Loading a horse in a trailer or a van can become a nightmare if no preparation has been done initially. This education process should be performed with all horses as you never know when you should load your horse in case of emergency. For those who need to load and unload often due to competitions or shows, the following tips can help to save a lot of time. A few hours of training can save dozens of hours later on.
Table of Contents
Education principles:
1 ) horses learn when you release pressure.
2 ) timing is essential to good horsemanship, recognize the signs of relaxation to make sure you release right on time: blinking eye, lowering the head and neck, chewing mouth, cocking a hind leg.
There are a few steps I strongly advise to go through before you start to break your horse to loading into a trailer: Desensitizing, Lunging and Backing Up are fundamental steps! The Sending exercise is also recommended as you will actually repeat the same process in front of the van.
Discovering the trailer
The very first step is to let a few minutes to your horse to get familiar with the trailer. Walk around it with your horse, let him smell and touch the van. Remember to pet your horse every time you see him showing a sign of relaxation.
Sending into the trailer
Now, it is time to load your horse. Position yourself by the door and send your horse. Point the direction of the trailer, put extra pressure with your flag if necessary, and release everything as soon as your horse makes one step toward the trailer. Pet him!
Basically, you will repeat the process until your horse has his front feet in the trailer. Stroke him, then back him up out of the trailer, and give him a break. Finally, send him again until he gets entirely in the trailer. Let him in for a couple of minutes, pet him and make sure he feels comfortable in there. Next, back him up out of the trailer, give him a break and do it again!
Tip:
Give him a break from time to time. An effective way to release pressure is to lead your horse a few meters away from the trailer, stop and rub him. Just spend a couple of peaceful minutes with him before you start again. Your horse will feel more relaxed and comfortable.