LOADING UP!

In Part One, we set up the learning exercise. By constructing a practical set of choices, we got Stormy interested in the trailer and stopping to investigate it. He was relaxed, not afraid of the trailer, explored the ramp and was ready for just a little more pressure to get him inside. All totaled, we have spent about 5 minutes so far. (Please note that this is not a timed event, but with proper preparation away from the trailer and avoiding a fight or flight contest, this obstacle is not such a big deal and it doesn't have to take forever.) By my maintaining a correct position and encouraging him to move forward, Stormy simply explored his way up the ramp with little more than his own natural curiosity. We also had placed a small flake of alfalfa on the floor at the front end of the trailer, not as bait, but as a distraction once he found his way inside. Eating has a tranquilizing effect on most horses and if he found the hay and started munching on it, he would likely be less stressed in the relatively confined space. We did not want to have someone shake the hay, call to him, etc., as that approach seldom works, plus we wanted him to negotiate his way through this problem and as a result, be experienced and confident the next time he's asked to load. Similarly we didn't want to "drag" him into the trailer by the lead line. Actually, Stormy's entrance into the trailer was anti-climactic. He explored around, enjoyed a few munches of hay, then it was time to repeat the performance. You'll notice that I didn't follow him into the trailer. I concentrated on keeping him from getting tangled up in the rope and let him explore the trailer on his own terms. I want him to be independently confident inside a trailer. Also, if he did bump into something or make a noise that spooked him, I didn't want to be inside having to rush out behind him which would present the illusion that I, too, was frightened and fleeing the trailer also. If he came blasting out, I could simply step away from the trailer and direct him back on the longe, then return him to the ramp before he had time to think about it. Of course, before we could repeat the loading performance I had to get him out of the trailer. I didn't want to jerk him around to do this. With a taller horse, pulling hard on the rope could cause the horse to raise his head in opposition reflex and bump the roof. Therefore my objective was to get him to focus on me and for me to give him a familiar aid. I simply wiggled the rope until I caught his attention whereupon I started to step away from the trailer. If he stalled out, I'd back him up slightly and try again. Notice the lead rope is slack and I'm just keeping enough tension so that he won't step on it. We walked away, I got him moving again on the longe, and this time he just trucked all the way up the ramp on his first attempt. We repeated the "reloads" a half dozen times. Each time in the trailer he got a little break and could nibble on the alfalfa. The trailer is a really cool place to be.

Continue to: Loading in the Step-Up Return to Part One Important Note: If you take on the project of developing an untrained horse, everybody will want to give you advice. Don't act on any advice, including the ideas offered in this site, unless it makes sense to you and fits your individual situation. Your abilities and the sensitivities of your horse(s) may differ from the examples given. Be alert and rational with your actions so neither you nor your horse will get hurt. This information is offered as illustrations of what we do and the reader must apply common sense since he or she is solely responsible for his or her actions. Happy trails! Press "Back" to return to the page which brought you here Return to KBR Training Section Return to KBR World of Wild Horses & Burros Go to other Wild Horse Links Go To KBR Horse Net KBR Horse Training Information, © 1992, 1997, 2013 Lamm's Kickin' Back Ranch and Willis & Sharon Lamm. All rights reserved. Duplication of any of this material for commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. This prohibition is not intended to extend to personal non-commercial use, including sharing with others for safety and learning purposes, provided this copyright notice is attached. Email us to submit comments or request reproduction permission.