***************

A note from Barb Noble:

When Mary asked me to write a little about my passion for equine nutrition, I had to smile.  As a child I hated food. As a nursing student I hated Nutrition. Really. I don't mean I didn't like it, I hated it. I didn't want to hear about it or know about it. I did not care about nutrition, and did not want to care about nutrition.

But then my HORSE needed nutrition attention. NOW nutrition was of paramount importance! I read everything that came by about equine nutrition, and subscribed to equine nutrition web sites.  I studied equine nutrition. I took a lengthy nutrition course with Dr. Eleanor Kellon DVM, and expect to take another this winter. To this day, I carefully balance minerals in the diet of my horses... nutrition is suddenly life quality, a path away from disease.

Funny how we change.

 *************** 

Background: Why this hay?

Earlier this year Jerry suggested to me that we feed the mini and ponies a different hay that he believed would be healthier for them. I agreed at the time, though I was not that clear about the difference from the hay we fed last year. And I went about my business. Well, as summer arrived, I could not help but notice the ponies' coats getting glossy and shedding fully, which was unusual. 

Naturally, I questioned Jerry further about what had changed from last year: It seems that the exceptionally great weather this year allowed Jerry an unusually high quality first cutting on all his fields. Typically, the weather isn't hot enough in June for a good first cutting (a bit under grown and wet), so it goes into silage bales for the cows. This year's hay was 100% wonderful, including some native grass fields, which Jerry suggested we try on the ponies. The result was very noticeable, and I wanted to know why, so that's what led me to contact  Barbara Noble who explained that good native grass should be coveted because its low sugar content. One thing led to another and I had all our hay tested. Going forward, with Barbara's help, we will be tailoring our feed program to better fit our horses, and sharing what we learn with the many people in our community who buy Jerry's hay.

After you've warmed up with your obstacles, send his nose into the trailer, then his ears, neck, and maybe you'll just happen to get a front foot or two. If you are using a flag or stick, pet him with it or praise him. Those front feet are often the first big threshold.  Take him away and give him a break. As you move forward from there, you will begin looking for a hind foot to step up, then both hinds. If at all possible keep your horse straight and don't let him turn around in the trailer. The stick or flag at this point can put a little pressure on his nose to help with this. Each step of the way, back your horse out straight, so he understands he can back in and out of the trailer easily. It's all about feel and timing--reward the slightest try, but make sure he is really trying!

Once your horse is quite comfortable with loading and unloading, and with you petting him each step of the way, you can step up into the trailer with him and ask him to step over so you can close the divider (in a slant). With a straight load, ideally I have a helper hold the lead at the front window as I put the butt bar up for the first time.  (Of course, that same helper would have asked the horse to back out several times as we loaded and unloaded.) If there's a manger, a bit of grain in it sure helps to increase your horse's enthusiasm--but remember it is a reward, not a bribe. It is worth repeating: NEVER tie your horse in a trailer without having  the butt bar or divider shut, and always untie before undoing those restraints. After you've successfully closed the divider or butt bar, open it and ask the horse out. You may find he rushes back, having been a little scared to find he could actually be trapped in there.  Again, it could be dangerous for both of  you, so be extra careful.  Don't try to slow him down or force him to stay, do reload until he is confident with it. Then you may begin playing with actually shutting the doors and finally moving your trailer.

To summarize: Teaching or re-teaching your horse to trailer is a matter of developing confidence in increments. It could takes minutes, hours, days or weeks, depending on the horse/human combination. It's okay to take plenty of time; just make sure you are always making progress. If you find you are stuck over the course of a couple sessions, it's time to back off and get outside help. Being able to trailer your horse will open many new horizons for you: trail riding, showing, clinics, etc. Through the process you and your horse will have developed a whole new level of trust and communication. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you feel frustrated.  Remember, having a relationship with a horse should be a delightful, satisfying experience. 

Have fun with it!