How To Prepare for Shots?

Thanks KV...I think if I do that or actually have my DH or neighbour do that instead of me...she'll get used to someone other than me messin' with her. So I'll start with me poking her...then move on to DH...then neighbour. With mucho carrot bits as rewards for being a good girl.

I poked mine last year. So when the vet came out and couldn't use the needle I just poked her with the pick couple times with vet standing next to me. He gave a shot in 10 secs right after.

Good luck! Shots are never fun (mine are coming too end of the month).

I always give vaccinations in the chest muscle.......remove the needle from the syringe and place it between your thumb and index finger turn your hand so the needle points away from your horse and make a fist.....I then bang my horse with edge of my hand twice......on the third bang I turn my hand and poke her with the needle.....let her settle then attach the syringe, pull back checking for blood then depress the syringe..........this is how my vet taught me to do it......I've got one horse that is suspicious but I halter and hold the lead rope and stand off to one side and love him up then proceed.....I usually do it in the stall that way he can only back up till he hits the wall and that's usually enough time for me to finish the job.

Super Nova

I use the same method as Super Nova,seems to work well for me..

If you are giving a shot in the chest muscle because it is difficult to give the shot in the neck or hip you are taking a chance of being struck in the face with a front foot and it can happen so fast you won't even see it.

:) I am no where near brave enough to administer my own shots...even on my 17hh 1600lb gelding who stands like a rock for everything and everyone.

I think I will try the toothpick approach, starting with myself and then asking other people to help. I really do think the key thing is getting her used to being 'poked' in the neck by someone other than me. I just need to give some thought as to how to ensure those others safety. So far Dai would rather run than strike out but she's a horse so you never know 100% for sure.

Thanks again everyone for all your thoughtful advice.

I think I will try the toothpick approach, starting with myself and then asking other people to help.

HAHAHAHAHA well...I have a whole bunch of tattoos so have no problem with people poking me with sharp pointy things and other people watching me being poked with sharp pointy things.

Any reason you can't do the needles yourself? I realize that you will still need to get her used to standing for other people but I always do all of my vaccines myself and have never had a problem with it. It is just one less scary thing for the vet so she may get used to him easier.

Mostly 'cos I'm a wimp to be perfectly honest. Perhaps someday I'll take it on but at the moment, I'm content to let the vet do it. Other than the needle, she really likes our vet. Once the shots are out of the way she drops her head right in to his chest so he can scratch her right between the eyes...her favourite spot!