In the world of horses, overcoming even every day obstacles can require patience, understanding, and a strategic approach. Whenever you face a challenge, whether it’s trailer loading, dealing with a spooky horse, teaching them to maneuver a gate, or any other task, it’s essential to break down the process into manageable steps. Slow down and realize what is causing the problem and figure out ways to make it mentally easier for your horse to accept each small step before asking them to try to tackle a big one.

Many horse enthusiasts may not realize how complex certain tasks can be for a horse. It’s crucial to view each challenge as a series of smaller objectives rather than a single goal. For instance, crossing a bridge might seem straightforward, but for a horse, it involves numerous steps and overcoming fears.

Joy Gallupe specializes in Liberty Work, Bridleless Riding, and Fine Tuned Horsemanship. She teaches horsemen and horsewomen how to use focus and intention to become a much more effective and understanding partner for their horse. Gallupe believes that “you are the key to your horse’s success.”

Here are her tips for teaching horses to load on trailers.

Trailer Loading: A Step-by-Step Approach
Trailer loading is a common challenge that horse owners encounter. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach it:

  • Familiarization: Introduce the horse to the trailer as a friendly, non-threatening space. Encourage them to walk up to it without any pressure.
  • Front Feet Placement: If a horse is really not comfortable putting a foot on the trailer, I will do some pre-work and get the horse comfortable with placing their feet on platforms and/or bridges to simulate the step up and on a trailer, first. Then, normally, I will go inside the trailer and encourage them to walk on and join me, and then I will reward them for the slightest progress. And I don’t stare them down. I will talk to them, breathe with them and get them to relax. You could also pull out your phone and take all focus off of them and just make it a comfortable non-threatening place, as much as possible. If it took a lot to get to this point – leave and come back either later in the day or another day. Don’t push too much.
  • Full Entry: Once they’re comfortable with the front feet, encourage them to step in with all four feet and again I reward with each improvement. I never hold them or pull them with any amount of pressure. In time they will get better and it will build their confidence. This happens while working in a series of no more than 20 -30 minute sessions.
  • Securing: Gradually get them used to being tied in their spot and reward. Then slowly get them used to the door if needed and close them in, but talk to them and reward them and let them right back out. Build this tolerance up over time.
  • Riding in the Trailer: Allow the horse to experience the sensation of the trailer moving. Make it short drives and come right back. Build the length of travel over time.
  • Unloading: Teach them to back out calmly and safely, ensuring they’re comfortable with the descent. Again, you can practice this first by using platforms and bridges that they have to step down off of.

Additional Considerations

  • Drive smoothly to ensure a comfortable ride for your horse. OR they won’t want to get in the trailer.
  • Give horses the same time to adjust to new trailers, as size differences can impact a horse’s mental comfort.
  • Address any physical discomforts with the trailer’s design, such as high steps You may need to park somewhere that the step up is very small, so they don’t rub their legs causing discomfort.

You spoke and we listened! Based on feedback from the 2024 Maryland Horse Forum requesting more content geared towards training tips for various equestrian sports Maryland has to offer, we bring to you The Equiery’s newest column “Training Tips.”