What Does ‘Sacking Out’ a Horse Mean?

Learn how to get your horse to accept new and scary objects or sounds.
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Systematic desensitization is a method to slowly get a horse used to a frightening stimulus while he remains in a relaxed state. It is commonly done with things that will be touching the horse, such as saddle pads, grooming towels, or stable blankets. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse
Q: What is “sacking out,” and does it benefit my horse?

A: The most effective method of “sacking out” a horse would more properly be called “systematic desensitization.” This is a method to slowly get a horse used to a frightening stimulus while he remains in a relaxed state. It is commonly done with things that will be touching the horse, such as saddle pads, grooming towels, or stable blankets. You could even use your hands.

Systematic desensitization is done in a stepwise fashion. You begin first at a bit of a distance, then approach and begin touching horse’s body where he’s least sensitive, perhaps at his shoulder. Then, progress moving your object toward and around his head and over his back, belly, haunches, and down the legs.

Most important is that you move slowly enough to not elicit strong resistance, and at any point of mild resistance you go back to the last small step that was well-tolerated before proceeding forward again. Indeed, you might want to try anything that’s going to touch a horse in the future, including a pair of clippers, both turned on and off, and those very scary spray bottles. You might also do this with sounds that might scare a horse, like those encountered on a trail or in a parade

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Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Nancy Diehl completed a master’s degree in animal science while studying stallion sexual behavior. Later, she completed a residency in large animal internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center and worked in equine practices in Missouri and Pennsylvania. Diehl also spent six years on faculty at Penn State, where she taught equine science and behavior courses and advised graduate students completing equine behavior research. Additionally, Diehl has co-authored scientific papers on stallion behavior, early intensive handling of foals, and feral horse contraception. Currently she is a practicing veterinarian in central Pennsylvania.

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