Spring Into Action: A Horse’s Guide to Blooming Health and Fitness

Holly J. Helbig, DVM, Equine Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis

2/3/25

Ah, spring. That magical time of year when flowers bloom, birds sing and horses … well, they start to shed enough hair to knit a sweater for a small village. As an equine ambulatory veterinarian, I’ve seen the joys and tribulations of springtime horse care up close and personal. Spring brings not only the promise of warmer days and exciting competitions but also a slew of health-care considerations for our four-legged athletes. Fear not! I’m here to guide you through the process with a mix of humor, practical advice and, of course, a story or two from the field.

The ultimate spring horse care checklist

1. Shedding the winter coat: The furry tsunami

First order of business is dealing with the incredible amount of hair your horse decides to shed. Daily grooming is key—not just for your horse’s comfort and health but to save your barn from becoming a giant hairball. Use a curry comb, shedding blade and a lot of elbow grease. Consider it your spring workout plan; who needs a gym membership?

2. Hoof care: From snow boots to sneakers

Winter can be tough on your horses’ hooves. With spring on the horizon, it’s time for a pedicure. Schedule a visit with your farrier to address any issues like thrush, which thrives in wet conditions, or to adjust shoeing for the upcoming training season. Healthy hooves are the foundation of a happy horse.

3. Dental check: The overlooked spring cleaning

Just like us, horses need regular dental care. Spring is a great time for your vet to perform a dental exam and address any issues before the heavy work begins. A horse with dental problems is like a car with misaligned tires; performance will definitely be affected.

4. Keep your horse “jointly springing into action”

As spring rolls around, horses everywhere are shaking off the winter cobwebs and getting ready to frolic in the fields. But let's not forget about their precious joints. It's like they're gearing up for a horse version of “Dancing with the Stars,” but without the judges, sequins, or Bruno Tonioli commentary. So, as we bid adieu to the winter stiffness, let's ensure our equine pals have the joint support they need to strut their stuff without any "ouch" moments. After all, nobody wants to see a horse attempting the foxtrot with a limp!

5. Equine vaccine checklist: Your spring health shield

Spring vaccinations are crucial to help protect your horse from diseases that can wreak havoc on their health and training schedule. Here’s a simplified vaccine checklist, brought to you by Zoetis, because we love keeping things straightforward:

Core vaccines: The non-negotiables

Tetanus: Because horses and rusty nails have an inexplicable attraction
Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE): Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they’re a health risk
West Nile virus (WNV): See above; mosquitoes are the enemy
Rabies: It’s rare but devastating. Better safe than sorry

Did you know? Core EQ Innovator^® is the first and only vaccine to help protect horses against all five potentially fatal equine diseases in one injection. Visit Zoetis’ vaccines webpage to learn more.

Risk-based vaccines: Tailored to your horse’s lifestyle

Influenza: The equine flu can sideline your training faster than you can say “cough”
Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1/EHV-4): Especially crucial for horses in contact with many others, like at shows or boarding facilities
Strangles: If your horse is social or travels, this vaccine is a consideration

Region-specific vaccines: Depending on where you live, other vaccines might be necessary. Always consult with a veterinarian (hey, like me!) to tailor the vaccination program to your horse’s specific needs. For example, if your horse is at a greater risk for respiratory diseases like equine influenza and herpesvirus, your veterinarian may recommend Fluvac Innovator® EHV-4/1.

Show Jumper, Gaby Reutter’s Travel Checklist

Peek behind the curtain to see how Gaby Reutter partners with her veterinarian to ensure her horses stay in top health before, during and after competitions. Download the biosecurity checklist to learn more.

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6. Pasture management: The grass is always greener

After being cooped up all winter, horses are eager to graze. Make sure your pastures are ready. Early spring is the time to fertilize and seed as necessary. Avoid having too many horses and/or other livestock on the pasture at once and keep grass between 4 and 8 inches. Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing, control parasites and ensure a lush, green buffet for your horses all season long.

Oh, but not too lush for our insulin-resistant horses who may benefit from a grazing muzzle. They are like lawnmowers with a sweet tooth, munching on grass as if they’re auditioning for a role in “Carbohydrate Chaos: The Equine Edition.” Your horse might think they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet, but we’re here to remind them that summer bods are made in the spring.

7. Fecal egg counts: Tales from the tail-end

Ah, the glamorous world of fecal egg counts. While the process may seem less than glamorous, it’s a vital aspect of equine healthcare, helping to safeguard the well-being of our four-legged companions. By examining a horse’s feces for the presence and quantity of parasite eggs, veterinarians can determine the effectiveness of deworming protocols and tailor treatment plans to each individual horse’s need: because nothing says “bonding experience” like examining poop samples together with your veterinarian. So, grab your gloves and let’s dive into the delightful world of equine excrement analysis — it’s a crappy job, but someone’s gotta do it! Experts recommend less frequent yet targeted deworming practices (to avoid potential parasitic resistance), based on a horse’s age, life-stage and geographic zone.² Here is a quiz to help you determine the right dewormer for your horse to ask your veterinarian about at the next wellness exam.

For adult horses in the spring, the American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends moxidectin, the active ingredient in Quest^® Gel — the experts’ ingredient of choice against small strongyles.¹

8. Pest control: The bug battle

With spring comes bugs, and with bugs come diseases. Implementing a pest control plan is key. This includes managing standing water, using fly predators or traps and keeping your barn as clean as possible to discourage unwanted guests.

9. Facility maintenance

Who needs CrossFit when you’ve got barn chores? It’s time to channel your inner DIY guru and tackle those springtime projects like a pro. From mucking stalls to fixing fences, it’s a workout worthy of an Olympic Medal. Just remember to stretch - those hay bales aren’t going to lift themselves!

Spring is a time of renewal, and with the right preparation, it can set the stage for a year of great health and performance for your horse. Remember, every horse is an individual, so while checklists and guidelines are great, nothing beats personalized care from a team who knows your horse inside and out. Here’s to a spring filled with sunny rides, happy horses and, maybe, just maybe, a little less hair.

Happy Spring Training!

Holly Helbig, DVM, for Zoetis

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use Quest Gel or Quest Plus Gel in foals less than 6 months of age or in sick, debilitated and underweight horses. Do not use these products in other animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.

References

American Association of Equine Practitioners. AAEP parasite control guidelines. https://aaep.org/guidelines/parasite-control-guidelines. Accessed by June 2024.