The August 1, 2021 issue of JAVMA News, the news publication of the American Veterinary Medical Association, covered the launch of the Fear Free Equine Certification Program and interviewed Stacie about how it came to be.
JAVMA News: “Equine Fear Free certification launches”
The article, by Kaitlyn Mattson, traces the program to a conversation Stacie had with Fear Free founder Dr. Marty Becker in 2018 about creating an equine program.
“We do not get enough behavioral training in school. Having a way to communicate and teach these concepts is so important.”
“I worked in one practice that was not Fear Free, and the difference in what I see in my patients and my technicians and the team and how owners respond is night and day. It makes a huge difference in how animals respond.”
The article describes the three most important concepts in the course — considerate approach, touch gradient, and gentle control — and notes that some clients now seek Stacie out specifically because she practices with Fear Free techniques. The photo accompanying the article, of a technician vaccinating a horse under Fear Free gentle control, was taken by Stacie.
Read the full article at JAVMA News. Veterinary professionals can enroll in the program at fearfreepets.com.