Trailer Articles of Interest
Dennis Brouse’s Trailering Tips
4/2/2009
As a horse trainer and host of the TV series Saddle Up With Dennis Brouse™, one of the most frequent issues I see with horses is trailer loading and trailering. The majority of these problems are caused by fear, intimidation, improperly-sized trailers, poorly built and unsafe trailers, and people who use force to get the horse loaded.
To help you in choosing a trailer and getting your horses to load willingly and without pain or fear, I’ve put together “Dennis’ Dozen Trailering Tips.”
Keep in mind, the most important aspect of all in trailering is to make sure your horse is safe and comfortable—and that’s why it’s so important to choose a trailer that is well-designed and well-built. In my opinion, no one builds a better, safer trailer for horses than Featherlite.
Stay safe, let’s ride!
Dennis’ Dozen Trailering Tips
1. Make sure the trailer is the correct size, as a lot of folks get the trailer as an afterthought and they get one that’s too small. You want a trailer that is both high and wide enough for your horse to fit in comfortably. Keep in mind a horse’s natural habitat is the open range, and they are basically claustrophobic beings, so having a spacious trailer makes it easier for them, and for you.
2. Construction is critical. You want a trailer where all parts are designed with horses in mind—no sharp edges, protruding objects, bad or weak flooring, too high of a step-up, etc. The trust factor goes right out the door the first time a horse experiences pain while loading.
3. Get a well-designed trailer that has safe, secure storage for all of your tack—from well-designed, strong saddle racks, to plenty of storage compartments and tack hooks. Loose and unsecured tack is not only dangerous for your horse, it can cause a lot of expensive damage.
4. Ventilation is another important factor. Make sure your trailer has enough properly designed vents to keep your horse at a comfortable temperature, even on hot days.
5. Good footing inside the trailer can make a huge difference. I recommend putting down saw dust, wood chips, or other absorbive and non-slip material on a well made flooring system to cushion your horse’s feet and legs. And some horses won’t urinate if it “splashes” on their legs.
6. Cheating is okay! By that I mean it’s often an effective trick to spread some of the horse’s own manure in the opening of the trailer (especially if it’s new) because then the horse will think he has been there before.
7. Never force a horse into the trailer. Use common sense and a proper training technique. If you try and force a horse into a trailer, keep in mind that it will make it an unpleasant experience for him, and he will resist even more the next time.
8. Once your horse is loaded, let him relax, eat and be groomed. It is a good idea to go for a few short, non-bouncy rides at first. Always quit on a good note and make it a pleasant experience in every way.
9. When hauling an unfamiliar horse, put a horse you know in the trailer first, and let the new one smell, chew and take his time loading. DO NOT HURRY teaching a horse to load. Forcing things creates frustration for you and the horse—and that’s a main cause for poor relationships.
10. Stop often and let the horse relax when getting gas or stopping at rest stops. The rest from movement and having to continually balance itself will be a pleasant break. It will also give you a chance to check your horses, tires, etc.
11. I always give a small amount of grain (treat) at breaks as a positive reinforcement. This also allows you a chance to check on all other conditions. NEVER be in a hurry or rushed to get where you’re going when you’re hauling your horses.
12. Remember to have the trailer loading technique perfected, and your horse comfortable and familiar with both loading and unloading before leaving home.
If you’d like to learn an effective trailer loading technique that’s simple and easy even for beginners, check out Dennis’ acclaimed 5-disc training DVD set at www.saddleupwithdennisbrouse.com.
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