If there is an art to getting horses to load in a trailer, then this it.
The first thing that must happen is communication between the horse and his handler. The horse must understand what is required of him and the handler must make it easy to understand.
Thus, you must start by getting the horse to move forward in either direction. After a direction is established then get him moving in the opposite direction. A round pen is excellent for this purpose.
When the horse gets good at moving both directions then it's time to hook a lead rope to his halter and lunge him left and right. For instance, when you point left, the horse must know to go to your left. And vice versa for going right.
The final result should look like this. You're holding the lead rope while facing your horse. As you hold the lead rope in your right hand, you hook the middle of the lead rope with your left thumb. Lift it up and point to the left.
Your horse, now knowing what to do, immediately goes to your left. After a circle or two you switch hands and get the horse to go to your right.
When he gets good at that, then send (lunge) him through gate openings, barn door openings, etc. Also, lunge him in smaller spaces to help him deal with his natural claustrophobia. You can do this by lunging him between you and a fence. As he goes back and forth make the space between you and the fence smaller. Be careful not to get stepped on.
Now that he's good at that, you take him by the trailer. You open the door and let him sniff it. Then you step back and face your horse. You lunge him left and right in front of the trailer while he passes back and forth by the opening.
After all this pointing and sending your horse now knows what you want. You have communicated to him when you point left that he is to move left and so on.
The next step is to face him to the trailer. With his head facing into the trailer and you standing on his left side you then send (point) him into the trailer.
Some horses will simply jump right in the trailer where others may take more work.
If your horse doesn't go in after pointing and coaxing then take him away from the trailer and make him work. Now you want to convey the idea that being in the trailer means he can relax. Being outside the trailer means he has to work hard. Eventually, he'll catch on.
Once you have him in the trailer, pet him and let him relax. Talk to him. Let him know how good he did.
Obviously, getting a horse to load in a trailer isn't rocket science. But you can do it. It takes patience and work
About The Author
Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery's horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com/Jesse_Beerya.htm.

Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More
First pet stores began selling clothes for pets. Then kennels... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you... Read More
We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More
Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
Just south of Snowdon, in the grey-stoned village of Beddgelert... Read More
If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
When you take into account that there are over 68,000,000... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Guinea Pigs make great pets and are fairly easy to... Read More
Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Answering Service ResourceAnswering Service Resource |