How to Teach a Horse to Load & Unload From a Trailer

Calm your horse down as much as possible before attempting to load it on the trailer. If the horse is agitated or frightened, it will not be able to learn anything. Put a halter on the horse and connect a lead rope. Help the horse calm down and make its mind more receptive by walking it around while you gently stroke its neck and reassure it with a soothing voice.

Approach the trailer and allow your horse to sniff and inspect the trailer. Leave the rope long enough so that the horse can move around freely and examine the trailer as closely as it wants to. Do not worry if the horse approaches the trailer and then jumps back. Allow the horse to approach and retreat at will while it becomes comfortable with the trailer.

Ask an assistant to hold the horse while you open the back of the trailer. Move the center divider as far to one side as possible to provide the widest possible space for your horse to enter.

Approach the trailer again and allow the horse to examine the trailer. Allow the horse to enter the trailer if it wishes, but do not try to force the horse into the trailer. The goal is to get the horse to be comfortable with the trailer, and there is no need to rush the process.

Ask your assistant to enter the front of the trailer and stand there holding a bucket of feed. Bring your horse close enough to the trailer to see the bucket of feed, then provide enough slack in the rope for the horse to enter the trailer if it wants to. A strongly food-motivated horse may enter the trailer at this point just to get to the feed bucket. If the horse does enter the trailer, remain as quiet as possible and avoid any movements that could startle the animal. Your assistant can pet and reassure the horse while it enjoys the food.

Lead the horse closer to the trailer and urge it to enter the trailer or step on the ramp. Reward the slightest try with a reassuring pat, then allow the horse to stand quietly before continuing. Urge the horse to take one step and then another until it feels comfortable enough to continue. Watch for any signs of stress in the horse and back off if you notice any stiffness or snorting.

Continue working with the horse one step at a time until it is entering the trailer freely. It can take some time to work up to the point that the horse walks on to the trailer freely, but when you are done, you will have a horse that loads safely and without any drama. Wait for the horse to go completely into the trailer, and then calm and reassure it again before attaching the trailer tie to the halter. Use a trailer tie with a strong snap that will not break if the horse pulls back.

Ask your assistant to remain with the horse in the front of the trailer while you slowly and quietly close the trailer. Make as little noise as you can while lifting the ramp or closing the back door. Allow the horse to stand quietly in the trailer, giving it treats from time to time and providing reassuring pats on the neck.

Open the back of the trailer as slowly and quietly as possible. Ask your assistant to unhook the trailer tie and attach the lead rope, then carefully urge the horse to take a step backward. Reassure the horse at each step as it backs out of the trailer, and then reassure it again when it is completely off the trailer.

Practice trailer loading and unloading as frequently as possible. The more you repeat the training process, the calmer your horse will become and the easier it will be to load it next time around.