KBR Horse Training Information Exercising Body AND Mind

Trailering Made Easy
Part Three

LOADING IN A STEP-UP

We removed the ramp and repeated the same exercise with the step-up configuration. Stormy had to investigate the difference in layout for a few seconds, then in response to my energy, he tested the step.

Actually Stormy stepped right in. However, for this presentation we "froze" the sequence to show where most horses will typically stop when first exploring a step-up. We'll usually support the horse at this point with some nice scratches.

If he needs to back out, we want him to feel free to do so, leaving calmly. We don't want to teach our horses to become "trailer rockets," so they must be able to step away calmly. However, if they do leave, they will return to working on the longe line.

On the first day of loading in a step-up, especially with a young horse, I'm not too likely to go into the trailer behind him. I don't want to surprise him by "looming up" in the trailer opening. and generating a fear response. In such cases I will pass the rope through one of the side vents to keep the horse from stepping on it.

And, yes, we unloaded and reloaded several times without incident using the same techniques as with the ramp loader.

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.