36/ APRIL 2020 THE RIDER


through” with a chest bar, make sure the bar is un- hooked or down. Horses fear going into dark, con- fined areas—like a closed up trailer! Try to make the inside of the trailer look as much like the outdoors as possible. Put some good things


Palm Partnership Training™ Get Results You Can Use


“Trouble Free Trailer Loading”


By Lynn Palm There is nothing more


frustrating than having trou- ble loading your horse in a trailer. The way to avoid this is to take the time in the first place to properly teach your horse to load and un- load properly. We want each trailer loading experi- ence to be a positive one for the horse. A trailer loading experience that frightens or confuses him will only make the next loading ses- sion more difficult


to


achieve. Trailer loading is an


important lesson that builds on the basic training com- mands we taught the horse in earlier lessons. These in-


clude “come to me”, “move away from me”, “whoa”, and “back”. If his under- standing is not solid on these maneuvers, go back and re-teach them before moving on to the trailer loading lesson. Give you and your


horse a training advantage by taking these steps to properly prepare for this les- son.


Park the trailer you


will be using in enclosed paddock or small field when introducing this lesson. This will give you and your horse a more secure environment to work in. I prefer using a trailer with a ramp because it is a little easier for the


horse, but the same proce- dures will work just fine for a “step up” trailer. Back the trailer up so it


is close to and alongside a fence. The creates a “bar- rier” on one side of the trailer that will help keep your horse’s attention and concentration focused on the trailer. Keep the trailer hooked to the tow vehicle, if possible. This will make the trailer more stable. Be sure to set the vehicle’s brakes for extra safety and stability. Open all of the trailer’s


rear doors, walk through front doors, windows, etc. to allow the maximum amount of light to enter the trailer. If the trailer is a “walk


to eat in the trailer like a hay bag full of hay or oats in the feed tray. I always keep a full hay bag in my trailer. One of my friends calls this “trailer bait”. It is a tasty in- centive for the horse to enter the trailer, a reward when he does, and gives him his fa- vorite thing to do (eat) once he’s inside. Have all of the tools


you need to teach this lesson on hand. They include a longe whip, an in-hand whip, a lead line, and a longe line that has a snap on one end and a loop handle on the other end. Your horse should be equipped with a properly fitting halter, with the lead line attached, and leg protection for this les- son.


Your Next Step… The key to success is


being consistent in the pro- cedures we use each time we ask the horse to load into the trailer. Here’s an overview of proper steps for safe loading:


1. Let the horse “address the trailer”. This means allow- ing him to sniff and investi- gate it before asking him to load.


2. Position the horse at the end of the ramp (or edge of a step up trailer) keeping his body and head straight.


3. Stand part way up the ramp, or near the back edge of a step up trailer, facing your horse. Give the “come to me” command to get him to come toward you. Never pull on the lead to force him into the trailer. This only teaches him to lean against the lead. Be patient with this step.


4. As he moves up the ramp (or steps up into the trailer), back up so that you are en-


tering the trailer in front of him. Being in this position allows you to see his reac- tion and keep his body straight.


5. Once the horse follows you into the trailer, run the lead rope through the hay bag, but do not tie him up, yet. Fasten the chest bar. As he concentrates on eating his hay, step out of the trailer. Walk around to back the trailer to prepare for fas- tening the butt bar. For safety, always stand off to one side of the trailer in case your horse would kick or move backward. Pet and re- assure him as you fasten the butt bar.


6. Return to the horse’s head and tie his lead so he can stand comfortably without any tension on his head or the lead. There should be just a little slack in the lead when it is tied so he can’t get his head down too far and get into trouble. I like to tie my horses with a quick release safety knot with the lead passed through it. At


this point you are ready to close the trailer’s doors and ramp for departure!


