At the risk of asking the stupidest question ever, here goes. I have a very basic 2001 Delta 2 horse straight-load trailer, step up, with removeable center divider and a divider up front that can be used to partition off the front area for storage, or can be opened so that the entire interior is open. My question is, if I don't use the center divider or the partition, can I load two horses at a slant by tying their heads in the appropriate places, but without the benefit of a center divider? I ask this for a reason....the way this trailer is set up now, I don't have an escape door at the front if I use the front partition. After two horses are loaded, I have to get out, which means I have to squeeze out the middle or down the side. I really really hate this, even though my horses are very good boys.

If I were to load them at a slant, after I'm done tying the second horse, I can just jump out.

In theory, this makes sense to me...but I haven't actually tried it and wondered if anyone else has. Are slant loads a lot wider than straight loads? This is a fairly roomy trailer---it's 7' tall, but I'm not sure of width.

Is this doable?

Please don't get in the trailer with your horses.  (Large slants being different of course.)

Send your horses in and then shut the doors behind them.  I always have my "attitude adjuster" with me to convey my message.

Thanks Derek! That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Of course my next question is, what exactly did you do to accomplish this? Did you have to weld something? Was it removable?

I also appreciate the input from AZ and TX. No, I don't want to be in the trailer and know that sending them in and me staying out is optimal. However, we have a bit more work to do on getting this to be a smooth and consistent process. I know how it's done, we are working with a wonderful trainer, and we're coming along. But for now, I was trying to be safe while we perfect it.

Terrilynn,  it isn't hard to train a horse to load by themselves.  It is all about consistancy and not rushing them.  You can't teach them to load when it is time to go somewhere. 

How I taught ALL of my horses to load is to by walking them up to the opening, I get their noses inside, I give them slack to check things out.  I take a longe whip and gently, very gently tap them on the tail head.  I continue to do this until they take a step.  As soon as they take a step I stop.  I praise them.  Once they have kept that foot forward I start tapping again till they step forward again, you have to remain quiet and let them make the decision to go in.  If they put two feet in and back out, that is ok.  Don't reprimand them.  Realign them and do the gentle tapping.  I have only had do this a couple times.  Now my horses walk right in with no problem.  Each spring I do take the longe whip and if they hesitate I gently tap them as a reminder.  Once I do that they seem to remember and I don't have to do it again.  I have used this method on EVERY horse I have trailered, even an adopted mustang!  You never ever whip them or use it as a prod.  It is a gentle tapping.  It is like someone tapping you on your shoulder to get your attention, that is the amount of pressure you use.  As soon as they step forward stop the tapping! 

I have loaded weanlings, yearlings, even old horses set in their ways with this method.   There is no pressure involved.  I wish you lived closer, I could show you how it is done.  I learned this from my father over 30 years ago!  It is not a method made up by one individual, it is just a method of asking the horse to do something and have them think it is their idea to do it.  I always have grain in there as a reward, even if it is a partial handful.  They learn that loading means a treat and fun ride bye bye!  Hope this helps.