We would like to thank Christy Jemail and all our participants for coming out to Boulder Valley Ranch for the Trailering 101 clinic.
What a beautiful day to be outside with Christy Jamail and all that attended our first Spring clinic! We were able to present three horses for Christy to work with, and also had three different trailer types at hand.
For our demonstration we offered a:
- Bumber pull, two horse slant,
- Gooseneck, living quarters slant with a ramp and back tack room, and
- Two horse gooseneck slant with a back tack room
The three horses at hand are boarded at Boulder Valley Ranch. Max, an Arabian had not loaded in some time; Moon, a mustang, had slight backing issues; and Nico, an Azteca, had bolting out issues. Christy started out with Max, and she quickly surmised that Max needed some ground work before she even thought about loading. Christy spent a good 30 minutes or more getting this geldings attention on her, while watching for him to relax and accept her as the leader. One of the things Max did was to throw his shoulder into her, so she worked on moving him away from her until he began to give her more respect. As the group watched, we had time for questions, learned ground techniques, and grew to understand the connection you need to establish with any horse before loading them into a trailer.
When Christy felt that Max was ready she approached the ramp trailer. Max had never used one and it had been some time since he had even been in a trailer. Christy continually worked on keeping Max straight, correcting his position and keeping his attention on her. She began first by simply asking for his two front feet on the ramp, then asked him to slowly back off. Gradually she worked on three feet, and then all four feet on the ramp with a slow back off—pressure and release timing is critical. When Max lifted his head high she was careful to release pressure on the lead line, to prevent any head injury. Finally Max loaded calmly and waited for for Chirsty’s cue to back out of the trailer. Good work Max!
Next up was Moon. Christy worked with Helen using the same process. Asking quietly to load and back, while keeping her attention forward head and body straight—she did beautifully.
Lastly it was Nico’s turn. Many years ago he was tied inside a stock trailer and started backing out before he was untied. This caused him to pull back and the rope did not break but held firm. Luckily, I was able to release the rope, but ever since he has had an issue with rushing out. We have worked on it many times over the years but that picture is still in his mind. As Temple Grandin once said, “horses think in pictures”. My first mistake was to load Nico into the ramp trailer without using the gradual technique of two, three then all four feet. He loaded happily, but when I asked him to back out he bolted, more so then I have ever seen him do! So Christy had me go back to the basics, working towards getting him to relax, straighten his head and body, and try to get him more comfortable in the backing process. I have my work to do but will continue to use the tools I learned in this clinic in the future.
After the demonstration Christy suggested we load in the back of one of the trailers and go for a ride to feel what it is like. So we all loaded into Helen’s bumper pull and took a spin around the arena—a fun and eye opening experience for all—try it sometime!
One other unexpected event was a flat tire on one of the trailers. Fortunately we had a Trailer Aid. If you are trailering I highly recommend this tool and have a four-way lug nut wrench. We were quickly able to get the trailer tire off with the help of Bob Lover and replace it with the spare. So remember to check your tires before heading out. In this climate is is recommended to have your tires replaced every 4 to 6 years due to dry rot. I also carry US Rider insurance which is similar to AAA but covers both your vehicle and your horse.
Groundwork
Don’t skip the ground work. You should have a horses full attention and respect before loading. We are asking these creatures to accept loading into a small tin box, it can be dangerous in there, so take your time, take small steps and be present with your equine friend at all times—safety is most important.
Tie or not to Tie?
Well we all have heard this. Personally I do not tie. If you do tie, Christy recommends a break away halter, tying to baling twine, or tie rings for quick release (one example is the Blocker Tie Ring. These all can be used at hitching posts, and also inside and outside your trailer. Also, if horses do not get along and the divider style is not high enough to block their heads, tying is recommended to avoid naughty behavior.
Note: If tied, always remember to untie your horse before you open the trailer doors.
Forward or Backwards?
We discussed this. I had a horse that I always left loose in my stock trailer, he preferred to face backwards. Some say that a horse can use their hind end better in this position, but not all trailers allow for this—as always use your best judgement and comfort level.
Trailer Types
Horses come in all shapes and sizes and so do trailers and trucks. Do your research and buy a vehicle and trailer matched for your towing needs and budget.
Driving
Check you tires for wear and air pressure. Avoid sudden stops and excessive speeds. Fully loaded trailers are heavy and require longer braking distances so give yourself some extra space — your horse will appreciate it! When backing try placing your hand at the bottom of the wheel—the direction your hand goes is the direction the trailer goes. Make sure your horses have plenty of ventilation and protect your horses eyes if you drive with open windows by using a fly mask or install screens. If you have a trailer with open sides inspect it for wasp nests before loading. Carry a 5 gallon water container, or have a water tank installed in your trailer or truck bed.
For tips on trailering please download Trailering Tips from Christy. Thank you Roxanne Perkins, Helen Braider, and Carmen Porter for you time and supplying horses an/or trailers. To learn more about Christy Email please visit Equinimity. She also offers one of the best hoof picks on the market, the Ultimate HoofPick, check it out (I have two)!
Next up the BCHA Trail Ride and Potluck on May 11th. Sign-up today!
Linda P