There are as many ways to teach a horse to load and
stand quiet in a trailer, as there are trailers and horses. If you have to work
alone, one of the easiest set ups, especially for a 2 horse straight load, is to
snap a long rope on the horse, that runs up through the front of the trailer,
and out the manger or door / window, and comes back around to you along the
outside of the trailer. Ask the horse to load as you stand near it, and tug
lightly on the horses rope, just as if you would to lead them in. After the
horse is in, YOU have a hold of the horses head still, and if they decide to
back out, they will not be fastened hard and fast, and you can let the rope back
out, as they back up. I personally make backing MY idea, and if they do so, tell
them to, and then make them back further away from the trailer in hand. I never
EVER tie a horse in a straight load, or slant that their butt and hind feet are
right near the door or ramp until said door or ramp is closed. If the horse
stretches its neck out to the end of the tie and manages to step out of the
trailer with rear feet, and then hits the end of the tie, most WILL panic and
pull hard and fight. Much different situation than if they are tied where their
feet do not come out of the trailer. And if the tie breaks, usually the
horse will end up slamming its head on the ceiling of the trailer. I saw a horse
at a horse show once do just what I described, but as it hit its poll, it
dropped dead. At least they did not have any further loading issues....
Also, make sure your butt bar / butt chain on your straight load is at a height
the horse can not set back and get under it. I used to actually shut my door
first on my old straight load, then reach over and fasten the butt chain, then
fasten the tie. Saw a horse start backing out after the door was opened, and
managed to get under the but bar, and scrape all the hair off of its spine as it
continued to back....until it reached it's withers, and got stuck. (horses can
do the most stupid things!!!)
I also give my guys some sort of treat that waits
for them in the trailer. A handful of grain, apple, carrot. So, when they get
in, it is waiting. Some feel that a horse should go in because the person is the
leader, and told it to. Mine do as I ask, and are rewarded for it. They look at
the trailer as a good thing. It works for me, and I've not had a problem loader
for years and years. Find what works for you. Might not be a single suggestion
offered up thus far on Ridecamp.
