Most horse owners are taught to ensure their charges load (and stayÉ) in trailers quickly and easily in case an emergencyÑbe it a medical crisis, a natural disaster, or anything in betweenÑnecessitates transport to another location. And this is especially important to remember about our old horses, many of whom are enjoying retirement and rarelyÑif everÑleave the premises.

Fortunately, many older horses are quite used to the old song and dance and will happily follow their humans (or self-load, as the case might be) into any trailer they’re asked to. For instance, our old Appaloosa gelding Taz loved trailer rides. And even after some balance issues precluded him from going anywhere in non-emergency situations, we knew he’d excitedly hop in whenever we asked him.