Which method is NOT suggested for administering medications to a horse with high FAS via oral syringe?

Administering medications to a horse with a high Fear-Aggression Score (FAS) involves using techniques that minimize stress and fear. Hospitalizing the horse for intravenous medications is not suggested in this context because it can increase anxiety and distress, particularly in a horse already exhibiting high levels of fear or aggression. Intravenous administration often requires a controlled environment and the handling of the horse in potentially stressful ways, like restraining it, which could exacerbate its fear response.

In contrast, methods such as top-dressing food with something sweet, using treat-dispensing puzzles, and providing free-choice forage are all focused on creating a calmer and more positive experience for the horse. These approaches not only make the medication more palatable but also leverage the horse’s natural behaviors, encouraging it to engage in a more relaxed manner. Therefore, the intravenous route stands out as less suitable for managing the horse’s fear and aggression compared to the other suggested methods.