September 2005

Self-Loading

Teach your horse to load and unload without always needing a helper.

Self-loading horses are actually safer than leading a horse into a trailer.

Self-loading is not only a great convenience, it’s also safer than leading the horse onto the trailer. Standing in a narrow trailer stall with a 1,000-pound animal is never optimal, and self-loading takes some of the concern away if you have a highway emergency and don’t have a helper nearby.

Always consider safety. Secure all trailer doors. Put trailer wraps on your horse. Use a cotton lead—not nylon—with a knot on the end. Never, never allow the line to wrap around your hand. Put gloves on and wear solid shoes, not sneakers. Wear a hard hat if you wish. …