How to Calm a Horse to Load on a Trailer
- 1). Park the trailer in an area familiar to the horse. Bringing the trailer close to the barn or paddock area will help a nervous horse be more comfortable.
- 2). Lead the horse up to the trailer and allow him to explore it. Many horses are nervous about enclosed spaces like trailers. Allowing the horse to examine the trailer at his leisure will help to calm him. Let the horse sniff around the exterior of the trailer, including the ramp and the sides.
- 3). Open the back of the trailer and allow the horse to examine the interior without asking him to step inside. Allow the horse to take a few steps onto the ramp or into the trailer, but do not try to force him to do so.
- 4). Ask your assistant to hold the horse while you move the divider in the trailer. Move the divider all the way to the left so that the horse will have as large an area to enter as possible. A two-horse trailer will have a divider running straight down the center, and that divider can easilly be moved from side to side. Three- and four-horse trailers have similar dividers, while slant-load trailers have dividers that move all the way to one side for easier entry.
- 5). Place a bucket of feed inside the front of the trailer where your horse will be able to see it. Food can be a big enticement for horses who would otherwise be fearful of trailer loading.
- 6). Walk the horse toward the trailer slowly, but confidently. Stay behind the divider and step into the left hand side of the trailer with the horse at your right. Have your assistant reach into the front of the trailer to show the horse the bucket of feed.
- 7). Encourage the horse to move further into the trailer by clucking to him. Pet and reassure him as he steps into the trailer. Do not be in a hurry--it may take several attempts to get the horse to come on the trailer.
- 8). Reward the horse with a few handfuls of feed when he is completely on the trailer. Reassure him with a pat, then calmly back him off the trailer. Repeat the trailer loading process, giving the horse a reward each time he enters without resistance. Keep practicing loading your horse until he walks on the trailer without any encouragement from you.
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