Ridecamp: [RC] re: trailer loading

I second the John Lyons method.   A looong time ago I had an older quarter 
horse and if she saw a horse trailer and you even tried to get her up to it, 
 she would rear up and refuse to go within 500 feet of one.
This was when John L. was first starting out with his clinics.  We had a 
group of us - 6 of us and he came out and did a three day seminar.
I told him about her "problem".  He had her literally jumping into the 
trailer within 20 minutes.   And he basically just tapped her butt - 500 
feet away from the trailer. LOL.
And this is all done without emotion - do NOT get mad.
When she took one step forward, the tapping stopped and she got praised.   
Then the tapping starts up again - one step forward,  it stops and she gets 
praised.
When she got to the trailer,  she was scared and he worked her accordingly.  
Little more patience than if a horse was just plain stubborn.
After that,  I never had a problem with her again getting in and out of the 
trailer.
Another important point is once they go in,  let them get out - even if it's 
right away.  Show them that it's ok and you're not going to slam a door or a 
divider on them.
Make sure you have time to work with them so you're not in a hurry.
But,  that method shows them that it's uncomfortable outside the trailer and 
nice and comfortable inside.
It does work.
Cindi

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