Loading a Scared Horse into Your Trailer
No matter how much experience you have as a horse owner, one of the most dreaded tasks is loading a scared horse into your trailer. While this may not be something you do each day, a time may come when you need to transport a horse to the vet or bring them to a competition. The team at Double B Trailer Sales is here to help. Read our tips for loading a scared horse into your trailer. If you need assistance with parts or services, visit us in Centerville or Hurricane, UT.
Why Do Horses Get Scared?
First, it helps to understand why horses get scared. Some animals suffer from separation anxiety, so the thought of heading into a dark space can be unsettling. Others are afraid of the unknown, so they may act out when in fear. In some cases, a horse may have a past negative experience associated with trailers.
Whatever the case is, horses are prey animals. Their instinct tells them to avoid confined spaces where they could end up trapped, injured, or killed. Empathize with the animal to the best of your ability so you can stay calm and patient when loading a horse trailer.
Control the Environment
The first step to loading a scared horse into a trailer is controlling the environment. You can’t blame an animal for not wanting to enter a dark, smelly, or cramped area. Keep the space clean, well-lit, and as spacious as possible.
Make the Horse Comfortable
Do what you can to make the horse trailer feel inviting. The goal is to find ways for your horse to associate the area with relaxation, which will help lower their stress levels. This will also make it much easier for you to load the horse trailer. Give the animal time to adjust to the area. Let them relax and roam around a bit. Eventually, they may be comfortable enough to approach the trailer on their own.
Use Rewards
In some cases, a horse may not be so willing to enter the trailer despite your best efforts. Another option to consider is using rewards to tempt them inside the horse trailer. After all, these food-motivated creatures may not be able to resist a delicious treat.
Let the horse smell the treat so they become interested. Either put the treat inside the trailer or hold it in the palm of your hand as you enter the trailer. Remember to reward any interaction the horse has with the trailer, even if it’s just poking their head in or stepping one foot inside.
Enter & Exit
It may seem counterintuitive to have the horse enter and exit right away, but this teaches the animal that it’s a temporary experience. The more times you ask them to exit after entering, the more they’ll learn it’s a short-term experience and they won’t be trapped inside permanently. You’ll also be creating positive experiences by removing the horse from the trailer before they get too scared or stressed.
We hope these tips for loading a scared horse into your trailer have been helpful. If you’re still in the market for a trailer, stop by Double B Trailer Sales today! We proudly serve Ogden and Washington, UT. Our staff looks forward to assisting you.