Spring Vaccinations

"What shots should I give my horse?" is a question my staff and I get asked pretty much year round. The answer always depends on what you do with your horse. From showing every weekend to never leaving the pasture, horses face many different immunity challenges.

You should always check with your veterinarian to be sure your horses are vaccinated for diseases prominent in your area. With that said, we will list AAEP (American Association of Equine Practioners) recommended vaccines:

EWT with West Nile Rhino /Flu Strangles/Pinnacle IN Rabies Your horse should be boostered 3 to 4 weeks after receiving these vaccines for the first time. Foals and pregnant mares will require different vaccine protocol, so again, it is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian.

Even if your horse never leaves your farm or ranch, there are diseases he should be vaccinated for. An annual EIA test, (coggins) should be performed in most states and every 6 months in others. It is also beneficial to have your horse examined annually, as this is a good time to look at teeth and determine if they need attention.

Some horses that are shown heavily are even given some vaccinations several times a year, such as Rhino and Strangles. Your veterinarian and you can decide what the best strategy is for your horse.