Teaching the reluctant horse to load

Do you have problems loading your horse?

Rachel Norris from Equusense in Dorset — a centre which specialises in horses with behavioural problems — gives clear and useful advice about the techniques she recommends when teaching a reluctant horse to load.

Rachel’s main tips for loading and unloading your horse safely, and minimising frustration and stress, are:

• Always wear a hard hat, gloves and sturdy boots.
• The horse’s legs should be protected with boots — ideally sports boots — and the tail with a bandage.
• If the horse is difficult, use a pressure headcollar with a poll guard.
• Always use a longline not a lead rope.
• Establish the groundwork first, only move towards the ramp once your horse understands and respects your requests.
• Keep your body language passive and your eyes looking at the horse’s feet.
• Allow the horse time but keep the feet moving.
• Release the pressure as soon as the horse even thinks about moving towards you.
• Repetition is key.
• NOTE: If you use a pressure headcollar to load NEVER tie the horse using the training rings or any part that will pull tight. For more difficult/dangerous loaders, or horses that have a genuine fear of loading/travelling, consult an experienced professional.

This video is part of South West insurer Cornish Mutual’s “HorseSafe” campaign.

It is being run in partnership with the animal rescue team at Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service to improve the safety of horses during transport.

Read more about travelling with your horse