Trailer Tactics- Part 1 (Loading the Trailer)

Loading a trailer presents one of the biggest disagreements among horses. Some say the trailer is very relaxing and comfortable. Others say it is the worst kind of torture your human could put you through. But whether you enjoy the trailer or not, there are fundamentals to loading, riding, and unloading.

Loading is a tricky part of the trailering experience. To get into the trailer, you must either step-up (or jump if you are one of our short-legged friends) or walk up the ramp. Both can be scary if not done properly.

To step-up into a trailer, you need to be straight. Do not try to get in facing sideways because once you are in, you may run into the wall. Also, make sure you pick up your feet. It hurts when they bang against the bumper of the trailer.

Caddy prepares to step up into her trailer.

If there is a ramp on your trailer, remember you to not have to step up; simply walk onto the ramp. If you are frightened of this ramp, the worst thing to do is get half-way up and then back down. When you back down this ramp without thinking, you may find yourself going side-ways and slipping off the side of the ramp. Calm yourself and walk straight up and into the trailer. The ramp may quiver under your weight (let’s face it, we aren’t the lightest species) but do not worry. Most likely it will not break.

In our next post, we will continue with Part 2-Riding in the Trailer.

That’s our two bits!

The Pasture Chase

There are many ways to annoy your human, but one of the most popular ways is the Pasture Chase.

Your person/persons often walk out to your pasture to catch and put a halter on you. Usually, they take you to the barn to put the uncomfortable saddle on and make you do things you don’t want to do. A fun and easy way to make your humans work for you as you work for them, is what is known as the Pasture Chase.

There are many advantages to performing the Pasture Chase. One is that it usually annoys the flies off of whoever is trying to catch you. Two, you get a little more time of freedom before your owner catches you. Also, sometimes if you are really lucky, your human will either give up or come back later with food.

There are three main ways to perform the Pasture Chase. The most exciting and least energy-sapping way is the Stand Still. This procedure requires very little exercise.

Step 1. Wait and stare at your human as they walk up toward you.

Step 2. Right before they are close enough to put the halter on you, skirt around them and walk a good 5 or 6 feet away from them.

Step 3. Now once they have walked back over to you, repeat step 2.

Step 4. Repeat this process for as long as you please.

Razzle performing the Stand Still

The next way to perform the Pasture Chase is called the Bolter. This method requires lots of energy but can go on for a fairly long time.

Step 1. As soon as you see your human walking towards you with a halter in tow, bolt to the fence that is farthest away.

Step 2. Wait until your human is fairly close to you, about 15 feet. Then bolt across to the other far side of your pasture.

Step 3. Repeat step 2 as many times as you please.

          

Razzle performing the Bolter

The last way to perform the Pasture Chase is called the Kentucky Derby. This is for experienced Pasture Chasers only and requires extreme levels of endurance. 

Step 1. When your human gets about 15 feet away, start running in a big circle all the way around your pasture.

Step 2. Continue running around the outside of the pasture until your human leaves the area or you feel like stopping.

 

Caddy performing the Kentucky Derby

Final note: If your human comes into your pasture with a bucket of feed and you are 100% positive there is feed in the bucket (please note that some tricky humans will place rocks in the bucket, or even nothing at all) then by all means run to them and eat!

That's our two bits!