Trailer float loading problems, horse won't load?

Question

I'm leasing a horse at the moment that I'm going to buy. She's absolutely perfect and gorgeous and sweet (a bit go-y but listens to seat). 15hh, 7yo, Black TB mare. Only problem is she won't load. She's never liked loading. Everyone's tried. She failed 'floating school'.

She's normally perfectly calm. Fine on the lead. Doesn't spook at ANYTHING. Kids can run around her, screaming, throwing apples and balls, she doesn't blink an eye. As soon as you bring the float out she digs in and won't even walk up the ramp. She's quite calm about it, she doesn't go nutty and crazy, it's not like it's a fear or her being naughty or silly (she's not like that and it doesn't show on her face) she just digs in at the bottom of the ramp and won't budge.

We've tried circling her behind the float before leading her on, tapping her on the bum and waving a whip behind her, coaxing her on with food etc. my stable owners/instructors can pretty much get any horse on a float. They've

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Answer 1

Also put some straw on the bottom of the ramp so it feels kinda like her safe stable.

Answer 2

use reverse psychology..walk her up to it and then after she just stands there still...then back her up and do something she has confidence doing. Then go back and try it again try lunging her with the trailer as one of the boundaries slowly moving her closer and closer to the trailer. ..do this both directions. Let her sniff and if she trys to step in let her but then immediately back her out..get her curiosity going. Also you can try leaving the trailer in the pasture. If all else fails i have had to use a strap or rope with one person at each end with the middle of it against the horse's rump then with you are leading her in they will walk up with the strap pushing the horse foreward...i dont know i used that on my QH/TB who was freaking out and after some walking in some clockwise circles (with you on the left this way you have to "push" her to turn and she will have to yield you) we use the strap method and he went right in...the next time he didn't even put up a fight..anyways hope this helps :)

Answer 3

you should keep bringing your horse around the trailer showing your horse that it's ok and the trailer won't hurt it. you after you show your horse that it won't hurt it you can always try to lead your horse into the trailer and see if your horse will go. it may take some patience and a lot of time but you will just have to show the horse it's ok and you should walk into the trailer first and show your horse that it's ok and a safe place to be

Answer 4

If you ask me you need to train this horse to trust and to be brave.If you've got any time to practice loading her go for it.

Here's what you do:

First let your mare have a good look at the trailer if she see's that there is nothing to be scared about she'll go in.

Now slowly let your horse take a step on the trailer and if she stays still then slowly and carefully let her take another step.

If that isn't working for you have a look inside the trailer is she scared of something in it remove it or cover it up so she doesn't need to worry.

When your horse/pony goes on the trailer speak to her in a quiet voice and say quietly positive things.If you eventually get her in the trailer give her a carrot/polo or apple.

Answer 5

Hello,

Sounds like your horse needs some ground work done to load.  I suggest doing a little every single day.  DON'T wait until you need to haul her some where.

BE patient and take hours if you need to.  Getting upset and frustrated won't help her at all.  Every little bit she gives towards the trailer is rewarded with pats a kind words.  If she wants out, let her, don't hold her in.  

Another suggestion, is to put the trailer into a pasture or holding pen with the horse.  LEAVE it there, feed her in it.

LEAVE her alone, and leave it open.  JUST put the hay in just out of reach, and then with each feeding move it farther and farther in.  LEAVE it this way for a good week.

IF you need her to load, and one thing we have tried in a situation that we couldn't spend the time on the correct training is to get a broom with a long handle.  NOW get the horse as close to the trailer ramp as possible, and then tap the bristles on the heal of the rear feet.  WATCH out they can kick at it, but they will move forward away from the pokey bristles.

YOU really need lots of time, patients and you should be able to help your mare over come her trailing fear....

THIS article should help you a bunch.  

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied...