The Proper Way to Unload a Horse From a Step-Up Trailer

Even if you and your horse are not avid trail riders or dressage competitors, a time will come when you need to transport your extra large pet from one location to another, such as moving to a new boarding facility, for example. The stressful part of transporting your horse is getting the animal safely off a step-up trailer. Unless trained, most horses don't like to back up, and you will need to be very careful when unloading your animal.

Things You'll Need

  • Wheel blocks
  • Lead rope
  • Apple or other treat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stop and secure the truck. Before unloading your horse, the truck should be completely stopped and parked on as level a surface as possible. Wheel blocks wedged under the trailer wheels will make the trailer more stable and less likely to shift if your horse struggles -- a shift that could further stress the animal.

    • 2

      Open the back of the trailer. Hold the loose lead. If you've tied your horse's lead rope to the trailer, make sure it is untied before unloading. Otherwise, snap the lead onto your horse's halter.

    • 3

      Wait until the horse is calm. A nervous, pawing horse is more likely to step out of a trailer too fast and injure itself. Offer an apple or other treat or do what you need to do to calm your animal.

    • 4

      Slowly back the horse out of the trailer. When your horse is ready, gently encourage it to step backward until it is out of the trailer. Have an assistant ready to grab the lead if you cannot hold onto it while you exit the trailer.