Horses With Trailer Loading Issues
It Is A Common Problem
If you hang around the horse world long enough, you will hear about horses with trailer loading issues. Maybe you even know a horse that refuses to easily load.
Buying A Horse With A Loading Problem?
What if you were shopping for a horse though? Should you consider buying a horse that doesn't load well? It really depends on a lot of factors. If you haven't started horse shopping yet, you could make trailer loading one of your non-negotiables. In other words, skills that any horse you purchase must have!
Sometimes though, our "perfect" horse, might not meet one item on our list. If you are looking for a horse that you can take out and show every weekend. A horse with trailer loading difficulties isn't going to be the horse for you.
If you are a pleasure rider, with trail access at the farm. Theoretically, it isn't as big of a deal, since you would only have to load the horse to move him to his new home.
Keep in mind though, there are other situations that could arise that would warrant your horse willingly loading on a trailer. Things like tropical storms or hurricanes. Sometimes our farm vets have to refer us to equine hospitals for emergencies. If you may possibly have to sell the horse in the future, you might not care that he takes an hour to load. To a potential buyer though, trailer loading may be one of their non-negotiables. Making it harder for you to sell the horse.
Training A Horse To Load
Any horse can be taught to safely load onto a trailer. It may take work, time and patience but it can be done. Ask yourself if you think this is something that you have the skills to work on your self. Do you even have access to a truck and horse trailer to practice with? In the beginning, you will be doing the groundwork to establish yourself as a leader, and to get control of the horse's body. Eventually, in order to teach trailer loading, you will need to have access to a trailer. So that is something you should keep in mind.
You should consider if you are confident and willing to take the time with your new horse to teach him this important skill. If you have already been told he doesn't load on a trailer well, you will have to find the time to teach him how to. Are you willing to wait to trail ride until you can confidently load your horse?
If you have the means to afford it, you could choose to send your horse to a trainer to learn this skill. You have to be willing to learn what to do though, so you can reinforce the lesson when you get your horse back home.
Are You Up To The Challenge?
I don't consider a horse that won't get onto a trailer a huge problem since I'm able to handle it myself. As a first-time horse owner, it may be biting off more than you can chew.
Before you make a decision, talk to your trainer about their experience with teaching horses to load. Ask their opinion about if this horse is such a perfect unicorn that you can settle for having to work on this one thing!
Ask A Professionals Opinion
Consult with your trainer, consider your options! I'm sure they will help you make the right choice. If this isn't the horse for you, don't worry! Your perfect horse is out there! You just have to take the time to find him or her! When you do, it will have been well worth the search!
