Train Your Horse To Load In a Trailer: How to Get Into the Trailer Successfully

Horse loading training: Why is it important?

If a horse won't get on the trailer, this is always a big problem in everyday life. It is not only important for competition riders, but for every horse owner that the horse can be loaded without any problems. After all, every minute counts in an emergency when the animal has to be transported to a clinic or another location. For this reason, it is crucial to start loading training at an early stage so that it works smoothly even in stressful situations and no valuable time is lost in an emergency.

The most important reasons for loading training:

• Safety in an emergency: In critical situations such as acute colic or a serious injury, it is essential that the horse can be loaded onto the trailer without difficulty. If your horse can be loaded easily, you will save valuable time and avoid additional stress for you and your horse in an emergency.
• Relaxed loading in everyday life: Even outside of emergencies, relaxed loading makes everyday life easier. Whether it's for planned visits to the vet, trips to training grounds, competitions or moving to a new stable - a horse that walks and stands calmly and safely on the trailer makes these situations less stressful.
• Build trust: Regular loading training strengthens the horse's trust in the trailer and its owner. It learns that the trailer is not a danger and that the owner will ensure safe transportation.
• Stress reduction: A horse that is loaded without resistance reduces stress for both the animal and the owner. This creates a positive experience and avoids dangerous situations that could arise from a fearful or unruly horse.

That's why loading training is not a matter of convenience, but an important part of your horse's safety and well-being. A well-trained horse ensures stress-free everyday life and is a decisive advantage in an emergency.

Why Won't My Horse Go on the Trailer?

There can be various reasons why a horse does not want to go on the trailer. Horses naturally avoid tight spaces in which they feel confined - especially if they are also moving, as is the case when being hitched up. In addition, many horses have already had negative experiences, be it due to improper loading, stressful journeys or unpleasant experiences after transportation. These fears often run deep and make loading more difficult.

How can this be changed? This is where the help of loading experts can be crucial. Luuk Teunissen shows in this video in the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy, how you can teach your horse to load step by step, without pressure or stress. With his method, the horse learns to accept the trailer as a safe place. This makes loading more relaxed and transportation much safer and more pleasant for both horse and owner.

Horse will not load: What now?

Keeping calm is the first step! If your horse is not yet familiar with loading or has not been able to get onto the trailer without any problems, now is the right time to practice. Plan a day for this when you have enough time and no other commitments breathing down your neck. Loading training can sometimes take many hours and often requires more than just one day. Some horses learn to load safely in a few hours, while others take days, if not weeks, to get used to the horse trailer.

Before the actual loading, it is important to lay some foundations. This means building trust through groundwork and preparatory exercises and giving the horse the necessary confidence. If you are unsure how to start with this groundwork, the following video will give you a good start. 

Maybe you can also read our article about ground work can help you. In the article "Groundwork horse: Everything you need to know with exercises to download" you can find out everything you need to know about groundwork. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or already advanced, there are cool exercises to download. For loading training, exercises such as stop and go and leading through narrow alleys are particularly suitable for preparing the horse for loading training.

In addition to the horse's preparation, your own condition is also crucial. You should start training well-rested and clear-headed. A positive mindset and a firm plan are important to stay patient and calm, even if the training takes longer than expected.

Preparation for loading training: choosing the right environment

Start the loading training in a quiet, familiar environment. Suitable places are:

• Riding hall
• Riding arena
• Level meadow

You can only extend the training to new, unfamiliar places once loading is working smoothly in this familiar environment.

Make sure that the trailer is secure and stable:

• Ramp should lie flat.
• The flap levers must be securely stowed to prevent injuries.

Park the trailer in a suitable place:

• Quiet place with few distractions.
• Flat terrain for more stability.
• Sufficient lighting so that the horse can see everything clearly.
• Avoid tripping hazards: Remove all objects from around the trailer.

Make sure that your horse has enough space in all directions and that the ground is free of obstructions. With this preparation, you can start loading training safely and stress-free.

Loading training equipment: safety first

Unexpected situations can occur during loading training, especially on the first attempt. That's why the right equipment is crucial to optimally protect both your horse and yourself. Here are some important points to bear in mind:

Protect yourself

• Gloves: Wear gloves throughout training to protect your hands from injury. If your horse suddenly pulls the rope through your hands, gloves can prevent painful abrasions.
• Sturdy shoes: Wear sturdy, closed shoes to protect your feet in case your horse jumps to the side or accidentally steps on your foot.
• Helmet: For particularly nervous horses, wearing a helmet can provide additional safety.

The right equipment for your horse

• Halter: A stable, well-fitting halter is essential so that it stays firmly on the head in stressful situations and does not slip or break.
• Long rope: A rope of about 4.50 meters or a lunge line made of soft, durable material with a solid carabiner gives you enough scope to lead your horse safely.
• Leg protection: In addition, bell boots and gaiters can be put on to protect the sensitive legs and fetlocks from injury. If the horse is not used to being loaded, they tend to slip off the ramp or run off the ramp past the trailer. The right leg protection can help to prevent injuries during training.

The right trailer

• Material and equipment: A suitable horse trailer should be made of robust material such as aluminum or wood with an aluminum floor and have a flat, non-slip ramp. Safety bars that can be quickly hooked in and out are also important.
• Stability: The trailer should always be hitched to a car to ensure additional stability and minimize unnecessary movement.

 Transport gaiters - yes or no

Transport boots provide important protection for the horse's legs during loading and transportation. They help to prevent injuries caused by slipping or bumping and give your horse additional safety.

Advantages and disadvantages of transport boots when loading and transporting horses

However, the use of transportation boots not only has advantages, but can also have disadvantages. We have listed the pros and cons for you here.

