Feature Got a problem loader? Equine behaviourist Michael Peace explains how to get your horse or pony on side.


Trouble-free travel W


hen working with a horse, I prefer to use a normal headcollar


with a long rope, so that the horse has the freedom to move away from me or, as in this case, the horsebox if he feels threatened.


I much prefer to get the horse on my side so that he wants to do whatever I am asking him to, rather than because he’s given up the fight.


Michael Peace About Michael


Michael is a specialist horse trainer who works with young and problem horses at all levels and from all equestrian disciplines.


Visit: www.thinkequus.com


Chase, the horse we used in this feature, got very defensive when he saw the trailer and immediately showed resistance. If he could speak, I would guess that he would be saying: ‘Oh no, not this again. I’m not doing it, there’s no way I am going in that box.’ My reply to this (using body language) was ‘I didn’t ask you to go in, you are making assumptions.’ So at this point Chase and I are simply ‘hanging out’ together near the lorry.


The right frame of mind


The reason I am not putting pressure on Chase at this stage is because he’s not in the right frame of mind to work with me. His whole body language is saying ‘no way’ so I just keep replying with ‘I’m not asking you to’.


Making a start


I like to begin by making things as easy as possible, so I move the partition over and open up the front unload. Chase soon starts to relax as we get to know each other a bit. I want him to start trusting me a bit more, so I rub his face and encourage him to lower his head (lowering of the head is a sign of relaxation). I then start to move his feet a little from side to side, as movement helps prevent resistance.


While Chase is in control he’s quite comfortable, so once he’s relaxed, I put a bit of pressure on


Chase Our equine model


Chase was a reluctant loader who, in the past, had taken three hours or more to load each time. Michael worked with the horse to give him the confidence he needed to take the next step into the trailer.


Chase starts to relax as I rub his head and we get to know each other better


With thanks to Barton End Equestrian Centre for the use of their facilities


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