Sharing your insights
Showcase how you do the best for your horse during this year’s Horse Health Week, which runs 5-9 March
THE “Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy” (KBHH) campaign encourages horse owners to show how they are protecting their horses by championing preventative healthcare measures.
Equine veterinary adviser Vicki Farr explains: “Horse owners are well known for the great lengths they go to in caring for their horses. Now we want them to share their knowledge on preventative healthcare and be proud of what they do to protect their horses from disease and illness.”
Look for the free resources on KBHH social media, including a yard card health checklist, how-to guides and videos. There will be a chance to vote for the owner doing the best for their horse, with prizes up for grabs.
To start you thinking about how you can do the best for your equine friend, Vicki shares her top tips for keeping your horse healthy:
‘Vaccination is the best way to protect your horse’
VACCINATION IS VITAL
VACCINATION is the best way to protect your horse from infectious and contagious diseases such as influenza and tetanus. In many cases your horse doesn’t even need to leave the yard to be at risk of these diseases.
PREVENT WORMS
WORMS can be a real problem for horse health. Keep on top of it by:
Removing manure at least twice a week Do not have too many horses in the paddock Have horses on a targeted worming programme that includes worm egg counts during the grazing season.
DENTAL CARE IS KEY
THERE are two important factors that can help prevent dental problems, namely regular checkups and ensuring that your horse’s diet contains sufficient long fibre.
Yearly check-ups are fine for younger horses, but beyond the age of 12 they may be needed more often. Check with your vet to establish the best plan for your horse.
Older horses may also need support with fibre in their diet — again, speak to your vet for advice.
You can join in with Horse Health Week by liking KBHH on Facebook: @KeepingHorsesHealthy and Twitter: @KeepingHorses and use the hashtag #formyhorse to share your tips and successes. Speak to your vet to make sure your horse is on an appropriate preventative healthcare plan. #speaktoyourvet.