Spring Paddocks Equine Ltd

Oct 16th, 2022

My horse Felix and I have embarked on a course of Equine Clinical Behaviour shaping. This follows the research done by Gemma Pearson, Director of Equine Behaviour at The Horse Trust. The course is being personally delivered to us by Sally Hodgson, Director and Senior Vet at Hook Norton Vets. I've been desperate to find support so that Felix can learn to cope with vaccinations, any veterinary treatment, clipping and, eventually, traveling. Sally and I arranged a series of training sessions, to give Felix the time he needed to feel comfortable. The first session focused on "parking", which teaches Felix to stand confidently on his own, in various locations, on various surfaces, without the need to be tied up or held onto. As part of the move towards safe vaccinations, and along the lines of clicker training, we put increasing pressure on him by patting, stroking and gently pinching the vaccination area. We reward when he displays a relaxed stance, being careful to give treats only when he is looking away, as he is very motivated by food and will try to mug the handler! The second session focused on target training, where Felix is encouraged to focus on an object (home made stick with sponge on the end, thank you Sally!) The objective is that he touches the target for longer periods of time, receives a treat, thereby releasing dopamine as he associates the target with a reward. Sally also introduced the xray boards to Felix, training him to stand calmly and quietly as she manoeuvred his feet. The third session consolidated the vaccination and xray positioning practice, with a massive reward of a Likit, courtesy of HNV ! The fourth session was extraordinary- with the patience of a saint, Sally manoeuvred Felix's legs into position for a full set of four xrays. Then came the ultimate test of our meticulous, targeted training- three dummy runs of pinching Felix's neck skin, simulating the feel of the syringe - likit at the ready, Sally approached, pinched the skin, inserted the needle, not a flinch from Felix! SUCCESS!!! I can't thank Sally enough for this breakthrough, it's been a fantastic experience and I continue to apply the same training practices to Felix's traveling issues. So, if you recognise your horse in the description above, I have no hesitation in recommending Sally and her team at Hook Norton Vets. Martina and Felix"
Aug 23rd, 2022

Always a fab service and their care of the horse is a million to 1
May 15th, 2022

Can't fault the expertise and service from the whole team. Always there to give sound advice for the welfare of your horse.
Mar 4th, 2022

Jan 9th, 2022