Least Resistance Training Concepts (LRTC)
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Updated June 4, 2012
"Ammo box" supplies. The ammo boxes are mounted near the rear trailer gate latch.
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Emergency Loading Configurations |
The following loading options are used when conditions or horse behavior (including feral behavior and/or lack of willingness to load) make it unwise to load a horse in an open area.
"TRIANGLE" LOAD.The triangle load is configured using two loading chute panels, one panel securely attached to each rear corner of the trailer using chains from the ammo box. The horse is led between the panels, which are quietly swung together and secured. Once the triangle is closed, nearly all horses will enter the trailer when asked once they recognize that they cannot back away. Depending on the horse we may lead the horse into the trailer or send (drive) the horse in. If during a lead-in operation the horse appears to be becoming disturbed or unstable, the handler can exit the triangle and the horse can be driven into the trailer from outside the panels through proper use of construction netting or one or more flags. However, care must be used to control the amount of energy being directed at the horse and rescuers have to observe how the horse is responding or reacting to this energy. A confined horse that is unfamiliar with loading and that has not had a chance to recognize that he can proceed forward can become extremely volatile. Set up the loading configuration to be successful, then watch for the most opportune time to send the horse forward. Statistically the most reliable approach with a gentle, domestic horse is for the handler on the lead line to suggest that the horse move forward while one or two people in safe positions discourage the horse from backing away. The balancing point here involves generating movement from the horse without triggering an opposition reflex. Countless times lead-in loads that appeared doomed to fail became successful when the person on the lead simply stopped puling on the horse! Animal services officers adjust the panels while a volunteer loads the horse.
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The training information presented in these information sheets and guides is offered for illustrative and volunteer refresher purposes only. It is not a substitute for actual hands-on training. Equipment was provided by the Nevada Division of Emergency Management and Least Resistance Training Concepts. Funding for much of the training and equipment shown was made available through a grant obtained by the Nevada Department of Agriculture. For more information about training opportunities, please contact LRTC via email. |