Floating a horse has two meanings. One refers to getting a horse on to a trailer (float), while the second refers to filing down a horse’s teeth with a float. We will cover both topics in today’s article.
How to float a horse for the first time
You should never rush a horse to float if it is their first time. Make sure you save at least 20 minutes in your schedule to teach them so that they are not rushed to learn. Below is our advice for how to float a horse for the first time:
- One step on, one step off
The biggest challenge you will have when floating a horse for the first time is convincing the horse to step on the ramp. You should start by having them put one foot on the ramp, and then take it back. Do this a couple times, doing one step forward, and then one step back off the ramp. The key is to get to the point where the horse comfortably has two feet on the trailer.
- Open the windows of the trailer
Horses are very claustrophobic. It is no mystery that standing in the enclosed trailer will make them feel trapped. To help alleviate the stress, you should open the windows on the trailer to bring in fresh air and make the trailer feel less cramped.
- Lead line
Next, you should attach a lead line to your horse’s neck. Then you should enter the back part of the trailer. Slowly but surely pull on the rope. If your horse stops to sniff the trailer, loosen the grip on the rope. A sniffing horse is a sign that the horse is becoming comfortable with the trailer. Slowly but surely bring the rope closer to you until your horse is in the trailer.
- Love and snuggles
Once your horse is in the trailer, don’t immediately run out, as this can cause a lot of fear and anxiety. Instead, give your horse a lot of head rubs and show him/her love. You want them to have a positive association with the trailer. We do not recommend giving your horse any treats, as they might get car sick once the journey starts. However, we do recommend giving your horse a treat after they exit from the float.
- Drive carefully
The first time your horse enters a float will be very telling of their behavior next time. It is very important that your horse has a positive first impression of the float. Therefore, you should drive extremely slow and careful while driving a horse for the first time. Make sure to take it easy on all the turns.
What does floating a horse’s teeth mean?
The other meaning of floating a horse refers to the process of filing down a horse’s teeth. The main reason you float a horse is to get rid of the pointy ends of a horse’s teeth. This will help them chew better, and it helps protect their gums from getting cut. The reason it is called a floating horse is because the tool used to file down the teeth is called a floater. A floater comes in a variety of forms, ranging from manual to electric. A horse vet is usually the one to float a horse’s teeth.
How often should you float horse’s teeth?
Younger horses under the age of 6 should get their teeth floated at least once a year. Older horses can usually get by with only getting their teeth floated every 2 years.
How to know if you should float your horse’s teeth?
There are a couple clear signs and behaviors that should signal to you that you need to float your horse’s teeth. These include:
- Not keeping food in mouth when they eat
- Avoiding a certain part of their mouth when chewing
- Bloody mouth after eating
- Inflammation in the cheeks
If your horse is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should inspect their mouth and teeth. If there are cuts in the gums and your horse has very sharp teeth, we recommend floating them.
