You don’t have to be confrontational to teach your horse to behave for veterinary procedures. Research has shown that positive-reinforcement-based handling and training can produce positive results and a happy horse. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

Remember when you got a lollipop at the doctor’s office right after you got a shot? Using the same idea of creating positive experiences makes handling horses for veterinary procedures easier and safer for everyone, including the horse.

That’s not just someone’s opinion. There’s sufficient science to substantiate that positive-reinforcement-based, nonconfrontational handling of animals reduces stress, increases safety, and makes the workplace much more comfortable.

Sue McDonnell, PhD, Cert. AAB, founding head of the equine behavior program at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, has extensive experience retraining horses—including “problem” horses—and in teaching others the best ways to deliver veterinary care