How to Load a Scared Horse Into Your Trailer

Even the most docile horses can get frightened by the idea of a horse trailer. They stamp their feet, plant their legs, and refuse to budge. But you need to get them inside so you can go trail riding or head out to that competition. What's a frustrated horse owner to do? Use the following strategies of course! Here at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created the following guide. For all your horse trailer needs, visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

Why Horses Get Scared

It's helpful to keep in mind why your horse is giving you trouble, which helps keep the whole situation less stressful. Maybe your horse has separation anxiety, so going alone into a dark space is troubling. Maybe he's afraid of the unknown and isn't familiar with your horse trailer yet. Maybe he had a negative first encounter and every future interaction is filtered through that bad experience. Maybe his natural instincts are kicking in. Horses are prey animals. In the wild, heading into a dark confined space could mean getting trapped and killed by a predator. Whatever the reason, know that your horse does have a fair reason for being hesitant. It's up to you to help him overcome that barrier.

The Environment

No one wants to enter a smelly, dark, or cramped area. Do what you can to make the horse trailer as inviting as possible. Keep it clean and well-lit. Make sure there is enough space for your horse to be comfortable too.

Building Comfort 

You want your horse to have positive associations with the horse trailer. Keep the area surrounding the trailer a relaxing area. Let your horse approach the trailer on her own time and walk away on her own time. Over time, she will hopefully get closer and closer until she actually steps inside.

Recruit a Friend

Not for you of course, for your horse. Horses are social animals. Seeing their buddy walk in without fear will help ease their worries. It may sound overly simple, but it really can help.

Use Rewards

Sometimes all that's needed is a bit of persuasion in the form of a tasty treat. Like most animals, horses are food motivated. Let him smell the treat and get is interest. Then put the treat inside the trailer or hold it in your hand as you enter the horse trailer. Give rewards for any positive interactions with the trailer, like putting a head in or stepping a hoof in. With enough reward, you'll reinforce the willing entering of the horse trailer and make the process easier when you are hoping to travel.

Enter and Leave

This step may seem like the exact opposite of what you want to do. Your horse finally went inside and isn't that winning the battle? But asking your horse to leave teaches your horse that the horse trailer is a temporary situation. You want to reinforce the mindset that travel is a short-term experience that isn't something to be afraid of. It also helps them get out of the horse trailer before they get too stressed, which cements positive experiences for the future!

For all your horse trailer needs, visit True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. We carry a range of horse trailers for sale. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect one for your needs. We proudly serve those in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Penrose, and Canon City, Colorado. Stop by today!