Take the time it takes so it takes less time.
Pat Parelli

Float loading horses can be an extremely frustrating and frightening experience if a horse has not been prepared well and learned to accept confinement of small, tight spaces. As a strong survival instinct, horses are aware that entering a cave (even more so a small metal cave on wheels), would endanger their safety as a predator could be hiding inside or trap them from behind once they have stepped in. Float loading confidence is an extreme act of trust from horse to human. To properly prepare horses for floating, I like to teach horses to be able to move forward, stand still and back on cue from a distance as well as overcome their innate claustrophic nature resulting in a pleasant experience, happily repeated for the next trip. Safety is of utmost priority and having the horse accept the float without fear by confidently walking in without a leader ahead and standing quietly until asked out again from behind is always achieved before closing the ramp. To help build floating confidence, it is important to isolate and recombine the individual elements that go into loading such as stepping up onto a hollow surface, having a solid object alongside and touching the ribs and having movement above their head.

To book an appointment for Kylie to come and solve your float loading problems onsite, email kylie@kyliegodwin.com.au or call 0412 358 933