Evidence of horsemanship and dogmanship and their application in veterinary contexts.
Authors: Payne E, Boot M, Starling M, Henshall C, McLean A, Bennett P, McGreevy P
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Payne and colleagues synthesised peer-reviewed evidence on horsemanship and dogmanship—the skilled, knowledgeable handling of horses and dogs respectively—to establish why these competencies matter specifically for veterinary professionals. Through a comprehensive review of behavioural literature, the authors identified three core attributes that consistently support safe, effective animal handling in clinical settings: affiliation (building rapport and trust), ensuring safety for both handler and animal, and using positive reinforcement rather than aversive techniques. These practices maintain animals in a state of moderate arousal with positive emotional affect, which research demonstrates improves compliance, reduces injury risk to handlers and animals, and enhances welfare outcomes during veterinary procedures. The implications are substantial: veterinarians and veterinary nurses who develop genuine horsemanship and dogmanship skills can expect improved personal safety, better animal welfare during examinations and treatment, and higher client satisfaction—positioning these handling competencies as core professional knowledge rather than peripheral skills. Rather than viewing animal handling as secondary to clinical knowledge, the authors argue that veterinary teams should aspire to become scholars in horsemanship and dogmanship, integrating evidence-based handling principles into their everyday practice with both equine and canine patients.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Develop horsemanship and dogmanship skills as a veterinary professional to improve your safety and animal handling effectiveness during examinations and procedures
- •Focus on maintaining animals in a moderate arousal state through positive reinforcement and affiliative interactions rather than restraint-based approaches
- •Training in animal behavior and low-stress handling techniques contributes to better welfare outcomes, client satisfaction, and team safety in your practice
Key Findings
- •Affiliation, safety, and positive reinforcement are key attributes that maintain moderate arousal and positive affect in both horses and dogs during veterinary interactions
- •Veterinarians and veterinary nurses with good horsemanship and dogmanship skills improve practitioner safety outcomes
- •Peer-reviewed evidence supports considering animals' arousal and affective state as predictors of behavior and welfare in clinical settings