What approach can help facilitate a team-centered discussion to minimize a horse's FAS at future veterinary visits?

Using empathy statements and realistic training plans is an effective approach for facilitating a team-centered discussion aimed at minimizing a horse's Fear-Avoidance System (FAS) during future veterinary visits. This strategy emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional state of both the horse and the owner, which is critical in fear-free veterinary practices.

Empathy statements demonstrate to horse owners that their concerns are validated and understood, fostering a collaborative environment. By acknowledging the horse's past experiences and the owner's feelings, the team can create a supportive dialogue that encourages open communication. This rapport can help in discussing specific fears and anxieties the horse may have regarding veterinary procedures.

Furthermore, implementing realistic training plans offers a structured way to address the horse's behavior in a manageable and positive manner. These plans can be tailored to desensitize the horse to veterinary procedures over time, using gradual exposure methods that promote a calm and positive response. By engaging the entire team in such discussions and approaches, everyone involved can align on strategies that prioritize the horse’s comfort and reduce anxiety, leading to more successful veterinary visits.

In contrast, options that involve strict discipline or solely providing past visit reports could potentially exacerbate fear and anxiety. Strict discipline does not foster trust or understanding; instead, it may create additional