed, they may bolt any treats. I use pony nuts and only give a couple at a time.
If they will not walk forward, apply pressure until they do, release the pressure immediately, then treat.
If they plant their feet, put pressure on the halter and move slowly from side to side until they move then release the pressure and praise.
When they have got on the ramp stay still, talking calmly, praising and treating, then reverse them off calmly. Your horse must learn that the trailer is where they get praise, rest and reward, outside you continue to ask things of them.
Keep repeating, going a little further on each time.
Once they are in the trailer let them look around, have treats and rest, then reverse them off.
If they reverse themselves, put pressure on the headcollar until they walk forward again. Take a deep breath then start again.
Once they are on the trailer let them walk straight through. Often they rush, be ready, don’t panic and don’t get trodden on.
Keep walking them through calmly getting them to stop in the trailer for longer periods. Make sure the trailer is a nice place that is stress free and praise and treats are given.
Move the front partition over then repeat point 16 and 17.
Once they can walk calmly through and stop for a while inside, put up the front bar.
Make them walk up and while you duck under the bar, make sure you keep your hand up so they do not try to follow you (quite common and with serious consequences). Treat and praise then calmly take the bar down and walk them out.
Repeat many times until they understand that moving forward is the way out.
When you have walked them up to the front bar, get your assistant to walk behind your horse, working up to patting them, you praising and treating all the time. Then undo the bar and walk your horse out.
Keep repeating until your horse is fine with this. You can see Filly is not worried here as she is keeping an eye on Katie behind, but not lifting her head and her eyes are not wide open with a stressed look.
Work up slowly to bring the back partition over. If your horse looks uncomfortable at any stage go back a few steps until they are comfortable.
Remember calm and quiet, if they get stressed let them out as calmly as you can and go back a few steps.
Work slowly and quietly up to lifting the back ramp. I always let them turn around to see the ramp coming up. Then calmly let them out. Repeat repeat.
Now work up to closing the front ramp. Then take it down, praise, treat and let them out.
Repeat, repeat, repeat. You can do these steps over a couple of days if you need to, but do not leave it too long between sessions as you will have to start again.
Once they are happy to go in and for everything to be closed up, take them for a short, slow, smooth trip. Return to the yard and let them out, then load them straight up again. Once they have gone in, let them out to finish.
Repeat as many times as you can, as soon as you can.
Take them for a trip to school at a close yard and then load up again. If you have any stress, repeat the steps again. Do not let anyone interfere as a change in tactics can put you back to square one.
Final Thoughts
Remember calmness is the key- you and your horse have got this.
It is just a hurdle that you will overcome together which will make you more connected in the long run.
If at any point your horse appears too stressed and you feel you cannot cope, then there are many professionals that can help, but you must make sure you investigate them thoroughly though.
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN IN THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR ADVENTURE