Trailer Training
Sample "Trailer Training Horses," a downloadable book by Certified Trainer Keith Hosman
From Day One of Five:
Ready? Go get your horse and a dressage whip (or a suitable facsimile). If you have a horse that loses it when he even senses a nearby trailer, start a mile away. Our goal here is for the horse to move forward – and backward – lightly and on our cue. Our cue will be our body language. As in all training, we begin with "big movements" and, as the horse begins to learn or anticipate, we can refine those movements until they're practically reading our minds. Outfit your horse with a halter and suitable lead rope. If you begin this work and your horse is just blowing past you or pulling your arms out of their sockets, put a bit and bridle on the horse, clipping your lead rope to the bit ring. You'll find the bit will give you more control and aid you in delivering your message. Just as when riding, your horse will "only want you out of his mouth" so be sure to always release your pressure when the horse softens and "gives" to your pressure.
You know how you can take your car to the mechanic and suddenly it works great? Horses have the habit of doing the opposite, don't they? They're great here at home and freakazoids at the show. The same thing is going to happen later when we approach the trailer with the horse that does great today. We know that's going to happen so we must prepare for that by pushing the horse to be "extra perfect" here away from the trailer. Promise me now that you won't move to Day Two (or Three or Four) until Day One is in the bag. Each of the steps I'm outlining are important and you must make sure your horse is solid on them before progressing to the next.
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