YOUNG HORSE HEALTH CHECK In the first five years of life, young horses are prone to a particular set of physical problems. Here’s what you need to know about the 5 most common challenges.

In practically any discussion of horse health, older animals tend to get the bulk of the attention. And that’s understandable---once a horse reaches his teens his risk of developing a variety of problems increases significantly. And, of course, catching and treating them early is time well spent.

But the youngest horses in a herd face their own special health challenges. Some diseases and conditions found commonly in young horses---yearlings until about the age 5---are minor, but others can be as serious as any that befall older horses. Here is a quick look at five health issues you’re most likely to see in younger horses as well as what you can do about them.