...get them ready!
Let me ask you a question: Would you put a saddle on a young, green horse for the first time, assuming that they instantly become a safe riding horse (or that "it will be OK"), and that you can take them to the show right away because you are a skilled rider who can "ride them through"?
Would you likely set this horse up for success or for failure? How could it possibly affect your future training & relationship?
I think the answer is clear when it comes to riding, but not so much when it comes to taking care of their health. Many horses all around the world don´t receive the level of care they need because of how they behave in the presence of a veterinarian, a farrier, or in specific procedures or situations.
The truth is that
horses don´t "misbehave" because they are naughty, spoiled, disrespectful, or dominant. They aren´t testing your leadership skills.
They are unprepared to handle this situation in a calm, cooperative manner.
Many horses get stressed simply because they don´t know what to expect, or what behaviour pays off in a given situation. Many horses get unpleasantly surprised by a painful or generally stressful procedure, and create a negative experience that will affect their future behaviour.
We can set them up for success!
Horses, mules, donkeys, and other animals can learn to cooperate in their care.
And not just this: We can take care of them based on their consent!
