canteron
Well-Known Member
And at the end of the day, this is really what keeps horses and people safe - taking the time and patience to train and prepare them well for all the potentially upsetting things life as a domestic horse can throw at them.![]()
I had a horse who used to have to be sedated for teeth - all she really learned was to become needle shy as well. Now, having worked with a brilliant EDT for 4 she is finally a good girl to have her teeth done and I am really proud of us all.
So, think long term, find a good local EDT and talk to them about how to desensitive your horse to having its teeth done. Clicker training may well help but won't be a cure all, the main ingredient is time and patience.
I would also think about asking the EDT whether they could come out for a couple of 'dummy runs' when doing the teeth isn't essential and you can just take the time making it a non frightening experience for your horse.
It will pay huge dividends, if you can get your horse courageous enought to be good around the dentist, it will give him more confidence with other things he will have to face in life as well.
Good luck.