Preventative care is almost always cheaper and less stressful than treating a problem after it develops. A consistent schedule of vaccinations, dental work, farrier visits, and parasite control keeps small issues from becoming emergencies.
Why Prevention Matters
Many serious equine health problems, from colic to lameness to dental disease, are far easier and cheaper to prevent than to treat. Regular preventative care also means your veterinarian gets to know your horse's normal baseline, making it easier to catch subtle changes early.
Building a Care Schedule
Work with your veterinarian to set a yearly schedule covering core vaccines, an annual dental float, fecal egg counts to guide deworming, and routine farrier visits every 6 to 8 weeks.
Fecal egg counts let your vet target deworming to what your horse actually needs, rather than rotating dewormers on a fixed schedule regardless of parasite load.
Keeping Health Records
Keep a simple written or digital log of vaccinations, dental work, and any health issues. This record is invaluable for your vet, and essential if you ever sell, lease, or need emergency care while traveling.
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