Sunday, March 27, 2011

Self Loading

 

Just to keep things fresh I like to practice trailer loading every so often, ‘cause you just never know when you’ll have to transport your horse somewhere.

I use lots of praise and treats to keep it fun and interesting. And Apache does seem to enjoy our trailer practice like it’s a game.

So much, that she will gladly load herself right into the trailer all by herself.

“What’s up, Mom?”

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“You want to play the trailer loading game?! Ok! Just gotta check it out, all around, first.”

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“Yep. This is my trailer. It even has that nice comfy ramp to stomp on.”

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“Everything looks pretty good to me, Mom. Shall I play the game now?”

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“Okie Dokie. Here I go. Are you watching me, Mom?”

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“Oh yay! Mom left me some goodies in here for being such a good horse.”

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“Mmmm! Nom. Nom. Ok Mom, let me know when you want me to come out. This is fun!”

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“How’d I do, Mom? Are you proud of me?”

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“How ‘bout a kiss?”

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23 comments :

Mikey said...

Lol, I love that! That's the way to do it :) I like to hop in there with them and just hang out, like it's our own little fort.
Wade was loading today and his horse stalled up and decided he just wasn't going on, for whatever reason. Normally he steps right up there. Wade said "Honey, give him a swat on the butt" and I hate to do that, so I came around, snapped my fingers and said "Bo, get in the trailer" in the "Mom" voice. He loaded right up.
I like your style though. It's nice that you make it a fun game for her. Trailers should be all about fun stuff.

small farm girl said...

Whenever my horse saw the trailer, he would "drag" me into it. He LOVED being in his trailer and would neigh whenever he saw it. Horses are such funny creatures. lol

Anonymous said...

Great way to do it - she looks pretty happy about the whole thing!

colleen said...

What a wonderful girl she is!

Anonymous said...

Isn't she a smart girl? But, then again, she has a good teacher. :)

Anonymous said...

That is awesome! Stress free! Gotta love it!

Speaking of trailers, yesterday on the way back from Las Cruces I saw some RETARD hauling with his drop downs open and his horses had their heads sticking out like dogs. No fly masks or anything either. Not that fly masks would make it any where remotely close to acceptable. OOOOOO if I was going the same direction I would have pulled up along side him and let him have it!!!! I think the cops should ticket them when they see that.

Sorry, that went a little off track.

Ed said...

Smart move with the treats, Apache is one smart horse..:-)

shadowlake2005 said...

I lOVE it! Wonder if there's a level-enough spot in my paddock to park mine...

Gail said...

Great work!!! That sure takes the stress out of loading up.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Atta girl Apache! and Lisa . Nice to see Apache is still her sweet self

Dan and Betty said...

Good stuff. Keep up the good work.

Dan

tank said...

I have a horse named Apache, too. Nice pictures. Cache on.

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

Isn't that nice? I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

Yes, that's great practice. I've had e'm when they were not experienced with loading and that's not fun.

Sandy ~~~ said...

Great job! And a very important skill in wildfire land.

Louise said...

I have said it before, and I'll undoubtedly say it again --- you have yourself a real gem of a horse there.

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

Cute posting.

KD said...

Good girl !

DesertHen said...

What a great post! You have a very smart horse! She is a beauty too and yes, I agree that she and Gizmo sure do look a lot a like! =)
Gizzie loads very easily too...sometimes just walking right in on his own.

My daughter passed the first part of her riding levels test on Friday. WOOT!

Jeni said...

There is that pretty mare! I LOVE your training style =)

Achieve1dream said...

Apache is very pretty and that's a huge compliment coming from me because I'm not fond of paints (the color nothing against personality or anything). I can't wait until Chrome is this comfortable with the trailer. We'll keep plugging away at it. :)

Paint Girl said...

That is so cute! I don't think you would have any problem getting Apache to load in an emergency, just throw a treat in and she'll climb aboard! Love it!

Deb said...

great job...great post