Thoroughbred race horse trainers transport their racehorses to many tracks in order to place their horses in the appropriate races. This means that they must transport the horses from their stable to thoroughbred racetracks hundreds of miles away. Therefore, it is important to address the training needs of the racehorse for the journey.
Often overlooked, the training of the thoroughbred racehorse for transport can affect the horse's ability to finish "in-the-money." Horses are used to having solid ground beneath their hoofs. The ground does not move nor does it make any significant noise. Their environment is usually not confining. Yet, a horse trailer moves, makes noise, and confines the movement of the racehorse. For a horse which has never been trained for trailering, it can be downright frightening. A frightened horse can be difficult and time-consuming to load. In addition, the trailering experience can wear down and exhaust the racehorse.
To train the racehorse for travel, you first must expose the horse to the trailer and get the horse comfortable with the trailer. With the appropriate halter and shank (30" chain for fillies, 36" chain for colts, mares, studs, geldings), lead the horse around the trailer. The trailer should be securely fastened to the tow vehicle for safety reasons. The trailer should also be clean inside. Let the horse look at the trailer with the trailer in "loading" mode with the doors open and the ramps down (Most trainers prefer horse trailers with wide rear and side loading ramps.). Walk the horse around the trailer and across the bottom of the ramps but do not lead the horse up the ramp. Let the horse smell the trailer. If the horse "spooks", then just keep walking the horse around in tight circles or in tight figure-8 patterns in close proximity to the ramps. The goal is to let the horse experience the noise the sound of their hoofs make as they walk across the bottom of the ramp. However, be on guard for sudden motion of the horse or for the horses which stumble when walking on the ramp.
Once the horse is used to the sound of walking across the ramp, it will be time to try to get the horse to walk on and up the ramp. With a firm grip on the shank, walk the horse rapidly around in a circle and then right up the ramp. If you are lucky, the horse will load. However, more likely than not, the horse will simply refuse to step on the ramp. If this happens, lead the horse to the edge of the ramp, and have another person gently lift the horses leg up and place the hoof on the ramp. Let the horse stand there. Patience is key here. Do not scold or hit or frighten the horse. Sometimes a little distraction such as scratching the horse's neck or head or nose or speaking softly will help relax the horse. Sometimes a handful of the horse's favorite treat or food helps if placed in front of their nose and used to lead the horse up the ramp. The key here is to get the racehorse to trust you and to realize that they are safe. Once the horse calms down, then gently place the other front leg onto the trailer. Then back the horse off the ramp, walk it around again, and repeat this action until the horse feels comfortable placing its hoofs on the ramp. Depending on the horse this may need to be repeated a few times. A horse comfortable with placing its front hoofs on the ramp will more than likely walk right into the trailer. Then walk the horse around again in a tight circle and then up the ramp.
Extremely frightened horses can be difficult to load. If the above techniques do not work, then you may have to take more drastic measures. In some cases, the use of a twitch on the horse's lip may aid you in leading ("pulling") the horse onto the trailer. However, this can terrify the horse. Extremely frightened horses may need to be partially tranquilized and then led onto the trailer with the help of several people.
Once you get the horse into the trailer, secure the restraining bars, guards, etc. in order to protect both the horse and people. Then let the horse eat a meal and take a drink. Afterward, remove the guards and walk the horse off of the trailer. The goal is to get the horse comfortable with loading onto and off of the trailer. Once the horse is comfortable with being loaded and unloaded, then drive the loaded trailer around a short distance to see how the racehorse reacts. You need for the racehorse to trust you.
Of importance, you must consider the safety of the people and horse at all times when you load or unload the racehorse. Have people stand on the sides of the ramp to help guide the horse up the ramp. A horse which injures it's leg due to a misstep off of the ramp may injure itself. Furthermore, be ready for horses which stumble and fall. Likewise, be ready for the danger posed by a frightened horse which rears up.
If you work at training the horse over several times you will find that the horse will walk right onto the trailer the day you need to transport the horse.
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