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