The Tricky Loader: Three Exercises To Turn Stress into Success

Equine expert Kelly Marks demonstrates three distinct exercises in this insightful video, designed to help overcome a horse’s fear of loading. Focusing on Sinamon, a six-year-old who has previously taken up to four hours to load, Kelly systematically builds his confidence and addresses his anxieties. These exercises, also known as “acceptance training,” include the L-shape, the boards, and the hanging ribbons/threshold exercise.

Kelly’s approach emphasizes gradually building the horse’s confidence by breaking down the loading process into manageable steps. She highlights the importance of identifying and independently addressing the root causes of the horse’s worry. A crucial takeaway is the handler’s role in managing their own anxiety, as a calm demeanor significantly impacts an anxious horse.