Many horse owners wait until something goes wrong before calling the vet, but by then, the problem is often harder—and more expensive—to fix. Routine care may not feel exciting, but it’s the foundation of good horsemanship.
Let’s take a closer look at why these checkups matter so much, what they include, and how to make the most of every visit.
Preventing Problems Before They Start
Horses are masters at hiding discomfort. In the wild, showing weakness can make an animal a target, and that instinct remains deeply ingrained even in our pampered pasture partners. A horse may continue to eat, work, and seem fine until a problem becomes serious.
Regular veterinary visits allow a trained professional to notice subtle signs you might miss—slight weight loss, uneven wear on teeth, or a faint lameness when trotting in a straight line. Early detection can mean the difference between a quick treatment and months of recovery.
Preventive care also saves money in the long run. A routine dental float or vaccination costs far less than treating a severe infection, colic surgery, or chronic hoof disease. In other words, prevention is not only kinder—it’s cheaper.
The Annual (or Biannual) Physical
Think of your horse’s vet checkup as the equivalent of a yearly physical exam. Most healthy adult horses do well with one full exam per year, while seniors, youngsters, and horses in hard work benefit from two.
During a routine exam, your vet will usually:
- Check vitals – heart rate, respiration, and temperature.
- Listen to the heart and lungs for murmurs or irregular rhythms.
- Assess body condition and muscle tone.
- Inspect eyes, ears, and nose for discharge or signs of infection.
- Examine hooves and legs for swelling, cracks, or heat.
- Evaluate teeth and mouth for sharp points, uneven wear, or ulcers.
- Review diet and workload to ensure nutritional balance.
Some vets will also perform a brief gait evaluation, palpate the back, or test reflexes if there’s any concern about performance or comfort.
It’s a comprehensive snapshot of your horse’s health—one that helps you track changes over time.
Vaccinations and Deworming
A major part of any regular checkup is staying up to date with vaccinations and parasite control. Even if your horse doesn’t travel or show, diseases like tetanus and West Nile Virus are spread by the environment and insects.
Core vaccines typically include:
- Tetanus
- Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)
- West Nile Virus
- Rabies
Depending on your area and your horse’s lifestyle, your vet might also recommend boosters for influenza, rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1/4), strangles, or Potomac Horse Fever.
Deworming protocols have changed in recent years. Instead of dosing every few months, most vets now recommend fecal egg counts to determine if and when deworming is needed. This targeted approach helps prevent drug resistance while keeping your horse’s gut healthy.
Dental Care – A Crucial Part of Wellness
Equine dental health is often overlooked, yet it plays a major role in your horse’s comfort and performance. Uneven wear, sharp points, and hooks can cause pain, difficulty chewing, and even behavioral issues under saddle.
During a routine visit, your vet (or an equine dentist working alongside them) will examine your horse’s teeth and recommend a float if needed. Floating smooths sharp edges and balances the bite, ensuring your horse can chew effectively and maintain weight.
Horses with dental problems may drop feed, develop bad breath, or resist the bit—all subtle clues that something’s off. Regular checkups catch these early, before they affect condition or attitude.
Monitoring Weight and Nutrition
Because horses are large animals that rely on consistent digestive function, weight management is critical. Obesity increases the risk of laminitis and metabolic disease, while underweight horses struggle with energy, muscle development, and immune health.
Your vet can help you calculate your horse’s body condition score (BCS) and discuss dietary adjustments. This might include changing hay types, adding fat or fiber sources, or modifying feed based on workload and season.
Many owners find it helpful to take photos and body measurements every few months. Over time, these small records show trends that might not be visible day to day.
Hoof Health and Lameness Detection
The old saying “no hoof, no horse” remains as true as ever. Even with a farrier visiting regularly, your vet’s perspective is invaluable. A vet can identify subtle signs of imbalance, abscess formation, white line disease, or early arthritis that may not yet cause visible limping.
Some vets work hand-in-hand with farriers to design corrective shoeing or trimming plans. This partnership can extend your horse’s athletic life and prevent long-term joint strain.
Senior Horse Considerations
Just like humans, horses’ needs change as they age. Senior horses (generally 15 and older) often need twice-yearly exams to monitor for Cushing’s disease, arthritis, and dental wear. Bloodwork may help track kidney and liver function, while joint evaluations can guide pain management plans.
A good vet will help you balance quality of life, exercise, and diet for your senior horse. With attentive care, many horses stay rideable and happy well into their twenties—or beyond.
Building a Relationship with Your Vet
The best vet care happens when you have an ongoing, trusting relationship with your veterinarian. Your horse’s health history, vaccination record, and even their quirks become familiar to the vet, which makes diagnosing problems faster and more accurate.
Don’t think of the vet as someone you call only in emergencies. Use those regular visits to ask questions, learn, and discuss goals. Most vets love working with engaged owners who want to understand what’s going on.
Keeping a logbook of treatments, vaccines, and observations helps too. Bring it out during each visit so nothing gets forgotten or duplicated.
The Cost Factor – Why It’s Worth It
It’s easy to worry about vet bills, especially when everything seems fine. But skipping checkups to save money often backfires. A yearly exam might cost less than a month’s board, but it could save you thousands in emergency care later.
Budgeting a little each month toward preventive veterinary expenses keeps those costs predictable. Think of it as insurance for your horse’s health—and your peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
Regular veterinary checkups aren’t a luxury; they’re the backbone of responsible horse ownership. Your vet is your partner in keeping your horse strong, sound, and comfortable for years to come.
By staying proactive, scheduling routine visits, and paying attention to the small details, you’re not just maintaining health—you’re nurturing the bond that makes horse ownership so rewarding.
In short: A healthy horse is a happy horse, and a happy horse makes a happy rider.
