Quick Peek:
Horses are sensitive creatures and certain things humans do can scare and confuse them. From invasive vet procedures to grooming sensitive areas, feeding by hand, and putting them in a trailer, it’s important to approach horses calmly and work with skilled handlers and vets to ensure their comfort and safety. So, if you’re a horse enthusiast, take it slow and be gentle with these majestic creatures.
What Horses Find Scary and Confusing: 10 Common Things Humans Do
Horses are majestic creatures that require gentle care and attention. As a horse enthusiast, it’s important to understand what scares and confuses them. Here are 10 common things humans do that can cause anxiety and discomfort for horses.
Invasive Veterinary Care
Horses are naturally skittish animals, and invasive veterinary procedures can be particularly frightening. From injections to dental work, horses can become anxious and stressed when undergoing medical treatment. It’s important to work with a veterinarian who understands how to handle horses and can make the process as comfortable as possible.
Patting Them
While it may seem like a harmless gesture, patting a horse can be scary and confusing for them. Horses are sensitive animals and sudden movements or touches can startle them. Instead, approach them slowly and calmly, and offer a gentle scratch on the withers or neck.
Picking Up Feet, Hoof Trimming, and Shoeing
Horses are naturally wary of having their feet handled, and the process of hoof trimming and shoeing can be particularly stressful. It’s important to work with a skilled farrier who can make the process as comfortable as possible for the horse.
Grooming Sensitive Areas
While grooming is an essential part of horse care, horses can become anxious when sensitive areas are touched. The ears, belly, and tail are particularly sensitive, and it’s important to approach these areas slowly and carefully.
Pulling or Clipping Hairs and Whiskers
Horses rely on their whiskers for sensory input, and pulling or clipping them can be uncomfortable and confusing. It’s important to be gentle when grooming these areas and to avoid pulling or clipping unless absolutely necessary.
Spraying Them with Chemicals Such as Flyspray
While flyspray is an essential part of horse care, horses can become anxious when sprayed with chemicals. It’s important to approach them slowly and calmly and to avoid spraying directly in their face.
Feeding by Hand or from a Bucket
While feeding by hand or from a bucket can be a bonding experience, horses can become anxious and pushy when food is involved. It’s important to establish clear boundaries and to avoid feeding treats or food by hand unless it’s part of a training exercise.
Putting Them in a Trailer or Horse Box
Horses can become anxious and stressed when confined in a trailer or horse box. It’s important to work with a skilled handler who can make the process as comfortable as possible for the horse.
Conclusion
As a horse enthusiast, it’s important to understand what scares and confuses horses. By approaching them slowly and calmly, and by working with skilled handlers and veterinarians, we can help ensure that horses feel safe and comfortable in our care. Remember to always be patient and gentle, and to respect the natural instincts and sensitivities of these magnificent creatures.
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