subject: How To Correctly Load A Horse [print this page] If you have a young horse that has never been in a horsebox or trailer before then it is important to put in some groundwork first and make sure that the experience is a good one. Firstly it is important to make sure that the horse is receptive to your instruction. You can achieve this by pushing them back a few steps and repeating if they keep moving. This is how horses treat each other in the herd to establish control, you will quickly be the one that is in control without needing to use any force. It is essential that you can lead your horse, back them up and tie them up safely before trying to load into a trailer or horsebox. Working with a pressure halter which releases when the horse does what you ask will encourage the horse to load. Also it is advisable to use a long lunge line rather than a lead rope; this will make you safer and able to get out of harm's way. You will be able to release the line without releasing the horse.
Once your horse is listening to your instructions you can practice away from the trailer your horse is listening to your instructions you can practice away from the trailer by asking the horse to walk over a wooden board on the floor, preferably in a safe environment such as the school.
Using the wooden board ask the horse to walk over and back until they are comfortable with this, also ask them to stand on the board. Once they have mastered this you are ready to move on.
Next try walking across the ramp of the trailer from once side to the other. Eventually the horse will have gained enough confidence with the ramp that they will be able to follow you into the trailer. This can also be done from the side then turning into the trailer once on the ramp. Walk through the trailer and out the front as much as possible and get them used to loading. Then repeat this with the front door closed so they have to stand in the trailer as though tied up. They will soon get used to being in the trailer or lorry and it being a safe environment.
If you have a horse which has become bad to load it is important to consider the reason for this. Often bad journeys will mean that a horse is reluctant to go back in the trailer. There are many things which will lose the horses confidence in travelling: speed, inconsiderate driving, rough terrain, problems with the trailer such as loose floor, slippery, rattling noises etc.
Before punishing a horse for not going into the trailer consider why they will not load. Horses are very instinctive animals and will go to great lengths to stay away from danger or perceived danger. It is frustrating when a horse won't load, especially if it means you are going to have to hack home, however it is really important to remain calm.
If you are certain that the horse is not trying to alert you to a problem with the transport, a loose floor etc. then use a lunge line fastened to one side of the trailer and round behind the horse to encourage them in. Again make sure that you are leading with a lunge line to ensure that you can get away from any flying legs.
Once you have loaded the horse it is absolutely essential that you give them an enjoyable journey. Drive slowly and carefully and ideally not too far the first few times. Your horse needs to learn that going in the trailer is not a horrific experience and then you will find that loading becomes much easier.
