On October 7, 2025, EQUUS Magazine published “3 Skills Every Rescue Horse Needs,” written by Stacie — a companion to her May 2025 piece, “3 Skills Every Adopted Horse Needs,” this time aimed at horses in the early stages of rehabilitation from abuse or neglect. The three skills are the same foundation — leading, hoof handling, and tolerating injections — taught with the particular patience a rescue case requires.
3 Skills Every Rescue Horse Needs
By Stacie G. Boswell, DVM, DACVS-LA — EQUUS Magazine, October 7, 2025
On what rescue work is actually like:
Through my veterinary practice, I have been along for the roller coaster ride that rescue cases often become. I have experienced the joy of nursing a horse back to health, and watching him become strong and confident. I have also watched horses die despite every person’s best efforts to save them. And, while there are no guarantees, I know rescue horses do best when owners have up-to-date information and a network of support.
On why leading is the first and hardest ask:
Some have never had a roof over their heads, so manmade shelter is an entirely new experience. Being in a confined space also takes away the horse’s main defense: to run. Trusting you when that defense is eliminated is a big step for the horse.
And the rhythm of teaching an injection-shy horse that a needle is nothing to fear:
The first step in mine is to ensure that the horse accepts being touched on the muscular region of the neck where injections are administered. It is even better if he will accept mildly unpleasant stimuli, such as a poke of a finger or a pinch. It works like this: rub, rub, rub, pet, pet, pet, poke, treat, treat, rub, rub, pet, pet, pinch, treat, treat.
Read the full article at EQUUS Magazine. For the complete guide to rehabilitating horses from neglect, Stacie’s book, The Ultimate Guide for Horses in Need, is available directly from Stacie or from Trafalgar Square Books.