I wanted to share this experience I had the other day and if anybody else here has a story similar to share as well! I had a great experience with 2 horses the other day that I wish was video taped. One horse was 30 years old, the other 12 years old. Owner was unsure when the last time their teeth were floated. Both were S5 on the sharpness scale. The 12 year old had a small hook and corresponding ulcer while the older horse had no ulcers but was missing tooth #311. The owner didn’t have a stall for them so I performed the floats under the lean-to in the paddock. Oral palpations went well, but when I began to float they both backed up, eyes wide, and heads were slightly raised but not enough to where I couldn’t continue my work. I had my hand placed softly on the nose, did a couple more file strokes and spoke to them softly telling them they would feel better in a few minutes. I rinsed my hand and blade and began again. Again, more backing up but the head wasn’t raised this time. I told them to stop being silly. I took deep breaths so the horses could follow, filed a few more strokes and exited allowing them to feel the absence of sharp points=no more oral pain! I told them, “Okay I’m starting on your other arcades now so no need to be afraid, be brave you got this.” Once I started on the other side of the mouth both horses stood beautifully and didn’t move a muscle! Just like that. I removed their oral pain, I understood them and they understood me and my intentions. I was able to finish my entire float with the horses leaning into certain spots and stepping into my blade as if they were saying, “That’s the spot, you got it. Oh thank you!.” This is the reason I am an equine dentist. This is the reason why I don’t use sedation when I don’t need to. To get an amazing emotional connection with these horses that are so grateful for you advocating for them. WHAT A DAY.