Over the last several months we've discussed several simulations to help you develop the foundation you will need to trailer load your horse. Having done those, how do you make the transition to actually asking them to get into the trailer? Horses are extremely sensitive to change, and often taking them to the parking lot where your trailer is to load is not near as successful as if you put your trailer in with the rest of your obstacles. (Or take your familiar obstacles out to the trailer.) That makes the trailer just another "toy" to play with.
A few words of caution: unless you have a big heavy trailer, it is best to load with the trailer hitched to your towing vehicle, even when you are just practicing. There is too much sway in a two-horse trailer resting on a typical block. Also, make absolutely sure when you open a trailer door it is firmly secured so it doesn't swing shut at an unfortunate time. I often won't even open the door when we first start playing near the trailer. And last, do not be surprised if your confident, cooperative horse suddenly becomes resistant and fearful just because you are now near a trailer. A horse with serious trailer issues will be sure you are going to FORCE him in (which of course you aren't.) Just take it from the beginning, slow and relaxed, and set him up for success. No pressure.
I like to spend a bit of time with a horse, reviewing the obstacles we've practiced with, using them to tune any problem spots, and then casually taking the same 'discussion' over to the trailer. Be sure you are not focused on getting your horse into the trailer. Instead, maybe ask him to step between you and the trailer in the same manner you asked them to squeeze between two barrels (April 2014). As with the barrels, you may have to start with lots of room and gradually close up the space. How about asking him to go sideways along the length of trailer? Then practice stepping his hindquarters over next to the trailer (May 2014). Maybe lay a pole beside the trailer, step your horse across it, then back him "out of the trailer" over the pole (March 2014). Practice asking your horse to lower his head right beside the trailer; make sure he can still come forward softly, off a feel on the lead rope, beside the trailer (July 2014). Take the objects you've had him put his feet on (Feb 2014), put them near the trailer, and play with that conversation a bit.
Once all those pieces are working well-this does not need to happen all in one session-you can then casually suggest he put his foot in the trailer - just like you asked him to put his foot on an object. If you have a ramp, ask him to step on and across it; let him hear the hollow sound it makes. No rush. Next month, we'll go ahead and actually load your horse.
Read Part 4 of 4: Loading Your Horse
(Originally published August 2014; find the whole series by clicking on Jess's name or 'trailer loading', at right)
