Better Animal Handling
Humans have domesticated and handled animals for 14,000 years. Modern times have brought urbanization and technology which have caused a drastic decline in human-animal interactions. As a result, the knowledge of how to properly handle, restrain, and house animals is in decline. In Better Animal Handling, C.B. Chastain, veterinarian and professor emeritus, describes effective, humane animal handling with emphasis on safety measures to prevent injury and the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 12 minutes
- Episodes
- 308
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
Special Equipment: Twitches, Hobbles, and Feedbags
In this week's episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby will lead you through the use of:
- Twitches
- Long-handled and other nose twitches
- Skin twitch
- Ear twitch
- Hobbles
- Front leg
- One leg
- Picket
- Side
- Breeding
- …
Use of Rectal Thermometers and Administration of Oral and Ophthalmic Medications in Horses
Dr. Chastain and Abby hope you will join them this week in their description of:
- Safe use of rectal thermometers in horses
- Administering medications by mouth to horses
- Medicating the eyes …
Environmental Protections and Handling for Routine Medical Procedures
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby this week to learn about horse:
- Fly masks
- Blankets
- Stall and stock restraints
- Being cast in a stall
- Cradles
- Side sticks
- Grazing and cribbing muzzles
- Cribbing collars
- B…
Moving Horses
Dr. Chastain and Abby explain several methods of moving horses this week, including:
- Leading horses
- Longeing horses
- Using long lines
- Mechical hot walkers
- Moving groups of horses while horseb…
Tying Horses, Restraint by Distraction, and Lifting Feet
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby will tell you about:
- Proper tying of horses by a lead rope or cross tying
- Restraint techniques using distractions
- How to lift a horse's front foot and how …
Horse Harnesses
Dr. Chastain and Abby invite you to join them in reviewing horse harnesses, including:
- Parts of a horse harness
- Steps in harnessing horses
- Harness horse bridles
- Harness horse team members
Li…
Bridles, Hackamores, Reins, Bits, and Rider Aids
This week Dr. Chastain and Abby describe horseback riding:
- Bridles
- Hackamores
- Reins
- Bits
- Spurs
- Riding whips
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandlin…
Horseback Riding Tack: Halters, Lead Ropes, and Saddles
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby for this week's episode the types and uses of:
- Halters
- Lead ropes
- Saddles
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.co…
Catching Horses in Stall or Pastures and in Special Situations
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby talk about:
- Safer working with horses in stalls
- Catching horses in pastures
- Trapping horses
- Releasing horses safely
- Capture of foals and stallions
Link to sho…
General Considerations in Approaching and Catching Horses
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby cover general considerations in approaching and catching horses, including:
- Head control and haltering
- Walking behind horses
- Key elements of capture
- Dangers…
Diseases Transmitted by Horses
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby present:
- Zoonotic diseases of horses
- How to prevent transmission of zoonotic diseases of horses
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show n…
Trail Riding and Arena Riding
Tack up and join Dr. Chastain and Abby to hear about etiquette and safety aspects of:
- Trail riding
- Arena riding
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show notes: BetterAnima…
Mounting and Control in the Saddle
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby share their recommendations on:
- Proper mounting saddle horses
- Position in the saddle
- Means of control in the saddle
- Proper dismounting
Link to show not…
Tacking Up for Horseback Riding
Dr. Chastain and Abby would like you to join them in a review of:
- Correct saddling procedures
- Non-stressful bridling
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show notes: Better…
Safer Horseback Riding
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby this week for a discussion on how to ride horses more safely by:
- Proper rider attitude
- Riding a safer horse
- Assessing the horse's disposition
- Checking and maintai…
Safety for Horses Being Handled
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby describe:
- Desensitization of horses for their future safety
- Senses for safety
- Vocalizations for safety
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Li…
Bad Manners in Horses
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby this week for a discussion on bad manners in horses, including:
- Nipping and biting
- Kicking
- Striking and pawing
- Pulling a handler when being led
- Rearing
Link to show…
Horse Handler Safety
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby cover the topics of:
- Leadership with horses
- Behavior effects due to environmental changes
- Mental health of horses
- Body language of horses
- The importanc…
Natural Behaviors of Horses
Dr. Chastain and Abby would like you to join them in reviewing the natural behaviors of horses, including:
- Horse mental and physical health needs
- Roles of herd members
- Breed differences in…
The Domestication of Horses and Their Role in Developing Civilization
Please join Dr. Chastain and Abby this week as they visit:
- Horses in history
- Mankind's massive debt to the horse
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show notes: BetterAnim…