Useful suggestions for loading a spooky horse onto a trailer?

A

apx31088

New member
When I buy a horse, sometimes it is fearful about loading into my two-horse trailer - even though the previous owners says it loaded just fine onto their trailer.
I train my own horses to load. Works great, but takes time and effort. What the best way to get a new horse onto my trailer in a calm way. I've been using a vet-prescribed injection called "ACE" which works well. But it cost $40 to buy the injection. I administered the injection myself. The injection did the job, but it has to be vet-dispensed and it does cost $40.
I'm reaching out to the Yahoo community to see if anyone has actual experience in getting a newly bought horse which is fearful to load into a two-horse trailer.
 
Ace works, but doesn't fix the problem- you'll have to ace every time likely. I agree with Ehawlz, patience is the key. get a long lead or a longe line and station yourself near the entrance. Slowly shorten the lead and reel the horse in. As soon as she balks, stop reeling and just stand there, looking indifferent. Hold tight until she calms down again. When she's calm, reel again until she balks. repeat. When she's up against the trailer, let her hang out a bit there until she's calm, then put her up. Get her into the habt of spending time around it. toss a pile of hay next to it and let her feed while she's hanging out. Eventually, work her into the trailer.

I've had this work with the only horse I've ever had balk, and it worked pretty well. I'm not saying it'll work with all people, or all handlers, but it worked for me.


Good Luck!
 
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