True or False: When training horses for veterinary care, we ideally want to stay under each horse's "threshold" to prevent fear.

Staying under each horse's "threshold" during training for veterinary care is indeed crucial for preventing fear responses. The "threshold" refers to the point at which a horse begins to feel frightened or stressed, leading to reactive behavior. Understanding and recognizing each horse's individual threshold allows handlers to create a training environment that promotes calmness and cooperation.

When training is conducted below this threshold, horses can learn in a more relaxed state, which facilitates better retention of training and enhances the overall experience for both the horse and the handler. This approach minimizes anxiety and helps to build trust, making future veterinary visits and procedures less stressful.

By implementing training strategies that respect the horse's comfort zone, you cultivate a safer and more effective learning environment. All of this contributes to the overarching goal of Fear Free practices, which aim to reduce fear and stress in veterinary settings.