The secret to stress-free loading

Taking your fave pony to a show or lesson, or even travelling him to a different place to explore some new hacking, is super-exciting. But it won’t be so much fun if he refuses to load in the lorry or trailer! 

If this sounds like your pony, the good news is there are ways you can show him there’s nothing to be scared of, so he walks up the ramp first time, every time!

TOP TIP

Always wear your riding hat, gloves and sturdy footwear, such as your riding boots, when loading.

     1. Practice makes perfect

There are lots of reasons why a pony won’t load, and it could just be that it’s something he’s not used to doing. If you can get some loading practice in before you’re due to go somewhere, it won’t be such a big deal when it comes to the real thing. Try to do this at least once a month, and walk him in and out of the lorry or trailer a few times to make sure he’s happy. If he hasn’t done much travelling, it’s a good idea to take him for a short trip round the block, too.

     2. Take the lead

You won’t be able to load your pony if he’s tricky to lead or you’re not confident handling him on the ground. Practise these skills in the arena first, to give you better control and build trust between the two of you. Stay by his shoulder and make sure he’ll stop and walk on when you ask him to. Then try leading him between cones or through an L-shape of poles, which is great fun and will help you perfect your handling skills. 

TOP TIP

Travel boots help protect your pony’s legs, but make sure he’s used to wearing them before travelling him in them.

     3. Go slow 

Allow your pony plenty of time, and let him stop and look and sniff the ramp if he wants to. Taking it slowly will help you stay calm, and this will help your pony realise there’s nothing to be worried about. So, when you’re planning a trip, work out when you need to leave the yard, then add on at least 30 minutes for loading. It’s much better to get to the show or your lesson early than not make it at all. 

Did you know?

If you don’t have your own lorry or trailer, you can hire one to do some loading practice.

     4. Create an inviting space

It goes against a pony’s natural instincts to be shut in a small, dark space, so try to make the inside of your lorry or trailer look as welcoming as possible for loading. Open up a trailer’s front ramp to let in loads of light and move the partition across to create more room. When you close the partition and ramps, try to do it slowly and quietly – don’t bang them shut, which could easily spook him.

     5. Reward him

Build your pony’s confidence by praising him for every positive step he takes towards the ramp or into the trailer. It’ll let him know when he’s done the right thing. So, tell him he’s a “good boy” or give him a pat or a wither scratch. You can use a tasty treat instead, but avoid this if your pony can be nippy or gets aggressive when there’s food around.

TOP TIP

If possible, give your pony his dinner in the lorry or trailer, to help make it a place he enjoys being.

     6. Get the right help

If you’re having problems loading your pony, the best thing to do is ask a qualified equine behaviourist for help. They’ll be able to assess your pony and work out what’s worrying him, then come up with a plan to help him overcome his fears. 

TOP TIP

Never trick or scare your pony into loading, as this will make him even more reluctant to travel next time.