How can you load a tall horse into a horse trailer made for average sized horses?

Barbara: How can you load a tall horse into a horse trailer made for average sized horses?
We cannot load our horse (who is very tall)… He will walk in, but as soon as he raises his head, he bolts. He is a normally calm horse, so this is not a behavioral issue, but a fear issue. Advice please!

Answers and Views:

Answer by Duncan The Puppy
Don’t they make some sort of harness that connects the bridle to the horse’s chest, keeping him from raising his head at all?

I’m sure I’ve seen it in shows, and that would accomplish what you want to do, and it’s a LOT cheaper than a taller trailer! 😉

Good luck!… ☺

Answer by Ponygirl
You don’t. It’s like wearing shoes two sizes too small; it will only bring trouble.

If you persist in this effort, you will likely make a horse who loads and stands nicely into a horse that cannot be loaded into any trailer. At the worst, the horse will be badly hurt or even die. It’s just not worth it.

Sorry, you really have to get a taller trailer.

Answer by Lola
I hope Duncan is being sarcastic…. What you’re trying to do is incredibly unsafe. I know that’s not the answer you want to hear, but there it is. You need to invest in a new trailer, or find someone who has one you can rent for the day that is tall enough for him.

If he lifts his head quickly or spooks, he can seriously injure himself (and you, if you’re in there with him!). The last thing you want is for him to go neurological or kill himself. Take the safe route on this, please.

Answer by Pickled Pig’s Feet
You need a taller trailer. It’s dangerous to haul a horse in a trailer that is too small. In a panic situation you are greatly increasing the risk of him banging his head or poll area on the top of the trailer causing a serious injury. The poll is most at risk in these types of situations and is a very vulnerable area for a horse. Poll injuries can also quite easily be fatal. Time to upgrade the trailer.

Answer by Emilie
You need a bigger trailer, that’s like trying to squeeze a dog into a crate that’s too small for it. Just rent one when you need it, it’s not that expensive.

Answer by Skipping Stones
To inspire you to go trailer shopping think of this headline we see in horse magazines…. “Horrendous Trailering Accident…” or “Problematic Loaders” Fear is the strongest emotion a horse can express, so be very considerate of his point of view. (I say this with positive intentions 🙂 Just trade your trailer for a taller one (price difference shouldn’t be too bad)! Or get the top sawed off and extend the height that way, if you know a very good welder (hey, it’s an option!). I plan to get my husband a draft horse next year and I know I will need to budget for a different trailer with reinforced flooring or have the floors replaced in the one i have (it’s already tall… I don’t even look at short (or average, as some call them) trailers anymore 🙂 Best wishes!

Answer by Divapom
It is not a fear issue. It is an intelligence issue. The horse has more intelligence that the people trying to squeeze him into a trailer that is uncomfortable and unsafe for him. And he is trying to let them know about it.

Either buy a taller trailer or a shorter horse. There is no other safe option.