It’s not uncommon for horse owners to feel anxious about the use of sedatives in their pets, but the truth is that sedatives are commonly used, safe, and often easy to administer. In many cases, they aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Horses are powerful animals, and their size and fight-or-flight instincts can make for dangerous situations for themselves and those around them. There are also parts of a horse that aren’t physically visible or accessible to a veterinarian–such as their teeth–unless the horse is sedated and relaxed.