Return to Competition

Return to competition is an important time to consider the veterinary management of your horse.

Return to competition. 

So for many of us July has been a quiet month, the Eventers are only coming back in, the show jumpers have been on a break and the dressage riders have had a lull in competitions. But you do get the feeling that competitions are only around the corner. 

This is a great time as horses are coming back in to think about what the management needed for the coming season is. Thinking about the competition schedule is important as it will affect when we can medicate your horse. So for horses that have had joint injections for lameness issues, maybe it might be wise to assess those horses before we get going in the season and treat now when we don’t have to be concerned about swabbing. 

It is also a good time to consider the feet also. Any changes needed to be made are best done now. Is the balance right? Can we improve things? Do we need to consider what shoes we will use during the season? 

Also a great time to get the routine stuff done such as dentals and also vaccinations? Are you up to date on Strangles and Tetanus? Does your young horse need vaccinated for Herpes to help avoid the sniffles they can pick up at shows? 

It is a great time to assess those things and something to have a think about.