The Correct Sequence for Loading and Unloading:

We have all been there... in a hurry... we're tying to get our horse on or off the trailer... we feel like we could use another 4 hands...  other riders are waiting on us.   "Hurry up - let's go!"

Sound familiar?  Do we know the correct and safe sequence for loading and unloading our horse?   Do we use it each time; even when under pressure?

It is really very simple and logical.  While it helps to have an extra person helping when loading or unloading - this can be done even by yourself:

Loading:

Always secure the horse with the butt bar before tying the head.  This way, if the horse shies and starts to back out, they will be physically blocked.  Even a small horse can break a halter and get flung backwards out of the trailer (resulting in severe injury to horse and handler). 

Unloading:

Always untie the head from the trailer (and attach a lead-line) before lowering the butt bar.  Again, this keeps a physical block in place until you are ready to unload your horse.

The butt bar should be first up and last down!

When hauling two or more horses, we've found it best to handle the "easy loader" first.  That means to load and unload the horse with the best trailering manners first... but always keep all the horses in sight of each other.  (Another reason why having a trailer where each individual horse can be loaded / unloaded independently of the others is so vital).

Any nervous horses will be reassured by seeing their buddies safely and calmly negotiating the trailer.

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