Lynn’s Training Tip… Take the next step and


to learn how to teach your horse how to safely load and unload with my Longevity Series Video #2- “Advanced Ground Training”. In this video I demonstrate the step-by-step methods to use to introduce trailer loading to a young horse plus impor- tant safety tips. The 90- minute video is packed full of other important training techniques to teach your horse the ground training basics including bathing, clipping, and progressing to ground commands in less secure areas. Set a founda- tion for success with your horse from the ground up. Visit my website www.lyn- npalm.com, click on “On- Line Store” for more details on my Palm Partnership Training products to help you and your horse train at home to build a better part- nership together!


EC Committed To Expanding Equestrian Para Sport Framework


Equestrian Canada (EC) would like to provide the equestrian community and competitors in all disci- plines with updates regard- ing compensating aids at EC sanctioned competitions.


Ongoing Commitment to Expand Equestrian Para Sport Framework EC is firmly commit-


The video and social community for horse people just like you! Wherever you live and however you ride www.barnmice.com


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ted to supporting the growth and development of sport for persons with impair- ments. The organization continues to develop the para sports currently within the FEI system (para-dres- sage and para-driving), but also the principles of ac- commodation and support for participation in all disci- plines in a safe and fair manner. Each of the EC disci-


plines have started discus- sion with regards


to


inclusion and accessibility in equestrian sport for indi- viduals with an impairment, and continue to work with para sport and equestrian


governing bodies and stake- holders to review current rules


accommodations/use


for of


compensating aids in non- para disciplines. Currently, the FEI and EC have an aligned system for the inclu- sion of athletes who meet the minimal disability re- quirements under the classi- fication


system for


para-dressage and para-dri- ving. Both disciplines have defined criteria as laid out by the FEI and the Interna- tional Paralympic Commit- tee’s Code of Classification. Currently, Classifica-


tion is available within the disciplines of para-dressage and driving, and Dispensa- tion Certificates are avail- able for dressage and para-dressage. EC is work- ing to determine how ac- commodations for sport can be made in the current com- petition system for all disci- plines. This work has been tasked to the discipline com- mittees to develop. “Equestrian sport has a


long history of providing opportunities for athletes, both rider and horse, that allow for fair and safe par- ticipation,” said EC High Performance Director & FEI Relationships, James Hood. “The disciplines have continued to develop and advance rules, competition formats, and equipment that increase the safety of all participants and all levels of competition. Whether that be the new break-away cups, or the additions of hel- mets and safety vests to help decrease serious injuries.” Hood


continued,


“There are really two differ- ent discussions occurring for EC. The first is the de- velopment of para-dressage and para-driving, which have established sport clas- sification systems recog- nized by the FEI and the International Paralympic Committee, and the more complex area of accommo- dation for participants with impairments and adapta- tions in disciplines that are not part of the Paralympic movement or defined para sport system. These disci- plines require looking at what fits within the rules and regulations, and what supporting aids could be used without shifting the balance of fair competition or increasing safety risks.”


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Connected


questions or feedback re- garding compensating aids at EC sanctioned competi- tions are encouraged to con- tact:


James Hood EC High Performance Di- rector & FEI Relationships jhood@equestrian.ca T: 1-866-282-8395 x 151 C: 613-795-6407


Update: Para-Dressage Dispensation Certificate For those currently


competing or planning to compete in the disciplines of dressage or para-dressage with compensating aids, please note that the Para- Dressage Dispensation Cer- tificate has replaced the Para-Dressage Medical Form for 2020. The Certificate allows


competitors with a physical impairment to compete at EC Bronze Dressage com- petitions with the use of compensating (adaptive) aids.* The athlete’s name, approved compensating aids and expiration date are in- cluded on the Certificate. *Exception: Athletes


with hearing loss may use the EC Para-Dressage Dis- pensation Certificate at EC Dressage Bronze, Silver and Gold competitions. It is the responsibility


Competitors with regarding


of the athlete to request, in writing, a new or renewed Certificate. Please note that renewal requests should be submitted prior to the expiry of the athlete’s current Cer- tificate. For more information para-dressage


compensating aids and clas- sification, please contact: Jamie-Ann Goodfellow EC Coordinator, Para-Dres- sage jgoodfellow@equestrian.ca 1-866-282-8395 x 146


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