How do you teach your horses to load for the first time?

[kit279]

I've just traded up my lorry for a front-unload trailer and I was wondering how best to teach my neddies (who are lorry lovers) how to load happily. I'd like it to be generally positive, they are very food-orientated and I'm not in any great rush to take them anywhere so any advice very welcome. I do wonder a bit about the spacing as well, once they're happy going in and out, what do I do to get them used to the breech bars?!

 

[1275gta]

Have you tried them in, they may just walk in and not bother.

I'd just have a go and see what happens.

 

[ihatework]

put on a headcollar and walk up ramp with them!
Thats how I teach mine anyway and haven't had a problem yet

 

[vicm2509]

I just walked mine in. Leave the front ramp down the first time just incase they do panic. Mine actually seems to prefer the trailer

 

[PurplePickle]

Every horse Ive had as a youngster has loaded no problems, I think its down to how well handled they are and your confidence.

I got really worried but just went for it and they didnt mind one bit.

 

[MagicMelon]

I agree, try and see. If they do lorries, there's no reason why they wont understand trailers. When I load mine, I always have someone holding the rear parition section over until they are in, I just think it gives them more space. And to come out, I also always move the front section over.