Behavior Services
Through our lesson program we help riders reach their general performance goals, but we can also troubleshoot more specific behavioral or performance issues. These appointments are usually done at the farm where the horse lives, although we may recommend a short stay at Misty Step for more intense behavioral management. Some common problems that we work on are listed below:
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Performance evaluations
These appointments are designed either to help you communicate with your horse and improve performance, or troubleshoot an under saddle issue (common ones are: stopping at jumps, bucking after fences, poor canter cadence, missing lead changes, etc). They entail a thorough physical and lameness exam as well as an under saddle assessment and/or a trainer ride.
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Oral/Eye medications
Medication training is used to keep horses cooperative when they need a medication long term (usually oral or eye meds, but other medications like wound dressings can also be trained). We also can re-train horses that have learned to refuse medications altogether. If you're able to give an oral med like banamine, you can sometimes avoid a vet call in an emergency situation.
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Generalized anxiety
Some horses have a genetic background and/or traumatic experiences that lead them to be generally anxious, and this can lead to dangerous situations for horses and handlers. We can help some of these horses with exercises that enhance communication and trust and helps them feel their environment is safe and predictable. We can also prescribe medications to start this process, or to increase their quality of life.
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Trailering
There are many reasons you may want to trailer your horse, including for emergency hospitalization. However, many horses are terrified of getting on the trailer and this can be very frustrating, not to mention dangerous. Careful positive reinforcement training is very effective for trailer training and can help make it stress-free for horse and owner.
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Needle phobia
Needle phobia and "needle shy" horses are fairly common. This issue can be addressed with positive and negative reinforcement training for a low stress vet handling experience. This is something you can work on with your horse, to make your vet visits go more smoothly.
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Farriery and hoof handling
Holding feet up for the farrier can become a stressful event for some horses and owners. Additionally, consistent and positive hoof handling practices can benefit any young horse to get them on the path to easy shoeing for the rest of their lives!
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Separation anxiety
Being "herdbound" is a natural behavior for horses, but can make it hard to take your horse to shows or out on a ride alone. These fearful/anxious emotions being separate from the herd can be very difficult to change, but we can help some horses feel less anxious or have different, safer behaviors in these conditions.
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Any other issue?
One of the advantages of using these basic principles is that we can be very versatile! Horses are all different and constantly like to surprise us. We are happy to use our expertise to help you tackle any challenge that you're struggling with.
Contact us any time!
Call, text, or email for up to date pricing, to schedule a lesson, service, farm visit, or with any other questions!