10 Essential Steps To Complete Before Spring Show Season and Training
The days are getting longer and sunny. You are excited about the upcoming show season. Perhaps you plan to take your horse to a trainer to learn to become a better riding companion.
These are the 10 essential steps that you need to complete before taking your horse anywhere.
Vaccines
If COVID has taught us anything it’s that our health is important and we need to practice preventative care. That goes for our horses as well.
Spring is the perfect time to have the vet come out to perform your horse’s annual check-up. This includes getting boosters or vaccines.
Springtime, before biting fly season, is the perfect time to protect your horse. Remember vaccines take a couple of weeks to become fully active in your horse’s body.
Typically your horse needs:
Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (Mosquito spread)
Equine Herpesviruses/Rhino (spread by contact between horses)
Equine Influenza (spread by contact between horses)
Tetanus Toxoid (Not transmitted. Protects horses from bacteria that enters through wounds)
West Nile (Mosquito spread)
Rabies (contact with an infected animal)
Getting your horse vaccinated is imperative for your horse’s health and just common respect for other horses at your riding stable or show.
2. Coggins
For good reason, most states require a negative Coggins test to travel and complete in equine events. The Coggins is an annual test that looks for the disease Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).
EIA is deadly and highly contagious. There is no cure. Trust me, you don’t want to be riding around someone who doesn’t test for this disease.
Read our article What is Coggins, And Why Should You Care.
3. Worming
Worming is another necessary spring health practice. Warmer sunny weather also comes with parasites emerging from the ground. Many equine worm species or their larvae live in the ground and can be ingested during foraging.
Bots, another parasite, are flies that lay eggs on your animal in the spring. The eggs may become ingested when your horse grooms himself or a friend.
These eggs hatch in the mouth and the larvae travels down the digestive system.
Horses with heavy worm loads lose weight and have a poor coat. Worms can also cause permanent damage to the digestive system. A fecal exam is a quick and inexpensive check that can be done at your vet’s office.
Are you looking to enhance your horse's overall well-being and performance? Excel supplements make a difference! Your horse will be able to reach optimal physical condition, enhancing their performance and vitality. You can pick it up at the farm or order on our website to have it shipped anywhere in the US
4. Dental
Horses need quality dental care. During the annual examination, your veterinarian will check your horse’s teeth to see if they need to be floated.
Your horse’s teeth may wear down in varying degrees causing sharp points or angles. The bit can also cause wear and tear on the teeth. A sore mouth will prohibit communication when you are riding.
Floatation is the process where your vet will file down the sharp points. This will help your horse be more comfortable and better digest its food.
5. Blacksmith
Your horse needs to have regular hoof care. Especially in spring before you start a serious riding or training program.
During the winter a horse’s feet undergo a lot of stress. Hard frozen ground, soggy wet mud, and standing in stalls can lead to poor hoof conditions.
Schedule a blacksmith to come and give your horse a trim and examine their hooves for any signs of bruising, thrush, or poor stance.
Talk with your blacksmith about your riding plans. Are you a casual fun rider, a hunter jumper competitor, or going on long endurance rides? A good blacksmith can help tailor a plan to meet your needs.
6. Nutrition
We often neglect the nutritional needs of our horses. Yes, they get grain, hay, and fresh water every day - but is that enough?
Probably not. Each horse is an individual and their nutritional needs may vary depending on their environment, workload, and stressors.
At Cork N Mane we take great pride in optimizing the nutritional needs of the horses in our care. The products we sell are ones we use everyday.
Read our blog Does Your Horse Need Vitamin E to learn about this very important nutrient.
Check out our store!
7. Skin Care
Skincare often gets overlooked during the winter especially when it’s under a fuzzy coat. The skin is actually a very large organ. In fact, the skin alone is 6% of the horse’s body weight, or 60 pounds on the average 1000 pound horse.
The skin must constantly renew itself. It protects the body from parasites, germs, and detects outside stimuli. Healthy skin goes back to #6 Nutrition.
Grooming your horse is a great way to bond and keep their coat and skin healthy. The grooming process removes dirt and dead skin cells plus it gives you the chance to check for any scratches or skin issues.
8. Excercise
Often during the winter you and your horse take a well-deserved break.
Take training and exercise slowly in the spring. Start with some lunging work. Gradually work up to flatwork and then increase the intensity when you are both ready.
Keeping your horse’s muscles healthy and strong is important as well. Start a bodywork program that reflects the needs of your horse and will help prevent them from injuries.
9. Trailering
A horse that does not travel safely is in danger. Do not wait till the last minute to introduce or reintroduce your horse to the trailer.
You should start introducing your horse to the trailer a minimum of two weeks prior to going anywhere. This will ensure that he is relaxed and comfortable during the trip.
In addition, it’s important to remember that the trailer is a vehicle. Inspect your tires, hitch, doors, and ramps for safety. The “floors” of trailers are especially vulnerable to wear and tear. Check the tops and underneath for any signs of sagging or misalignment.
Read our blog Trailer Safety: Best Practices
10. Evaluate Your Equipement
Get out all of your tack and riding equipment and check it for safety. Clean all leather and check metal grommets and clips for security.
If you use a bit make sure it’s clean and void of any rust.
Not only should your equipment be clean it needs to fit your horse properly. Check out our video on saddle fitting and let Susan know if you have questions.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Fox Run Environmental Education, mom of rescue horse rocket, and writes books for adults and children on wildlife and gardening.