Thank You Sherry for giving such an awesome clinic. As you know, I just like to ride, and don't enjoy the ground work as much, but you really tied it together, and showed us how the ground work helps our riding. You made me want to get lots better at doing the games!

It was really awesome to get my mare to do flying lead changes. That is something I thought we could do, but just wasn't doing the right things. After you instructed me, it was like Cody just knew what to do. It was an awesome feeling!

Anyone who has not gone to one of Sherry's clincs, I highly recommend going! You will learn so much. She is really a wonderful instructor, and even in the 2 days you will see changes with your riding and your horse.

Thanks Again Sherry!

Lynetta

I don't have a picture of trailer loading, but here is Jan doing a good send with her horse Sully at last year's Oct. Women's Camp.

Over the past few months I have helped a lot of people who are having trouble loading their horses in the trailer. I think this could be a new full time career for me. So if you are having trouble loading your horse in the trailer, I'm sure that I can help, because I always succeed without a lot of dust or fighting. I spent one summer at a ranch haltering yearlings for the first time, teaching them to lead and get in a trailer. It was a great learning experience. But I think I've even learned more in the past few months from the not so green horses.

Patience, confidence, understanding, and time are the main ingredients a human needs to gain a horse's trust in order to load him in a trailer with willingness. Without trust you will have a fearful slave instead of a willing servant. The main thing the horse needs is respect to a forward cue and confidence. Without respect and confidence you will have nothing more than frustration which may lead to injuries for either the horse, the human, or both.

The first thing that must be established before you ever approach the trailer is a good forward cue, or I call it "the send". This is not about leading the horse, but asking the horse to move forward toward a designated place with intention and energy. Until the horse will walk beside you with energy, he will walk straight ahead, and stop straight when you stop you are not prepared to ask the horse to load into a trailer. The key to easy trailer loading is good respectful forward motion from the horse upon request.

Next load your horse into as many creative things you can think of which simulate the action of trailer loading. (Over a wooden bridge forward and backwards, jumping a log or barrel, put his feet up on a pedestal or tarp, cross water, go through a small gate or door, and between trees that are close together.) Use the forward cue or "send" which you will use at the trailer. The better your horse will do all of these things the more willing, confident, and respectful your horse will be when asked to load in the trailer. Make a game of it, and have some fun!

It is essential to have the proper attitude with plenty of time when loading the horse. If you become angry, frustrated, anxious or nervous the horse will catch your spirit reflecting your emotions in his own behavior. If you are in a big hurry the horse will become even more reluctant. Remember they hate to be rushed into anything. Be very matter-of-fact, as if you are going nowhere important. Load the horse as if nothing unusual is going on. Act like he has done it well a 1000 times before. Remember  to stand around and relax, because you can't rush a horse into a trailer, hoping he will be in before he knows what happened.

With prior and proper preparation trailer loading doesn't have to be a traumatic or difficult experience for either the horse or the handler. Now that you have armed yourself with a good "forward cue", lots of practice through simulations games, and the proper attitude with plenty of time, you are on your way to successful trailer loading. The next training tip we will continue this discussion with loading procedures that work when applied with feel and timing.

Remember it's not about the trailer but about the relationship and good communication.

If you need lessons on loading your horse in the trialer, call me. I am the traveling trainer. I will train you right along with your horse.

Go to www.heartinyourhand.com for more information.

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler." -- Albert Einstein

Happy Trails,

sherry

PS: Come join us at a Women's Confident Leadership Camp and learn to have even more success and fun with your horse on a beautiful working cattle ranch in the sandhills of central Nebraska.

Over the past seven years my equine friends have been my partners in a rapid emotional growth and development program which has changed my life. These dynamic and powerful yet fragile animals have required me to demonstrate clear communication, assertiveness, confidence, persistence, patience, forgiveness, empathy, justice, problem-solving, leadership, responsibility and relationship skills.

They have given me a regular report card about my progress or lack thereof as a savvy horsewoman and decent human being who is able to give love and compassion. Through direct observations of my behaviors and those of my horses I have seen patterns emerge which have guided me toward much needed character changes. I have allowed these magnificent creatures to be my therapists. They have mirrored me through their reactions, showing me both my strengths and weaknesses.

It is as if from each horse's mouth I have heard the whispers of my heart. I have listened to their requests and found some ways to follow their nature. I have wondered at their expressions and realized that I may never understand it all. More than anything I have discovered a joy and passion for life that leaves me speechless every time I am given the privilege of making a small connection with one of my equine friends.

A horse lovers journey that started at 2 years old is now a full fledged obsession which is giving me more blessings that I can count. A thank you will never be sufficient for all the good things that horses have given me. I feel indebted to help ensure their lives are as good as mine.

Tonight, I am feeling so grateful for all I have learned and experienced from horses that I wanted to let it be known. If you are a horse lover, you know what I am talking about, even though I am having trouble putting it into words. I hope that I can give back half of what I have received both to horses and any person who has a desire to cross the same path that I am traveling.

Happy Trails,

sherry

PS:

"The secret of success is constancy of purpose." -- Benjamin Disraeli

www.heartinyourhand.com