Trailer Loading (Part 1)

TRAILER LOADING
I like to think of trailer loading as just advanced level leading. If I can direct my horse's feet and he respects and trusts me, he'll be able to load easily onto a trailer. For that reason, I like to start out by making sure I can move my horse's feet wherever I want them to go with some basic groundwork.
Other Considerations While Trailer Loading:
- The moment I feel the horse say "no," I move his feet.
- I am careful to NOT put pressure on his head, but rather push from behind.
- I want the horse to decide on HIS OWN that the trailer is the better place to be. Therefore, the release comes when he makes an effort to be on the trailer, and more movement comes when he says "no" to the trailer.
- When he finally does get in the trailer and he stands, I don't let him stand still too long before I lead him out. Then I build on it.
- Overall, I want to keep the horse as calm and quiet in the trailer as possible and make it a good experience.
Join me for Part 2 of the trailer loading series, where we'll talk about how to load a horse with two people in an emergency situation.
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride!
- Ken McNabb

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

This is fun to watch. I just uploaded a video of loading a yearling. That bumper pull stock trailer is my first choice for training. I used to own a two straight and learned from that that ALL horses must learn to back out. Respect....are you worthy of respect? Why should any horse respect me if I am not.

[@dogtrainingdnipro4907]

It's so interesting and not so simple. Amazing work, thank you for video and your job.

[@oliviahentges2890]

My mare didn't like getting on the trailer so every evening instead of giving her her 1/2cup of oats where she usually got it I hung a ffed box in the trailer toward the back and over a period of 5 days moved it toward the front. After those 5 days she willingly steps in the trailer. After about 8 days I quit graining her and just asked her to get in and she willingly steps right in. Have loaded her many times since then and she always gets in without any issues.

[@kimberleysanchez6258]

I wouldn’t get in that trailer either, too short.

[@gracechristianschoolcypres3189]

Wow!!! Another outstanding video..

[@troytrivia]

These 2 videos helped us get him on the trailer. We have not traveled yet. What about unloading him? My boy likes to turn around & has trouble estimating the step off. He's almost catching the back of his fetlock & it's making me very nervous. Tips for getting him off safely & without injury. Is backing him out / off better? Thanks Ken!!

[@COMB0RICO]

Nice video! Thanks from Brownwood Texas.

[@janetolin5548]

Wonderful Ken. I am trying to help a friend with her mustang mare, who won’t load, but she rears up when asked to load. So we work her and try to make loading the trailer her “easier job”. But…the mare has a heart issue that prevents us from working her too long, especially in the heat. Thank you for this great video.

[@huubboschker2956]

Thanks ❤ its wonderful to see that

[@patrickbouldercreeklodge]

Awesome video.... Nice job conveying a solution to a difficult problem many horse owners have.

[@michaelschulze6545]

was investing for me

[@danielwatson8778]

he's a nice moving old snake...

[@Madisyn_Mustang_Makeover]

Is this mustang from oregon? I have one from oregon. This video helped me but then... it took me 35 muns to get him out of the trailer 😆