As the season changes, ensure your equine companion stays happy and healthy with tips ranging from veterinary appointments to pasture management and emergency preparedness. Stay ahead of the curve to enjoy a seamless transition into the warmer months ahead.
Veterinary
Don't forget to schedule your vet for vaccines, Coggins test, dental checkups, fecal egg counts, etc. Remember that your vet will be very busy this time of year, so plan ahead and get your spring appointments on the calendar.
Nutrition
Keep a close eye on your horse's body condition. Every horses is different, but their caloric needs can change with the increase in temperature and access to better grazing.
Lush Grazing
The lush spring grass poses a risk of founder, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, due to its high sugar content and rapid growth. Horse owners should carefully monitor grazing time and implement gradual turnout to mitigate the risk of overconsumption and subsequent metabolic imbalances.
Farrier
Wet and muddy conditions can lead to various problems such as thrush. Consult with your farrier about their preferred spring protocols. Improved grazing can lead to increased hoof growth, so consider scheduling more frequent farrier visits to optimize hoof health and prevent issues.
Fly Control
Flies can lead to hoof damage from stomping as well as other issues like itchiness and stress during turnout. Have your fly sheets and sprays ready to go before the first swarm of the season! Keeps stalls clean and dry and store manure in a safe, dry place away from the barn to help control pest populations.
Conditioning
Depending on your arena access and riding routine, your horse may have had more time off over the winter. Take time to slowly progress back into harder work. Remember that they also need to acclimate to warmer temperatures, so avoid strenuous training until the horse has been able to adjust and build fitness.
Spring Cleaning
Now is the time to go through that tack box or cubby and clear away the cobwebs. Sell or donate what you don't need, and take inventory of the rest. Check your tack for any damage and repair or replace as needed.
Emergency Prep
Spring cleaning is a great time to ensure emergency preparedness. Go through your human and equine first aid kits. Toss expired products and replenish supplies.
Winter Equipment
Now is a good time to have blankets cleaned, repaired, and waterproofed. Take inventory of things like heated buckets and other winter specific items that might need fixed or replaced. Its better to have this taken care of now, rather than after the first freeze next winter.