How to Load Your Scared Horse Into Your Horse Trailer

If you regularly travel with your horse over long distances, whether to take him to competitions, the vet, or to riding areas, then you’re going to need to transport him in a horse trailer. However, that may be easier said than done, since your horse is likely going to be frightened of entering a small, enclosed space. Here are some tips to make this process easier on you and your horse.

Consider Your Horse’s Fears

It’s a good idea to try to put yourself in his (horse) shoes to determine what aspects of the process may be causing your horse to buck and back away from the trailer. Perhaps your horse is accustomed to being around other horses and being alone is frightening. Maybe he is new to this environment and needs time to adjust. Or maybe your horse had a bad experience with a trailer in the past and he’s now afraid of them all.

Because your horse is a prey animal, he’s liable to avoid any tight spaces where he feels like he may get caught (and eaten). If you can figure out how to assuage your horse’s fears, you’ll be on the right track.

Provide Comforts

Try to make the area around and inside the horse trailer as comfortable and inviting as you can. Do your loading on a sunny day where there’s plenty of light to illuminate the interior. Have some apples and carrots on hand to give your horse a treat as he steps gingerly into the trailer. Let the horse walk around the trailer and become comfortable with its presence.

Phone a Friend

No, not another person — another horse! If you own more than one horse, harness that horse and bring her over to the trailer. Maybe your other horses are better suited to being trailered, and you can show your scared horse how easy it is for them to go in and out of the trailer. Once he determines that no harm will come to him because his friends are okay, he may be more likely to get inside.

When you’re ready to check out new and used horse trailers for sale, visit our dealership in Hobe Sound, FL, to see what we’ve got in stock. Glenn's Trailer Sales proudly serves the cities of Jupiter and West Palm Beach, FL.