Trailer loading - first attempt

Today, after finally getting all the wiring working for the truck and trailer and after the rain stopped, I decided to get cracking with this trailer loading stuff! I've always loaded Gypsy by leading her into the trailer and she's always loaded just fine that way, but never really relaxed. I've always been one of those people who - once the horse is in the trailer - just SHUT THE DOOR!! I've been lucky that Gypsy listens to me even though she's afraid. I hope that I can work through this so that she's no longer afraid.

I started by just doing some driving, circle game and yoyo, as well as squeeze using the side of the trailer. She did great doing that, so we tried some "put your nose on that" game all around the trailer and ended up at the opening at the back. I yoyo'd her away from the trailer and then brought her forward and asked her to go past me into the trailer, then when she stopped with her head in the trailer, I asked her to back up again. We did lots of approach and retreat and after a few approaches without her trying more than before, I tapped her in zone 4 and asked for a bit more. She gave me a little lean forward and then backed up.

We did this over and over many times but didn't really make any additional progress. In fact, I think we were getting worse, she didn't come close to putting a foot up. She never got past putting her head and neck in. So I tried getting into the trailer - like before - and just had her lift her front end, back up, come in half way, back up, lots of friendly etc. Then she started coming in all the way and backing out. I just let her - in the hopes that eventually she'd stay in a bit longer. She did eventually stay for a little while, put her head down and let me scratch her a bit before she backed out again. I did it a couple more times until she stayed long enough until I asked her to back out. Then we left and worked on some circling and transitions again. She did pretty good at the transitions this time. Only stopped about half the time when I asked for a walk.

I still think I'm too straight-line thinking. Not enough retreat when it comes to the trailer. I probably shouldn't have lead her into the trailer. I should have tried to be patient enough to let her try on her own. Not enough savvy yet. Poor Gypsy. She really does try and I love her for it. She asks lots of questions and keeps trying. She's great. I just need to reward lots more for that and do lots more retreating. I've got to remember it's not about the trailer. I've got to remember that. Or we'll never get it right. That's why I started something else after backing her out of the trailer. I needed to stop thinking about the trailer! Hopefully I'll be in a better frame of mind for the next attempt.