Shots are a tough subject for horses.
Let's face it, no matter what you say, shots hurt and that makes the horses fear justifiable.
However, just like people, there are horses that are over dramatic and they need to learn that this small pain is not going to kill them.
We cannot tell them they have to like shots, but we can teach them to better tolerate them.
With the halter on, we will start desensitizing the horse to the triggers the fear of shots in the horse.
If your horse is hard to handle with the halter, place a full check snaffle bridle on him instead.
Approach the horses' neck as if you are going to give him a shot.
With your left hand holding the lead and imaginary shot, right hand to the neck to prepare for the shot.
Firmly pat the horses' neck three or four times in the spot where a shot will be given, then walk away a couple steps having the horse follow.
Approach the horse again and repeat the process.
Work on both sides and continue until the horse is calm as you pat his neck.
If the horse has a big reaction to anything that remotely resembles getting a shot, you will apply the smallest pressure until the horse quits reacting.
For example, you tap the neck and the horse starts throwing his head, keep tapping his neck until he quits throwing his head.
As soon as he is quiet, stop immediately and praise the horse.
Some horses will rear, buck, kick, etc.
at the mere thought of getting a shot.
Break down the lesson into the smallest steps as you need to in order to stay safe.
You will then introduce the pinching of the skin for shots given under the skin.
You can start with the pat or just gently take a fold of skin on the neck and hold it, let go and praise the horse.
Let go of the skin before the horse reacts and work on lengthening the amount of time to about a minute.
Always try to let go before the horse reacts.
If the horse reacts before you let go, start over from a place the horse is comfortable and lengthen the time slower.
When the horse accepts the light pinch for a minute, you are ready to introduce the poke.
When the horse accepts the pat and pinch, tap the fold of skin with your finger.
Immediately rub the horse walk away and have the horse follow a couple of steps.
Continue until the horse will accept the touch then move to the other side and work it as well.
Now you can move to an object that simulates the shot.
A syringe with out a needle is a good place to start.
You will start with the pat, then pinch, and then touch the pinched skin with the syringe.
When the horse accepts the syringe, we want to simulate the poke.
One good idea is a toothpick, we do not want to puncture the skin, just simulate the feeling.
As before, you will start with the pat, then pinch, and then touch the pinched skin with the toothpick.
Immediately rub the horse walk away and have the horse follow a couple of steps.
Continue until the horse will accept the touch then move to the other side and work it as well.
You can then add more pressure to the toothpick, but keep it quick.
Remember, we are simulating a shot and it is a one time sharp poke, not continuous pressure.
At this point, you do not want to practice too many times with the harder pressure, which is just annoying.
If the horse needs more work, then come back later or another day.
Be sure to look for improvements and reasons to praise the horse.