Advantages of transport gaiters

• Protection against injuries: Transport boots provide comprehensive protection for the horse's legs, including the fetlock head, tendons, and hoof pads. They minimize the risk of bruises, cuts, or knocks during loading and driving.
• Shock absorption: Shocks and sudden movements can occur during the ride. Gaiters absorb shocks and can thus prevent injuries if the horse stumbles or hits the walls of the trailer.
• Stabilization: Some transport boots have a supportive effect that stabilizes the horse's legs and provides additional safety during abrupt driving maneuvers.
• Increased safety: For horses that tend to get nervous and kick out during loading or transportation, gaiters provide additional protection for the sensitive areas of the legs.

Disadvantages of transport gaiters

• Restricted freedom of movement: Some horses find the gaiters uncomfortable as they restrict their freedom of movement. This can be a problem for inexperienced horses, especially when backing up, as they first have to get used to the feeling of wearing them.
• Heat build-up: Transport boots can lead to increased heat build-up on the legs. This can be uncomfortable during long journeys or in hot temperatures and in some cases can lead to sweating or heat build-up.
• Familiarization is necessary: Some horses initially react sensitively to the gaiters and may feel uncomfortable or move unsteadily. It is important to get the horses used to wearing the gaiters beforehand to avoid stress during loading and driving.
• Risk of slipping: If the gaiters are not put on correctly or slip during the ride, they can pose a safety risk for the horse. This can lead to insecurity and injuries.

Horse loading training: explained step-by-step

In the video Luuk Teunissen how the loading training step by step when you need to take a step back and when you can take the next step.

This step-by-step guide shows you the individual steps of loading training. From ground work to the first ride with the horse:

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Stress-free loading: 5 tips

1. Keep calm: Your horse senses your mood. Stay calm and relaxed, even when things get difficult. Patience and a positive attitude give your horse security and confidence. Avoid rushing, as this causes additional stress.
2. Practice in familiar surroundings: Start loading training in a place that your horse knows well and where it feels safe. Practice there several times before using the trailer in new places. Familiar surroundings reduce anxiety and help to establish a routine.
3. Praise small steps: No matter how small the progress is - reward your horse with praise and positive reinforcement. Every step onto the ramp or even just near the hanger is a success and should be positively reinforced.
4. Use lateral restraints: If the horse is unsure, a lateral boundary such as a taut lunge line can help to enable a straight gait into the hanger. It gives the horse a clear direction and takes away its uncertainty.
5. Plan breaks: Allow sufficient time and don't overtax your horse. If it gets restless or stressed, give it a break. These breaks help to keep the training positive and build confidence.

Horse loading training: Summarized

Loading training is not just a matter of convenience, but an essential component for the safety and well-being of your horse. A well-prepared and regularly trained horse can be loaded faster and with less stress in emergency situations, saving valuable time. Relaxed loading also makes everyday visits to the vet, excursions and removals much easier.

The right preparation - from flatwork and the right equipment to the choice of trailer - plays a decisive role. Patience, calm, and a step-by-step approach to the trailer are the key to a positive training result. The better your horse is prepared for the situation and knows the equipment, the more relaxed the loading process will be.

With sufficient practice and the right methods, as shown in the videos and instructions from experts, loading can become a stress-free experience for you and your horse. This will create a strong foundation of trust that will ensure safety in every situation.

Horse loading training: The most important questions and answers

How can I load my horse alone?

To load your horse alone, it should have completed sufficient trailerr training beforehand and respond calmly to commands. Solid groundwork and trust work are key here. Use long ropes to guide and restrain the horse and make sure that the trailer is stable. Practice loading alone in calm situations before using it in stressful situations.

How much does loading training for horses cost?

The cost of loading training varies depending on the trainer and region. Prices are usually between 50 and 100 euros per hour. Some trainers also offer packages for several sessions or special courses. Additional travel costs may apply for mobile trainers.

How can you prepare a horse for loading?

The best preparation for loading is targeted groundwork. Practice walking forward, stopping, and backing up with your horse. Get it used to the trailer by slowly introducing it to the ramp and rewarding any progress. Also, practise standing calmly in the trailer without going for a ride straight away.

Why should you load the horse on the left?

Horses are usually loaded on the left-hand side of the trailer as they are used to being led on this side. Loading on the left-hand side also ensures better weight distribution in the trailer, which increases stability during the journey, especially if only one horse is being transported.

How is a horse loaded correctly?

To load a horse safely, lead it calmly and in a controlled manner onto the ramp of the trailer. Let the horse explore the trailerat its own pace and reward any progress. As soon as it is in the trailer, secure it with a long rope and carefully close the divider bar and the flap. Make sure that the bar is closed behind the horse before it is tied up. Otherwise, there is a risk of serious injury if the horse becomes frightened and falls backward. The horse has to have enough space and should be able to stand in a relaxed position.

How often should hanger training be carried out with the horse?

Hanger training should be carried out regularly in short, positive units. Initially, once or twice a week is enough to gradually get the horse used to the trailer. The aim is to develop a routine and give the horse positive experiences.

What do you need to load a horse?

To load a horse you will need:

• A suitable halter
• A long rope (approx. 4.50 m)
• A long rope (approx. 6 m)
• A crop or whip for support
• Optional: transport boots or hoof protection
• A suitable trailer with a non-slip ramp and sturdy safety bars

Which side should you load a horse on?

If only one horse is being loaded, it should stand on the left-hand side (driver's side) of the trailer. If there are two horses, the heavier or larger horse should be loaded on the left to ensure even weight distribution.