Instructions
Park your trailer in a place that encourages the donkey to get in. Parking your trailer in the middle of a giant grassy field where his friends are grazing will make it more difficult to convince the donkey to step into the trailer. A trailer parked on a gravel driveway alongside a fence that limits his ability to escape is ideal.
Make the trailer as appealing as possible to the donkey (See Reference 1). Hang a hay net inside. If possible, load a gentle and experienced donkey first. The trailer will seem less scary if one of his buddies is all ready inside.
Halter your donkey and prepare to lead. The best lead lines are cotton with a heavy duty brass snap (See Reference 3). Wear work gloves if you think you'll be handling a troublesome loader.
Lead the donkey into the trailer confidently. Take the lead line into your right hand, about six inches away from the headstall. Coil the rest of the lead in your left hand (do not wrap the line around your hand; if the animal spooks or bolts you will get injured). Face the trailer and make a straight line toward the back of the trailer. Herd animals rely on confident leadership to survive, so do not focus on any obstacles (like the trailer ramp or puddle) but fix your gaze on the front inside wall and walk confidently toward it. As you near the trailer, continue using your arm to lead the donkey forward by putting pressure on the lead line (See Reference 4).
Sometimes scared donkeys get "stuck" -- or frozen in place -- from fear. According to The Donkey Companion, by Sue Weaver, refrain from using force, because this will only scare the donkey more (See Reference 3). Instead, allow the "stuck" donkey a few minutes to assess the situation, then speak to him encouragingly and try again. Weaver suggests motivating him to move into the trailer using a food reward like a carrot or some fresh grass.
How to Get a Donkey into a Trailer
The Donkey Sanctuary suggests you do some practice runs with your donkey to get him used to loading and trailering well before big trips or shows (See Reference 1). If this is your first time loading a donkey into a trailer, or if you do not have much experience with donkeys, allow plenty of time to load him in the trailer. Before you begin make sure your trailer is a safe by checking the flooring, and the walls for any sharp edges or weak spots. Also check your trailer and towing vehicle's brakes, safety chains and lug nuts, as well as tire pressure. Also check that your donkey is wearing a proper headstall (halter) and lead that are in good condition and appropriate for hauling.