Research Articles: Equine Training and Composure

Amino acids are protein building blocks that, depending on the combination in which the body assembles them, become enzymes, tissue, or hormones.

The invasiveness and duration of a procedure, and the health and composure of the horse are factors a veterinarian assesses when determining if administration of a sedative is appropriate. Sedation of a horse undergoing a procedure often results in a calmer and safer environment for the horse and the handlers. However, there is also the chance of a drug reaction or a profound sedation leading to injuries to the horse or handlers. 

Trailers can be scary to a horse that has not become accustomed to loading. Anything that horses perceive as potentially harmful activates their flight mechanism. It’s the nature of a horse to not only run from predators but also avoid being cornered – and an enclosed trailer certainly does not provide escape options. Add the trailer’s dark interior, stepping on an unnatural surface, bouncing of the trailer from the weight of the animal, and you have a potentially scary situation for a horse.