How to Load a Horse Into a Two-Horse Trailer

It is important for your horse to load easily on a trailer, even if you never plan to leave the property where that horse lives. If an emergency arises and you need to evacuate, you need a way to get your horse to safety, and a horse that loads quietly onto a two-horse trailer will be much easier to move than one that does not. Taking the time to teach your horse to load on a trailer is an essential part of its training.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Feed bucket
  • Lunge or dressage whip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask an assistant to help you, particularly if you have never loaded the horse on the trailer before. Having an assistant makes it much easier to deal with any problems that may arise.

    • 2

      Place a quality halter on your horse and attach a lead rope with a sturdy snap. Walk your horse around a few minutes to make sure he is calm and quiet.

    • 3

      Have your assistant open the back of the trailer. If you have a ramp trailer, make sure the ramp is level and laying flat on the ground. If your trailer does not have a ramp, make sure the door is open as wide as possible, and that it is secured.

    • 4

      Walk your horse toward the trailer, with the horse on the right side and you on the left. Approach the trailer slowly, but confidently and step into the left side of the trailer, with the partition between you and the horse. Ideally, the horse should follow you in and allow you to secure the trailer tie inside the trailer.

    • 5

      Coax the horse into the trailer with a bucket of feed, if he does not automatically follow you. Have your assistant stand inside the front of the trailer with the bucket of grain, so the horse can see it. Many horses who are hesitant about trailer loading will load easily if there is a food reward.

    • 6

      Tap the horse gently with the lunge whip or dressage whip. Tapping the horse lightly on the back of the legs will encourage it to move forward and load on the trailer. Do not allow yourself to get frustrated or try to rush the horse. It can take a number of training sessions to get a horse loading safely into a trailer.

    • 7

      Snap the trailer tie on to your horse's halter as soon as he is fully in the trailer. Secure the bar at the back of the trailer to keep your horse in place, then close it up. Do not forget to close all of the trailer doors, both the front and the back.