How to Load a Frightened Horse into a Horse Trailer

For horse lovers and owners everywhere, there is nothing quite as frustrating as having a horse not load into a trailer. Horses, as a general rule, are claustrophobic and do not see depth well. Before you call off the trail ride or cancel the horse show, try these simple techniques to help your frightened horse load into a trailer.

Things You'll Need

  • Longe line Halter Hay Grain
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the horse to the trailer. Halter your horse and lead it around the trailer, letting it sniff and nose around. Most horses are curious, and the more they sniff, the more they relax. Sit down on the ramp or on the edge of the trailer and let your pony just hang there with you. If at any time your horse becomes upset--eyes wide, nostrils flaring and snorting--step away and let the horse walk around its comfort zone until it's calm, then try it again.

    • 2

      Invite the horse inside the trailer. Once your horse has decided that the trailer is not a threat, ask it to check out the inside of the trailer. Calmly walk inside the trailer and ask your horse to follow. If it still balks at the entrance, calmly step outside, pat it and get your grain bucket. Give the horse a nibble of the grain, let it watch you walk into the trailer with the treat bucket and pour the grain in the trailer's feeder.

    • 3

      Use gentle pressure. Strap your long longe line to the horse's halter. Run the line inside the trailer, out a side window and behind your horse's rump. Standing next to the horse, gently increase pressure on the longe line. This action will pull its head toward the trailer and coax its behind at the same time. If it sets back, stop immediately and walk the horse until it's calm. A set back can cause serious injury.

    • 4

      Load it with a companion. Most horses develop a close relationship with their pasture mates. If it is possible, load one of its buddies first and then ask the horse again. Most times, your horse will follow its buddy.

    • 5

      Load by herd leader. If you happen to have a dominant mare handy, she is probably the herd leader. When all else fails, lead your horse to the trailer and lead the mare right up to your horse's rear end.