Training Your Young Horse to Load and Trailer 

Teaching an adult horse to load in a horse trailer is no small feat. So just imagine how difficult it must be to teach a youngster to do it. 

Actually, it’s easier than you think. Horses, if taught at a very young age, master loading in a horse trailer fairly quickly. The trick, as when you’re teaching any horse, is to make the lessons as stress free and positive as possible. 

Take advantage of “Mom.” If you’re training a foal who hasn’t been weaned, loading, and shipping him with the mare, especially if she’s a good traveler, is an excellent way to show junior the ropes. Many Thoroughbred breeders do just that. When the mare’s in foal heat, approximately two weeks after the foal’s birth, they ship the two together to the live cover breeding. Training of this nature typically produces a horse that ships well for the rest of his life. 

Practice with more experienced travelers. Similar to the method above, except you’re replacing the dam with another horse. This approach works with weanlings who could benefit from the calming presence of an older, seasoned horse.  

If you use either of these methods, here are some suggestions to help the process go smoothly. 

·        If possible, park the trailer within a fenced or enclosed area.

·        Initially, lead the veteran horse onto the trailer and let the foal follow. If the foal is haltered and on a lead, keep it loose so he can walk in on his own.

·        At first, leave the ramp down or doors open so the foal can leave and come back in. This avoids making him feel trapped and panicking because he can’t escape. When he appears relaxed and comfortable in the trailer, then you can close him in.

·        Reward any and all good behavior with treats! Teach him from the get-go that the trailer is a wonderful place to be! 

Strive to make these first few loading experiences pleasant and you or your youngster’s future owner will be rewarded with years of problem free trailering.