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loading into a trailer

Last post 07-08-2008 11:07 AM by myhorsesmom. 5 replies.
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  • 07-05-2008 6:58 PM

    loading into a trailer

    I have a gelding who absloutly hates loading into a trailer.  Outlaw (the gelding) is very stubborn and doesn't like to listen to you if he doesn't want to do something like loading.  If you try to turn him in circles he will kick at you, if you try to back him up thinking that he won't want to back up any more and go forward he will rear.  I need help because i like to travel with my horse to my different friends houses and if he won't load i can't go!!

     

    Thanks,

    Outlaws_Girl

  • 07-05-2008 7:47 PM In reply to

    Re: loading into a trailer

    It sounds to me like you need to do a lot of ground work AWAY from the trailer.  When you have him where he follows commands without kicking, rearing, or fighting you away from the trailer you can work on loading.  During this time working on a "go forward" cue is also a good idea.  Once he gets the idea (which will be similar to the initial sending away on a lunge line) you can send him forward through jump standards, over boards, whatever.  This will help because you can use the cue when you get to the trailer.

    Once you have ground manners and respect handled away from the trailer you can start teaching the horse to load.  Patience is key.  Remember, if you get in a fight with a horse you will loose.  Don't go about this with the attitude that you will "make him get in"; you will loose and you'll never have a horse that willingly walks up to a trailer.

    There are a few techniques you can try depending on the horse.  One I like is to make the trailer "rest" and outside "work" (this assumes the horse is not scared of the trailer itself, something you should work on before ever asking the horse to load).  Ask the horse to load, do NOT expect him to just hop in the first try.  Instead ask him to stand calmly with his head in the trailer the first few times.  If he stands there calmly for a few seconds reward him with praise and allow him to leave (turn and walk away slowly at your command).  If he refuses, jerks away from you, etc work him for a minute or so on a lunge right then (as soon as he pulls away from the trailer send him away and lunge).  Don't run him into the ground or beat him around the circle; you need only keep him in a nice brisk trot for this to be effective.  After a minute or so of lunging calmly ask again. Repeat.  As he gets comfortable ask him to go in more, stand with one front foot, then both front feet, then all the way in, etc.  The goal is to ask him to stand long enough to extend the time he is comfortable standing in the trailer, but also ask him to leave before he decides to on his own (always make it your idea for him to leave the trailer).

    Don't expect him to get in in one day.  He might, but it depends on the horse.  Keep your sessions short.  You don't want either one of you getting exhausted or frustrated.  Always end on a positive note, even if a positive note means taking two steps back and having him do something from a week ago solidly and confidently.  Patience and consistency are key.  Work him often (every other day, or 3days on one day off, etc) for short periods of time and be happy with small progress if small progress is what you get.  Don't get in a rush and push for a huge improvement unless the horse is ready to give it to you or you'll just go backwards.

    You may want to consider having a trusted trainer work with you if you aren't experienced with working on ground problems and respect issues.
  • 07-06-2008 2:40 PM In reply to

    Re: loading into a trailer

     Ditto to QHAA -- this issues here are larger than just trailer training.  I second the methods QHAA suggested -- the only method I've found to be successful is to make inside the trailer nice (relaxing) and outside the trailer harrassing as all heck (you WILL move your feet forward and if you won't, my requests will just get louder).



    Solaris -- 16 hh Appendix Quarter Horse = MY DREAM COME TRUE!
  • 07-06-2008 7:13 PM In reply to

    Re: loading into a trailer

    The above posts are pretty much right on...good luck with the boy, and be patient and persistant; as he gets more comfortable, ask more of him...

    Lesson From Your Horse: When you' re tense, let me teach you that there are lions in the woods, and we need to leave. NOW!!

  • 07-06-2008 11:09 PM In reply to

    Re: loading into a trailer

    Everything he doesn't want to do you need to do. But do them AFTER the ground work. If he is kicking at you he is totally not respecting you. I'd carry a small whip and when he kicks like that whack him on his butt. Keep the whip hidden so he doesn't know where it is coming from. Then his mind will think hey I kick and something slaps. Think I will stop that. It causes pain.

    One method you can also try is putting the horses feed and water in the trailer. Doesn't feed him anything else. If he doesn't get in then he doesn't get food or water. Most people think feed is more tempting but a horse can ignore that with grass. The water is much harder to replace. After you notice feed being eaten and know he has been inside then you can ask him to go in. But once again the ground manners need to be done first.

    If you push him he will push back. Be patient. Good luck!

  • 07-08-2008 11:07 AM In reply to

    Re: loading into a trailer

    I have a horse that refused to go under any shelter, in a trailer or even under trees!  She was very claustrophobic.  First we worked with her on getting to walk across a piece of plywood - sometimes the sound of their feet on the trailer is different.  When she was comfortable with that we worked on getting her to stand on the ramp. She got a treat when she stood quietly. (I have no problem with rewards for good behavior)  We never once hit her although we did have a lunge whip to snap the ground behind her if she backed up and misbehaved.  The idea was to make the trailer a more comfortable place than standing outside. There was always grain in the trailer for her. We worked on backing out slowly.  I worked for hours with her on loading. (My trailer was always hooked up to my truck when I was practicing by the way). After awhile she would load much easier and then we practiced short trips - going slow around corners, etc. She always had a good ride.  We got to the point that one day I had her out near the trailer and she walked up, pulled open the doors with her nose and walked in.  She loves her trailer! It just takes patience and making sure the trailer is a comfortable place to be. The lady that had my horse before beat her with a whip to get her to go into a barn. My horse trusts me and will now go wherever I ask. I couldn't ask for more.


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