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In our referral equine behavior
practice, we frequently rehabilitate horses perceived to be
uncooperative with one or more veterinary procedures such as injections,
nasogastric tubing, genital examination, etc. We have found that
straightforward behavior modification techniques--adapted to the
horse--are highly effective in regaining and maintaining cooperation,
even in once dangerously resistant animals. In fact, clients and
veterinarians describe the animals as now "enjoying"
veterinary visits and appearing to solicit procedures. The methods we
use rely mostly on positive reinforcement, avoid excessive restraint,
and include no punishment.
Method
In order to rehabilitate your horse, you will need the following:
- A lead shank with a 28-40-inch chain
lead;
- Sweet feed or other tasty food treat;
- Safety vest, helmet, and sturdy shoes
to provide you greater confidence;
- Items for the veterinary procedure
(such as a needle and syringe, alcohol, etc.);
- A large outdoor paddock or other
large enclosure with good footing and ample head room;
- A team of two people who work well
together and are not afraid of the veterinary procedure themselves.
Behavior modification is just another
opportunity for the horse to learn that it can "work" for a
positive outcome (here the "work" is tolerating a mildly
uncomfortable experience). The focus is on establishing a new, positive
behavior pattern instead of eliminating a negative one. Horses aren't
born resistant to veterinary procedures; the same ability to learn by
association that resulted in avoidance behavior will now help them learn
to be cooperative. Although each horse and situation is unique, the
horse must always simultaneously learn three concepts:
The procedure is not too painful.
The horse must experience the procedure one or more times with little
pain, stress, or commotion. Make the procedure as painless as
possible--for injection shyness, this means a small-gauge needle
(26-gauge for training); a quick, gentle, single stick; relaxed body
posture and calm manner; little restraint; and no commotion or accidents
associated with the procedure.
The procedure is followed by a
reward. The horse must experience the procedure one or
more times followed immediately with positive reinforcement (sweet feed
from a bucket paired with "good boy/girl"). When the horse
begins to anticipate an uncomfortable procedure, back up to perform and
reward for steps before this point. You might need to go through the
first steps of the procedure several times, positively reinforcing each
step, without actually performing the procedure. Then the steps can be
gradually linked into the proper sequence, rewarding each step in the
sequence. Eventually the horse should be weaned off continuous primary
reinforcement (sweet feed). Intermittent primary reinforcement (sweet
feed occasionally) and continuous secondary reinforcement ("good
boy/girl" every time) is the goal.
Ordinary resistance or reaction
will not stop the procedure or direct the handler's behavior.
The handler must anticipate the horse's resistance and calmly stay
with the horse as much as is safely possible. Calmly "riding it
out" rather than pausing or punishing (or even flinching) teaches
the horse that simple movement or mild resistance will not stop the
procedure. Dangerous resistance (rearing or lunging, for example) will
require different behavioral modification techniques and the assistance
of an expert.
Results. These
methods have been remarkably successful with horses (and people) of all
ages and backgrounds. Timing and consistency of reinforcement are the
major skills for people to master. These techniques can also help
prevent problems and get horses to accept other activities like
clipping, applying fly spray, and grooming the mane and tail. An
investment in learning basic behavior modification skills is well
worthwhile.
By using proper behavior modification
techniques patiently and consistently, you can teach your horse to
enjoy, not dread, a visit from the veterinarian.
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