b'SPONSORED BYor performing the problem behavior.In theory, this technique seems like it should work. Rather, it can be distressing or traumatic to the horse and dangerous for the handler, she said.Reinforcing desired behaviors The most effective way to change behavior is to reinforce the behavior you want and not the unwanted behavior, said Foster.Again using the needle-shy horse ex-ample: Veterinarians can apply well-timed positive reinforcement in the form of a treat or withers scratch as a reward for standing still when the syringe is in place.Alternately, if the horse tries to barge forward as the veterinarian approaches with a syringe, he or she should keep theCOURTESY DR. REBECCA GIMENEZsyringe in constant position, moving withA backward drag, seen here, is useful in scenarios where you only have access to the horses rear.the horse and only taking the syringe away when the horse stops moving.and keep both humans and horse out ofcast horses and requires attaching web-Avoiding punishment Fear-based be- danger. For guidance, Rebecca Gimenez,bing to both downside limbs (front and haviors are often punished with forceful,PhD, president of Technical Large Animalback) and rolling the animal over.painful, and confrontational methods,Emergency Rescue Inc., presented waysWeb-assist roll Useful for entrapments, said Foster.vets can move or reposition recumbentthis involves placing webbing under all Punishment, however, does not address(down) horses safely and effectively.four legs, slightly above the hocks and the fear at the root of a problem. Instead,She first listed some general rules: knees, and rolling the horse over.she said, it only validates the horses fear1.Wear proper protective equipment,Forward assist This method involves and adds to the unpleasant experience. especially a helmet.placing webbing around the horses chest The repeated use of punishment can2. Dont put people in positions thatand through his front legs, allowing his also lead toa worsening of problemwould lead to injuries.limbs to remain free.behavior, with greater intensity and ear- 3.Dont attach anything to or pull on theSideways slide This method moves the lier onset as the horse anticipates not onlyhorses head, neck, or leg structures.animal sideways without rolling, some-the veterinary care but also the unpleas- 4.Same goes for the horses tail. times onto a rescue glide. Two pieces of ant punishment, said Foster. 5. Use webbing with looped ends and, ifwebbing encircle his abdomen behind the Using minimal restraint While restraintpossible, padding to move the horse.front legs and in front of the back legs.sometimes plays an important role in6.Ideally, use pectoral (chest) and pelvicBackward drag This method is useful managing horse behavior, Foster recom- girdles as attachment points.when the only access to the animal is mends using less-stressful methods, such7. Blindfold the horse to encourage him tofrom the rear. The rescuer wraps the web-as lip twitches and, for particularly pain- relax and to protect the downside eye.bing around the horses pelvis and feeds it ful procedures, sedation, when needed.8. Assess if he needs sedation or anesthe- through the hind legs.Foster said applying all these principlessia based on his status and injury risk. Vertical lift This last-ditch option can improve safety, equine welfare, and9. I f possible, allow horses to self-rescue,usually requires heavy equipment and client satisfaction. Used by the horse own- leaving the legs, head, and neck free. sedation to place the horse in a sling or er between vet visits and over a horses10.Always treat animals (even dead ones)webbing and lift him vertically. lifetime, they can reduce horse fear,respectfully and professionally. The suggested methods provide a more anxiety, and behavior problems. TheyreThe basic equipment needed includesprofessional, safe, and efficient response also important because vet professionalslooped-end 10-cm-wide webbing orto horses that are recumbent due to being set an example for owners and the public2.5-cm-thick cotton rope; reach tools togeriatric, debilitated, injured, or in daily about how to properly handle animals inguide webbing; gloves and a helmet; aclinical situations or as part of a technical a safe and humane manner, she said.halter; and a saw. Gimenez then describedrescue response scenario, said Gimenez. htechniques for manipulating these horses. The Best Ways to Move Down Horses Simple one-leg Useful in confined Be it trapped, cast, or dead, a downspaces or with few people, this involves at- ehorse can be both difficult and dangeroustaching webbing to the downside hind legVisit TheHorse.com/AAEP2017to move. Vets arriving on the scene of anat the pastern and rolling the horse over.accident or a trapped horse have the expe- Simple two-leg With more space and Preventing Problem Behaviors During Veterinary rience and skills to lead the rescue efforthands, this method can also help rightProcedures, TheHorse.com/40229March 2018THE HORSE AAEP Wrap-Up TheHorse.com/AAEP2017 A27'