Helpful Tips for Loading and Unloading Horses Safely in a Horse Float
Loading and unloading horses safely in a horse float is essential for the well-being of both the horse and the handlers. However, this can prove to be difficult at times, as handlers may encounter some problems when loading and unloading horses.
Tips for Loading and Unloading Horses Safely in a Horse Float
Ensuring safety is a priority when transporting horses in a horse float or trailer. As horses are known as flight animals, travelling in horse trailers can cause stress psychologically and physically, especially when the route is winding and there are traffic jams. With that, here are some helpful tips for loading and unloading horses safely in a horse float.
Build the Horse's Confidence for Loading and Unloading
The horse's experience the first time they go in a trailer is what they will likely remember every time they see a horse trailer. If the horse had a calm and comfortable experience, it would likely be easier to train around the trailer and more willing to enter and exit without any stress. However, if the horse was unceremoniously shoved into the trailer and had a traumatic experience, it might have trailer anxiety and be more stressed during the loading and unloading process.
Familiarise the Horse With the Horse Float
If a horse has never been in a horse trailer before, it might be nervous, which is why it is crucial to take the time and let them become used to the trailer. Some are easier to lead into the horse trailer, but others may struggle since they are unfamiliar with it, which is why it is crucial to be patient and let the horse spend some time familiarising itself with the trailer. Let the horse sniff and investigate the horse float so they would feel more comfortable with it.
Avoid Horse Floats with Narrow Doorways
Some horse floats have tack storage areas at the back. While this may be convenient for horse owners, it may need to be more horse-friendly, as the tack area can take up space and make the doorway narrower. Walking the horse into trailers with small doorways can be dangerous for both the horse and the handler. This is why it is crucial to select a horse float with a wide loading and unloading space.
The bigger the doorway, the less trapped and claustrophobic the horse will feel. Moreover, the horse will more likely feel confident and comfortable around the trailer. The extra space of horse trailers with big doorways can also give more room for handlers to get out of the way if the horse acts up.
Prepare the Environment
Handlers must ensure that the area around the horse float does not have any obstacles or distractions. This helps keep the horse focused and lessens the risk of accidents. To overcome the horse's initial fear, handlers can make the float horse less daunting and intimidating by removing any partitions.
Place the Horse Float on Level Ground
When loading the horse, handlers must place the horse float on level ground so that the ramp does not tilt after opening. Parking the horse float against a wall as a lateral boundary can be beneficial for horses. When the horse float ramp is open, the angle levers must not protrude from under the ramp as the horse may step on them during loading and injure themselves.
Ensure That the Horse is Standing Facing Forward in the Trailer
When loading a horse into a straight-load trailer, it is crucial to ensure that they are standing facing forward, typically clipped to the float's tie-ring with a snap-release short lead. This enables the horse to move its head, stand comfortably, and eat on a hay net. It also discourages them from trying to reach their neck and turn into an unsafe position.
Use Proper Equipment When Loading and Unloading the Horse
Investing in good-quality and well-fitted equipment is one of the vital safety tips when loading and unloading a horse. Headstalls and lead ropes are usually the easiest way to lead a horse in and out of a horse float and secure them. Avoid using any equipment that is worn out or damaged, as this may cause injury to the horse.
Practice Loading the Horse in the Trailer
It can also be helpful to have training and practice loading the horse in a controlled environment. This can help the horse become more comfortable with the process of being transported in a horse trailer vehicle.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Handlers can encourage the horse to enter the float by using positive reinforcement strategies like giving treats and praises. Rewarding the horse can help it be more cooperative in the process of loading and unloading.
Stay on the Horse's Left Side
Handlers must always stay on the horse's left side in the loading and unloading process. If there is an escape hatch at the front with someone assisting, the handler can walk into the horse trailer first and have the horse follow them.
Ensure Proper Horse Float Maintenance
Horses can go through the floor easily if the boards in the horse float are not maintained and are rotten. It is crucial to clean the horse float after every use and pull the mats once in a while to ensure that the boards are intact.
Secure the Environment
Once the horse is safely loaded in the horse float, securely close the doors and ramps before moving the float. It is also vital to double-check if the horse is standing securely and comfortably in horse floats.
Undo the Lead Rope When Unloading the Horse in the Float
When unloading the horse from a straight haul, handlers must undo the snap or untie the lead rope before going to the back of the trailer to open it. After opening the horse trailer door, ask the horse to back quietly out of the horse trailer. If the horse does not want to back out, go to the front window and push it back using the lead rope. Handlers can also opt to run a lead line between their front legs as they gently ask the horse to back.
Load and Unload Your Horses Safely With Euro Floats
Horses have a strong fight-or-flight response when they feel threatened. The loading and unloading process on the trailer may feel daunting for the horses, especially for those who will travel in a horse float for the first time. Following helpful tips and approaching the towing process with patience can help ensure a safe and stress-free experience for the horse.
For the best and safest horse floats that stand out from the rest, visit Euro Float's official website at eurofloat.com.au.
References:
https://www.nortonsfencing.com/2023/03/top-horse-loading-ramp-tips/
https://horsesafetytips.com/2020/11/20/safety-shorts-loading-and-unloading-horses/
https://horseproblems.com.au/loading-and-floating-of-the-horse-thousands-of-words/
