What can handlers do to make a trailer a less stressful environment for horses?

Providing a familiar scent in the trailer is an effective method to create a less stressful environment for horses. Horses rely heavily on their sense of smell, and familiar scents can have a calming effect. By placing items that smell like the horse's home or companions in the trailer, it can help reduce anxiety and encourage the horse to feel more secure in the unfamiliar environment.

This approach aligns with the principles of Fear Free practices by using environmental modifications to help animals feel more at ease. For example, bedding or blankets that carry the owner's scent or the scent of a trusted companion can provide comfort and familiarity. This strategy recognizes how sensory information impacts the emotional state of horses and helps facilitate a more positive experience during transportation.