Spring Checklist for Horses

Spring is here and it’s time to help your horses ease into the season. Here’s a checklist of items for you.

Spring vaccinations – With good weather on the horizon, many horses will be traveling to shows, competitions, or going on trails. To make sure you’re taking a healthy horse to these events, have your horse vaccinated. You will also most probably need a Coggins test for shows and if you take your horse over state lines. Schedule your shots in late March or early April giving your horse protection from mosquito-borne diseases.

Deworming – Horses need deworming every 6-8 weeks. Alternate your dewormer to ensure the different parasites are affected and killed. Your vet can help you establish a scheduled and give you recommendations on different brands of dewormer.

Dentals – Have your vet check your horse’s teeth for sharp points or hooks. Dental exams are a regular component in health maintenance for your horse.

Ferrier – Ferrier visits are scheduled approximately every six weeks. This regular schedule will ensure there are no excessive changes in the hoof length or shape, making it easy to keep up with trimming and shoeing.

Pasture Check – Check your fences, making any repairs before the horses are turned in the pasture. Walk the pasture, looking for anything the horses can get tangled in or that can injure them. Clean out and inspect water tanks. When you first put your horses out to pasture, make sure you start slowly and build up the time gradually. Too much too soon can cause colic. My horse Shiloh’s first pasture visit in the spring is no more than 20 minutes.

Trailer Check – Inspect the lights and tires on your trailer. Check under the floor mats to make sure the floor has not rusted out. Urine can get trapped under the mats causing damage to the trailer floor.

Tack Check – Inspect your tack for any places that need to be repaired or replaced. It’s a good time to do a spring cleaning on your tack too.

Winter Blankets – Clean your blankets before you store them. You’ll be glad you did this when winter rolls around again!

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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