Using Heeding In Basic Trailer Training
Contrary to what many people think, race horse trailer loading is not a difficult thing nor is it something to fuss over. When one stops, the horse also stops. The horse may stay by the side of the trailer and may also mean walking next to one person into the trailer.
One thing that horse owners should never do is try to force the horse into the trailer. The goal of the trailer loading process is not to make the horse afraid of the very sight of the trailer but treat it as like going into a barn or stall. One should walk calmly at the shoulder of the horse and walk in a casual manner into the trailer.
Race horse trailer loading is not a major accomplishment in horse training. Its just the act of getting the race horse into the trailer. Some may treat the example of taking the dog to the vet, or something similar.
The refusal of the horse to enter the trailer may also be attributed to the heeding training of a horse so that the horse would travel with the trainer anywhere - regardless of location.
Using training aids like a whip is sometimes acceptable once it is used properly. One can walk forward and reinforce the concept by lightly hitting the back of the horse with the whip. No hard lashes but a simple whack would do to make the horse move forward. The best way to make the race horse remember this is to do it repeatedly.
After walking in the trailer, walk out and repeat the process. One has to strive for the exact pace of the procedure so that there is no space left open or lacking. If a horse does not follow the lead, then the horse will not fit in the trailer and this leads to disobedience.
One should always remember that if the horse cannot get into the trailer correctly, it may not be outright disobedience but it could just be that the horse is confused by the pace and direction of the loading and makes the mistake. As the leading person, one has to correctly gauge the distance and take the initiative because the horse should only need to follow, not decide the pace.
Repetition is the key element here. One does not have to get angry at the inability of the horse to follow. Some horses may need additional repetitions for them to get the hang of the process. One has to keep the process training at the same pace, not slower or faster so that the horse gets used to it.
Using a whip is the last thing that should be used. Although it may impress and audience, it is a negative event for the horse.
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