Top Marks – Veteran Horse
Top Marks – Veteran Horse
Featuring Kelly Marks, Dr Veronica Fowler, Gillian Higgins, Jo Burnett MCVRS (Vet)
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Discover essential techniques for caring for older horses and effectively managing anxieties around vets and injections in this insightful Top Marks episode. Featuring renowned horse trainer and Intelligent Horsemanship founder Kelly Marks, alongside researcher Dr. Veronica Fowler, this programme offers practical, welfare-focused horse training strategies to enhance the well-being of veteran equines.
This episode of Top Marks explores the specialised care and management of senior horses and ponies. Join Kelly as she demonstrates gentle carrot (apple) stretching exercises with her horse, Pie, to improve his back flexibility and maintain comfortable movement in his later years.
Witness the journey of Smarty, a 19-year-old Welsh A pony with a significant fear of the vet, particularly concerning injections and vaccinations. Learn how Kelly Marks implements effective acceptance training (desensitisation), counter-conditioning, and positive reinforcement methods to help Smarty gradually become comfortable with veterinary approaches and ultimately receive necessary treatments.
The episode also provides a look into the life of Shiloh, Pie’s 25-year-old companion, and addresses the ethical considerations of an older horse’s quality of life through the “five freedoms” framework.
Key Learning Points:
- Maintaining flexibility in older horses: Activity is vital for senior horses. Gentle exercises, such as the carrot stretches shown with Pie, help maintain suppleness, improve comfort, and support overall health.
- Addressing equine fear and anxiety: Patience, understanding, and appropriate techniques are key. Smarty’s vet phobia was managed using acceptance training, distraction, and counter-conditioning, creating a safe environment and positive associations to reduce stress during procedures.
- Prioritising quality of life for veteran horses: The “five freedoms” offer an ethical framework for ensuring an older horse’s needs are met, including their ability to express normal behaviours and freedom from pain. Difficult conversations about well-being are crucial when a horse’s enjoyment of life diminishes.
