A
Horse&Rider answers:
We ask a lot from our horses when we load them into a trailer – it goes against their natural instincts to be in such an enclosed space. We’re also usually taking our horses somewhere exciting, like a show or fun ride when we load them up, or somewhere worrisome, like the vets. So, the moment your horse sees that ramp drop, he’s going to feel an immense amount of anticipation.
Helping him to feel relaxed in the trailer will be a long process, but one that can be achieved through familiarisation. Start by allocating days for trailer work with your horse and begin by just walking him on and off, occasionally stopping him in the box and giving him a good scratch. Keep the session short and sweet but do lots of repetitions over several weeks. You can try giving him his dinner or a small feed on the trailer, too. Once he seems calm, you can start putting him in the trailer and closing the ramp as if you’re going to travel and then getting him off again. Build this up to taking trips, around the yard or in a short loop around your local area. It’s a case of repetition and patience, but if you get trailer work into your routine, you’ll notice he begins to find the experience more relaxing.