Owners of needle-shy horses will soon have access to expert advice from the Mare and Foal Sanctuary near Totnes. 

The charity is launching another of its successful ‘Confident Horse’ webinars on Wednesday December 8 and this time the expert team will be looking at how to help a horse or pony with needle shyness. 

When a horse or pony is needle shy it is usually because they are worried about having an injection, and their fear response may be shown through avoidance behaviours such as pulling away, pushing handlers out of the way, rearing or trying to escape.

The problem can escalate during this stressful and frightening experience, when injections are attempted while the horse is feeling afraid.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s behaviour experts have put together their guide to helping horses who are worried about having injections. 

Using a real-life example, the team explain tried and tested methods that will take the fear out of vet visits. 

The guide is packed with useful and practical tips to help owners work with their horses towards a permanent solution.

Anna Haines, the sanctuary’s equine behavioural lead said: “There are many situations where owners simply hope for the best when the time arrives for a veterinary intervention. 

“We have lots of experience of handling unwanted behaviour like this.

“We’re keen to share our Confident Horse series with as many people as possible so they can benefit from our knowledge. 

“Time and time again we have seen our methods make a real difference. 

“This training doesn’t need to take up lots of your time but can instead just become part of your normal daily routine with your horses.

“Ensuring that our horses remain calm and relaxed during our training sessions with a focus on them having a positive, enjoyable experience can help us to create horses who are confident in a variety of different situations.” 

The Confident Horse series of videos and webinars was launched earlier this year as a way for horse owners around the country to tap into the sanctuary’s wealth of experience and knowledge. 

For more information and to register for the webinar visit www.mareandfoal.org and search ‘events.’