I just found the following at etrailer.com. If I have a proportional (pendulum controller) then I guess I have jumped the gun in my ignorance.

" Proportional Pendulum Style Controllers are "enabled" by the brake pedal switch and "activated" by a Pendulum Circuit that senses the vehicle's stopping motion and applies a proportional voltage to the trailer's brakes. When properly adjusted the trailer will decelerate at the same speed as the tow vehicle. This increases braking efficiency and reduces brake wear."

Thank you for your input which helped get my brain in gear.