General Horse Care

VACCINES: Encephalitis is given every six months. Tetanus and Rabies is given once yearly. Rhino, Flu, Strangles and Potomac Horse Fever is given as needed depending on your situation and on your horses exposure.

COGGINS TESTING: Coggins test and general health exam are performed once yearly.

FARRIER CARE: Hooves should be trimmed at least every six to eight weeks.

DEWORMING: Depending on your horses exposure, worming should be done every 2 months, rotating between ivermectin and strongid paste. Once a year a double dose of strongid paste should be given to take care of any tapeworms.

SAND COLIC PREVENTION: Feed psyllium weekly with grain ration. The amount fed may be adjusted depending on exposure.

FEEDING: Good quality grass or hay needs to be available. Feed a complete ration to supplement diet as needed for condition. Provide minerals, in block or loose form, free choice as a supplement to diet. *Fly spray twice a day or as often as needed during the time of year when insects are a problem. Maintain fly control around barn and areas that the horses are fed. Fly masks are a good idea to keep flies away from eyes as well as protecting a fair skinned horse from sunburn around the eyes. *Every situtation has different requirements.

Call your Veterinarian for your horses specific needs.

Above provided as a public service by Elizabeth L. Brown, D.V.M., Bradenton, Florida, 941-745-1513.