Introducing a Horse to a trailer

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katiex2

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Hello Gang - wonder if any of you have any suggestions on introducing a horse to a trailer. She has travelled in a lorry in the past but never in a trailer. Would like to start taking her out and about but wanted to start on the right foot. My old horse was self loading!!! Anyone have any experiences or suggestions??
 

The first time we loaded Arch in to a trailer we backed the trailer in to the school gateway and loaded him from there. We didnt know what he's be like so the soft surface was a good idea, plus he couldnt run out the side. Turned out he loaded himself and was fine!
 
when trying to load maybe load with an experience horse that doesnt mind boxing make sure front doors are open so he /she can see right through.
be consitent if you are consident with your pressure and release and never try to force him- but ask him to try and reward when he does you should find things easy
once you have him loading confidently and willingly , that is only the beginning ,dont be tempted to shut the ramp and go of to a compertion ,or you will undo or your hard work once you are at this stage however id suggest you start with short journeys that is a simple drive around the block , then extend it to stopping off to somewhere nice for him to have a graze or a feed then returning home make it a nice experience for him and dont rush him and try and not forse the issue good luck
 
When I first introduced my horse to a trailer (he had only ever been in a lorry) I spent several months practising loading him. I used to open the front ramp, get rid of the breast bar and literally just walk him through the trailer without stopping. Then I reduced it to standing him there for several minutes fussing him, then walking him out...gradually did this till we shut him in completely. Worked for me!
 
Katie - don't forget the positive vibes.

If you assume that all is well, and he will march up the ramp as he does a lorry, he is likely to.

Park in the most strategically useful place you can, ideally with a front ramp down, but so at least one side is blocked, if not both, and then just keep him facing forwards.

I found when I got my trailer, and subsequently loaded several horses who hadn't travelled much, that as long as you are positive and calm, they see no reason for a problem.

Oh, and make sure the ramp is onto level ground so it doesn't wobble when they put their foot on it!! (trailer ramps being lighter than lorry ramps, you might not have had to think about it before)
 
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