Comforting Handling During Equine Veterinary Procedures

Techniques meant to distract or comfort a stressed horse were effective in reducing problematic avoidance/stress responses in as simulated veterinary care scenario.

Trying to distract or comfort a horse that is scared makes the horse less dangerous and is more humane. iStockPhotos.com

Author’s note: Analysis of the effects of procedures and environmental stimulation on horse behavior is an important welfare topic in the equine industry. Relaxed and calm horses tend to be more tractable and willing to work with people, and not as readily provoked into displaying dangerous behaviors.

Another topic at the 2016 International Society for Equitation Science presented the use of non-confrontational methods of relieving a horse’s anxiety during aversive veterinary procedures [Watson, J.; McDonnell, S. Evaluation of the effectiveness of three non-confrontational handling techniques on the behavior of horses during a simulated mildly aversive veterinary procedure]. Techniques used included: 1) scratching the withers; 2) gentle rubbing of face and eyes; and 3) feeding grain. Use of these calming methods were compared to responses in control horses in which nothing was done.

The aversive procedure tested used electric sheep shears run close to the faces of 48 horses in the study. The study concluded, “Each of these three non-confrontational handling techniques meant to distract or comfort was effective in reducing problematic avoidance/stress responses in this simulated veterinary care scenario.” 

Which of these non-confrontational techniques one chooses to use depends on an individual horse’s response to a particular situation.

categories
tags
Trending Articles
Yearling filly on pasture
Disease Du Jour: OCD in Horses 
Farrier at the hoof care on the horse
AAEP Health Coverage: Barefoot Methodology
Confident female vet standing by horse in stable
How Equine Veterinarians Can Avoid Mental Traps 
Female Vet With Digital Tablet Examining Horse In Stable
AAEP Business Coverage: Equine Financial Statement Benchmarks 
Newsletter
Get the best from EquiManagement delivered straight to your inbox once a week! Topics include horse care, disease alerts, and vet practitioner updates.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Untitled
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.