Stress-free Vet Visit - Can It Be Done?

Who likes vet visits - right?! Although they are essential, they can cause stress and anxiety. As soon as the vet is in the barn, the air fills up with tension. Not just because of the "vet bill" we need to pay afterward. I am thinking about how this visit affects the horses and how they experience all the procedures. Is there a way that we can help make our horses feel safe during the vet visits?

The Flying Helper: A Better Approach to Vet Visits

Throughout my years spent at various stables, I have noticed a common pattern when it comes to vet visits. As soon as the horses hear the vet's footsteps and catch a whiff of his presence, they become anxious, nervous, and upset. It is understandable why this happens - the horses associate the vet with a painful experience and identify him as someone who brings discomfort. Even the most well-trained horses are not at ease during such situations; their stillness is born out of fear rather than trust.

In far too many barns, the horses are caught hurriedly and with a sense of urgency. They are restrained, sometimes yelled at, and pushed against the wall in order to carry out procedures quickly and smoothly. Witnessing these helpers frantically rushing around the stall with an anxious horse desperately seeking an escape route is both pathetic and unpleasant. We are subjecting anxious horses to violent obedience, which breaks their spirit and only makes them even more miserable and distrustful. There is simply no place for this type of behavior in any stable, and those that boast a knowledgeable and professional team should be leading the way in changing these practices.

The Choice: Finding a Better Way

Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to care for many horses and have assisted in countless vet visits. These experiences have taught me that there is vast room for improvement in this area. I can now confidently say that there is a better way. When I was around 14 years old, a horse owner asked for my assistance in holding their mare during a complicated procedure. Without going into too much detail, I ended up with countless bruises from my struggle with a panicked horse. I found myself repeating this scenario multiple times as I continued being the "flying" helper in the horse stall. The most disheartening part was realizing that the horse I was attempting to build a relationship with, based on trust and leadership, viewed me as a villain. At that point, I realized I had to find a better, non-forceful way to assist during vet visits.

Keep Calm: The Foundation of a Good Relationship

If we truly want to foster a good relationship with our horses, we must make an effort to learn horsemanship skills and work on our attitude, leadership, and character. Above all else, we must strive to keep calm. We want our horses to feel safe in our presence so that they can trust us. Horses possess an incredible level of awareness and can discern a lot about a situation simply by sensing the overall atmosphere. Understanding a horse's perception enables us to act appropriately in any given circumstance. The clearer our understanding of the world through a horse's eyes, the more effective and truly helpful we can be. This is a win-win situation; the vet will appreciate our calm approach as it makes their job easier and less dangerous.

Fake It Till You Make It: Learning from Observations

If you find yourself unsure of how to act or what to do in a particular situation, my advice would be to observe and learn. If asked to assist, approach the task with as much confidence as possible, but without rushing around hectically. Horses despise uncertainty and hesitation in their human leaders. They can sense our fear and lack of comprehension of the situation, which is why we must adopt a confident and composed approach. There is no room for hesitation, aggression, or inflated egos. If horses cannot trust us, they will revert to their instincts - to run and defend.

Like a Boss: The Power of Confidence

Confidence allows us to react quickly and effectively while maintaining a calm demeanor. This attitude has a positive impact on the horse, letting them know that there is nothing to worry about because their leader is at ease. However, it is important to acknowledge that this is often easier said than done. When emotions take control, people tend to rush or try to impress spectators. If we truly want to master dealing with difficult situations, we must let go of these behaviors. Forcing a horse into submission, especially in a stressful situation, is a grave mistake. It will only lead to dangerous situations and ultimately break the respect we are trying to build.

Remember: Observing and Acting Accordingly

Always observe your horse and act accordingly to the situation at hand. Take the time to predict potential reactions and adjust your approach accordingly. You are responsible for the overall atmosphere, so act with thoughtfulness and care. When the vet begins preparing their tools, calmly make your way to the horse stall. Remember to "hurry slowly." Give your horse ample time to survey their surroundings and process what is happening. Offer them gentle rubs, taps, pets, and even treats. Talk to your horse! If you are unsure of what to say, calmly describe your actions or point out things in the environment, as if you were telling a story to a three-year-old child. Singing also works wonders! Choose a calm, quiet song, like a lullaby, and sing it to your horse while petting them.