(336) 998-7131

928 Farmington Rd, Mocksville, NC 27028

(336) 998-7131

928 Farmington Rd, Mocksville, NC 27028

First Time Horse Owners

• Diet - Because of their special digestive tract, horses require that the majority of their diet be made up of grass hay veterinarian about the ideal diet for your horse. • Water and electrolytes - Horses should have fresh water available at all times. In the winter, this may require carrying buckets out to the barn or breaking ice in troughs. It is also important to make sure that if horses are moved from pasture to pasture, water is available in all of them. Electrolytes levels are maintained by providing a trace mineral block. These are sometimes called salt blocks or salt licks. Make sure that your horse has one available at all times. also a host of supplements touted to enhance your horse's health. Many of them are helpful, while others are not as effective. Make sure to do your research before purchasing. • Farrier - Farriers maintain a horse's hooves. Most horses need to have their hooves trimmed every 6-8 weeks. They may also need shoes. This will depend on the work your horse is doing and the conformation of their hooves. Your farrier and veterinarian will be able help you decide that. Remember that if you have no feet, you have no horse! • Coggins Test - The Coggin's Test tests for equine infectious anemia (EIA), a deadly disease of horses transmitted by deer flies, horseflies, and mosquitos. Though it is now rare, there is no treatment and positive horses are humanely euthanized to stop the spread. Tennessee stale law requires that all horses be tested every 12 months. Some events and facilites may require more frequent testing, so call to check before going to a show, sale barn, trail ride, another state, etc. • Vaccines - Your horse will require bianual vaccines. Below they are divided into core and noncore vaccines. Core vaccines are given to all horses while non-core vaccines are administered based on risk. If your horse is previously unvaccinated or their immunization history is unknown, they may need an initial series. o Core Vaccines - Given to all horses • Rabies - annual vaccine • Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis - semi annual vaccine, best given just prior to mosquito season • West Nile Virus - annual vaccine, best given just prior to mosquito season • Tetanus - annual to semi annual vaccine, may also be given after a surgery or a laceration o Non-Core Vaccines - Given based on risk • Potomac Horse Fever - semiannual to anual vaccine, given to horses housed near water. • Strangles - semiannual to annual vaccine, given to young horses, brood mares, horses in large barns or those that travel and see other horses. • Botulism - annual vaccine, given in certain regions. • Equine Herpes Virus - given mainly to brood mares to prevent abortion, may also be given to horses in contact with them • Equine Influenza - semi annual to annual vaccine given to horses that travel and in some large barns. Each vaccination protocol must be individualized to the patient. Discussing your


• Deworming - Deworming is also a very important part of routine horse care. An effective deworming protocol is determine by taking serial fecal samples that measure parasite load and/or identify the types of parasites present, then your veterinarian will determine what products are best for your horse and how often to use them. These serial fecal samples also determine how well your current dewormers are working. Make sure that dewormers are stored in a climate controlled environment as extreme heat and cold can inactivate them. It is also important to make sure that you have an accurate estimate of your horse's weight. every 6-12 months. This is usually done when vaccines are administered • Trailer - In the event of an emergency, you may need to move your horse to a velerinary facility quickly. If you do not have your own trailer, it is very important that you find someone who would be willing to lend you theirs or drive your horse in the event of an emergency. Keep their number near your horse and programmed in your phone. • Horse Insurance - Even with most attentive care, horses are prone to accidents and disease. An insurance policy There are several insurance companies that specialize in horses. Most of them do require that you also purchase mortality insurance against the market value of the horse. We recommend purchasing the minimum amount of mortality insurance and increasing your premium of medical coverage. • Tack and Supplies - It is important to have supplies, such as brushes and blankets, that are individual to your horse. This can protect your horse from the spread of disease. It is also very important that you find an appropriate saddle In addition to fitting your budget, it must fit your body and your horse's. Tack store employees and trainers can help you find a saddle that will keep you from injuring your horse's back. Thank you again for involving us as you start this exciting new journey. Owning and working




Location

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Davie County Large Animal

Address

928 Farmington Rd
Mocksville, NC 27028

Contact Information (336) 998-7131

(336) 998-7130

Monday - Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday

Closed

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday
Closed

Our mission is to provide outstanding patient care and to create a positive and memorable customer experience.

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Proud member of:

Chi University Logo American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Logo American College of Veterinary Surgeons Logo    Equinosis Lameness Locator Logo American Association of Equine Practitioners Trailers of the East Coast Logo