Fear Free Training for Horses: Good Medicine, Good Horsemanship

by | Jun 2, 2025 | Horse Veterinarian, News & Updates | 0 comments

At the heart of exceptional equine care is trust—and that begins with understanding how horses experience the world. Fear Free training is an approach that prioritizes the emotional well-being of horses by reducing fear, anxiety, and stress during handling, veterinary visits, and everyday interactions.

As prey animals, horses are hardwired to react to perceived threats with flight. Traditional training or handling methods that rely on pressure or fear can increase stress, erode trust, and make veterinary care more difficult and dangerous. In contrast, Fear Free techniques use calm, low-stress handling, positive reinforcement, and patience to help horses feel safe and in control.

For veterinary teams, this means better outcomes: exams and treatments become less stressful and more efficient when the horse is relaxed and cooperative. For owners, it means a stronger, more positive bond with their horse—one built on communication rather than compliance.

Fear Free isn’t just a training philosophy—it’s good horsemanship. It reflects a commitment to the horse’s mental and emotional well-being and supports a lifetime of safe, compassionate care.

If you’re interested in learning more about Fear Free strategies for your horse, ask our team—we’re happy to help you implement low-stress techniques that make every vet visit a better experience for both of you. Our whole team is Fear Free Certified and happy to share our expertise to improve your relationship with your horse as well as your horse’s relationship with us.

Recent Posts

Cliff’s Notes for Metabolic Meyhem By Dr. Sarah Barr

If you have a teenage horse or older and you made it through this past winter without a laminitis episode, you should crack open a bottle of something old and expensive to celebrate. There’s a reason we’ve begged Dr. Hoyt Cheramie to travel to the mountains during mud...

Now Offering: Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy for Horses!

We’re pleased to share a new advancement in the care we can offer our equine patients: personalized cancer immunotherapy, now available through our partnership with Torigen Pharmaceuticals. This innovative treatment provides a new option for horses diagnosed with...

Spring Is Coming—But Don’t Let Your Horse Go Wild Just Yet!

Alright, horse owners, listen up: winter is finally packing up, and spring is just around the corner. I know you’re itching to let your four-legged friends romp through the fresh, green pastures. But before you fling open every gate, let’s chat about a few things to...

HCVS Update: Now Hiring

2/15/2025 - We’re Growing—And Looking for Our Next Unicorn! Big news at High Country Vet: we’re expanding our team! That’s right—we’re on the hunt for a Veterinary Technician (or Assistant) to join us and help keep things running smoothly as we care for the incredible...

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Taylor Karlin, DVM

At High Country Vet, we're proud to have a team of dedicated professionals who bring passion, expertise, and heart to their work. This month, we're shining our spotlight on Dr. Taylor Karlin, DVM, a remarkable veterinarian whose journey and interests make her an...

Updates to Platinum Performance Supplement Ordering

We’re making changes to how we handle Platinum Performance orders to keep things cost effective! Starting January 1st, 2025 we’ll place orders on a monthly schedule, allowing you to still receive free shipping. If you need a product outside of the monthly schedule, we...

Updated Prescription Pick-Up Policy

We’re making a small change to our prescription pick-up process to help things run more smoothly for everyone. Starting now, we’re asking for 24 hours notice for all non-emergency prescription pick-ups. Here’s how you can reach us to make your request: ● Call or Text:...

New Equipment Alert!

At High Country Vet, we’re excited to upgrade from the Neo Vet 2.0 to the advanced PulseVet shockwave system. This upgrade enhances our ability to treat musculoskeletal injuries and lameness in our patients with improved precision, power, and patient comfort. Why...

New USDA Rule: Electronic ID Tags Now Required for Cattle and Bison

The USDA is updating its livestock identification rules to improve tracking of diseases in cattle and bison. Starting November 5th, 2024, any new ear tags applied to animals moving across state lines must be both visually readable and electronically scannable. What...