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The Concept of Successful Trailer Loading
04/12/04

by, Rick Schwanke Successful trailer loading, as with all training, starts with a concept. The goal with successful trailer loading is to have a horse that willingly, quietly, and safely goes in and out of the horse trailer. No gimmicks or treats, no butt ropes, winches or tractors, just a nice calm horse that walks in and backs out on their own.

The general notion, or idea (concept) behind all this starts out with basic leading manners and ground control of your horse. Your horse must know the 'go forward' cue before you even get him close to the trailer. To teach your horse this, use a good sturdy lead rope and halter, or if your horse is very stiff with his neck, use a snaffle bit to get him to flex and bend at the poll (this gives you directional control) and have a long dressage whip or long stick for enforcing your kissing cue. Start by kissing to him and tapping him on the top of his hip. When he moves forward, stop the tapping and kissing and give him lots of praise for doing what you asked. Repeat this until he moves forward consistently with just a kissing sound, which will be his new 'go forward' cue.

Now that this is established move him closer to the trailer. With the excess lead rope over his withers, your left hand holding the rope and right hand for tapping his hip, point his nose at the opening of the trailer. When he looks into and at least sniffs the inside of the trailer, praise him, as that is the first important step to getting him in there.

The horse may balk at the trailer but keep his nose pointed toward the trailer, then continue to encourage him by kissing and then follow up with the tapping. Get harder with the taps until he at least attemps to take that first step forward. Praise, and lots of it for that first step!! Now, repeat this step until he has his front feet in. Don't ask him yet to go all the way in, and let him come back out on his own (which encourages him to back out calmly). Once he has gotten to the point of front two feet in, ask him to go further in by using the 'go forward' cue (kiss first, then follow up with the tapping). DO NOT follow the horse into the trailer!! Stand outside, at the rear, and allow him to go in on his own. If he wants to come back out right away, thats ok, but immediately ask him to go back in. If he wants to stay in there for a few minutes, even better. Lots of verbal praise goes along way!! Repeat these steps many times until your horse will walk in on his own and back out on his own. Please remember that this is not as easy as it sounds. Your horse may balk at any time during any of these steps, but have lots of patience, remain calm and always remember to praise your horse for the right action, no matter how slight it may be. It does take time for this!! If you are limited on your time frame, only do a few steps at a time, and end the session on a good note with your horse. Before you start all of this, have a few extra people around, and do a thorough safety check on both truck and trailer. Keep all escape hatches closed but unlatched ( sometimes under stress a horse will try to jump through and out those doors if they can see an opening). If you have been successful with these steps, your horse should be quiet and calm, and willing to walk into the trailer on his own.

Video Tape is available for purchase: $25.( includes shipping)

CTR Horse Training 38565 248th Street Arlington, MN. 55307

Phone: 507-964-5488

Email Rick: ctrhorse@frontiernet.net

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