How to Load a Horse That Won't Go in a Trailer

Having a horse that will not load into a trailer is not only frustrating, time consuming and potentially dangerous for the horse owner, but also a stressful and frightening experience for the horse. Although it is possible to bully a horse into a trailer, the next time you come to load will be worse, so training the horse properly from scratch is preferable. However, there are occasions when you need to load a horse immediately, despite his reluctance, such as transporting to the veterinary surgery for treatment, or home from a competition.

Things You'll Need

  • Three assistants
  • Bucket of horse feed
  • Two 30 foot ropes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make the trailer as light and airy as possible by opening up the front ramp and pushing the partition over. Remove any clutter that is likely to frighten the horse or put anyone in danger.

    • 2

      Use food to initially tempt the horse in. Have an assistant stand in the trailer with a bucket of feed just out of reach, as you stand at the horse's shoulder. Resist the urge to pull him in; when he feels the pressure, he will pull back. Allow the horse a small handful of feed to encourage him to walk forward for the feed. As he progresses up the ramp reward him and soothe him. Allow him to finish the bucket before moving the trailer.

    • 3

      If food alone does not work, attach two 30 feet lines to either side of the trailer and ask two assistants to hold the ends. Keep the food in sight in the trailer and instruct the assistants on the ropes to cross behind the horse until he is enclosed. Ask them to keep walking until pressure is applied on the horse's hindquarters. Be prepared for the horse to react at this stage, but keep the pressure applied by pulling the two ropes tighter so that he is unable to back out. Use the ropes to push him up the ramp. When he is in the trailer, quickly fasten the ramps.