After Training Practice Routine

Once your horse has been retrained to load onto the float successfully, it is vital that repetition occurs to have your horse accept the float and cooperate with you.

Horse studies have shown that it can take as many as 2000 repetitions for a horse to have learned something so thoroughly, that there is no longer any resistance, it is a part of their life.

Luckily, it doesn't take 2000 reps to get going but the point is, not to assume, make sure you follow the training principles when loading, to create the ingrained acceptance in the horse.

Read through all of these steps before commencing:-

1. Make sure you are coordinated and comfortable in using the long rope lead rope and the whip, before you try to load again. Practice with the rope headstall tied to a post or better still, have another person hold the headstall and mimic resistance that your horse has provided you in the past if your coordination needs to be better.

2. Have someone video your efforts if possible, so you can self assess.

3. Load the horse just as shown to you in the retraining. Remember to stand still and use your feet the least amount possible and get your horse to yield every opportunity.

4. Remember that your timing needs to be super fast and precise, both in applying pressure and then, release.

5. Practice loading at least 3 times in the first week, everyday if possible. Then twice minimum per week until 6 weeks has elapsed.

6. Each session would ideally have at least 2 or 3 load-up and off-loads.

7. In the first session, after your first or second load and if the horse is loading without resistance and you are feeling confident, take the horse for a short distance drive. Drive smoothly, avoid jerking the float. Drive at low speed and off-load again on your property. Do not off-load elsewhere!

8. When planning to go for a drive with the horse loaded, make sure you have everything set and that the last thing to do is load the horse, then drive off. Avoid creating frustration or anxiousness in your horse by having him/her standing around in the closed up float, waiting whilst you fuss about getting your gear etc. That should already be done before loading the horse.

9. Never drive off, now in the future, without having your gloves and whip in the vehicle, just in case you need it unexpectedly.

10. Once returned to your property, unload the horse and let the horse spell and relax for about 20 minutes, then do another load and short drive and return.

11. Then do another after about a one hours spell.

12. Once you have had a few short out and back drives, then you can progress to a nearby location and unload. However, you must be able to walk back to your property with the horse under lead. This is in case you have difficulty in reloading the horse when away from your property.

13. Once you have planned your nearby location, take the horse for an outing and unload. Spell the horse at the location for about 20 to 30 minutes then load-up and return home. Unload at home, spell for at least 30 mins then reload and repeat the load and drive to the nearby property.

14. When the horse is managing the nearby location successfully, it is time to go further away. Always spell the horse, preferably for at least 30 mins, before reloading and returning to your property.

15. You will know when you feel confident that the horse is going to reliably perform but you must always be ready for the possibility that the horse will resist. You then have to remember the principles of good horse loading and execute the technique confidently, precisely and super fast timing.

16. If you need a refresh, it is a good idea to purchase and watch my horse loading video training series.

Good luck and remember, I am always available for questions and support.

Norm Glenn