Every veterinarian has had an equine client that resisted treatment and often a nightmarish story to go along with it. Compliant patients allow for safer and more efficient veterinary practices, so the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) teamed up with the American Quarter Horse Association at the AAEP convention to offer veterinarians a live horse demonstration titled "Ground Handling the Problem Horse." The session combined the instructional talents of Joe Wolter, trainer for the renowned Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas; and Mark Fitch, DVM, who practices in Boulder, Colo.

Practitioners typically follow a strict schedule and do not have a lot of time to spend convincing a horse to comply with treatments. The nature of the trainer's job is different. Wolter said, "When I work, I don't have a time constriction, so I feel for you. Hopefully, I'll do my job, then your job will be easier."

Fitch said that he often handles problem horses by himself, as a handler might not anticipate the interaction between him and the horse and can end up in the way or injured. Also, it's important to have a place where the horse can move around in case of a panic–for that reason, Fitch doesn't like treating horses in cross ties. The demonstration was completed in a large round pen bedded with shavings. Event organizers brought in several problem horses for the presenters to address the behaviors of avoidance of intranasal vaccines, hind limb handling, injections, and rectal temperature.

Terry Swanson, DVM, moderator, said that the veterinarian has the opportunity to steer and encourage people in the handling of their horses. Some horses need more help than can be offered on a treatment day, so they told veterinarians not to hesitate to send owners to a skilled trainer