Routine Health Care for Your Thoroughbred

Regular preventative health care is an important part of keeping your Thoroughbred healthy, comfortable and ready for life after racing.

When your horse first arrives, find out as much as you can about their previous health care, including when they were last seen by a farrier or dentist, their vaccination history, parasite management and any previous injuries or ongoing health needs.

Your veterinarian and farrier can help you establish an appropriate ongoing care plan for your horse.

Hoof care

Regular farrier care is essential, even if your horse is not being ridden.

Racehorses are shod every 4-5 weeks during their racing careers, so your horse may need time and careful management if transitioning to a different type of shoeing or going barefoot.

A farrier can assess hoof balance, growth, wear and overall hoof health and recommend an appropriate trimming or shoeing schedule. The frequency will depend on your horse, their environment and workload.

Dental care

Regular dental examinations help ensure your horse can eat comfortably and use the bit without discomfort.

Your horse's teeth should be assessed by an appropriately qualified professional, particularly if their dental history is unknown.

Signs that may warrant an earlier dental check include difficulty chewing, dropping feed, unexplained weight loss, bad breath or resistance when being ridden.

Vaccinations

Vaccination can help protect your horse against preventable infectious diseases.

Vaccination requirements will vary depending on your horse's age, previous vaccination history, location, travel, competition and level of contact with other horses.

If your horse's vaccination history is unknown, talk to your veterinarian about establishing an appropriate vaccination programme.

Parasite management

Good parasite management involves more than simply worming your horse at regular intervals.

Your veterinarian can help you develop an appropriate parasite control programme based on your horse's circumstances. This may include faecal egg counts, targeted treatment and good pasture management.

Avoid unnecessary treatment, as overuse of deworming products can contribute to parasite resistance.

Keep good records

Keep a simple record of your horse's routine health care, including veterinary visits, vaccinations, dental treatment, farrier appointments and parasite management.

These records can help you identify when care is due and provide useful information if your horse changes homes in the future.

Every horse is different

There is no single health care schedule that suits every Thoroughbred.

Age, health history, workload, environment and individual needs will all influence the care your horse requires. If you're unsure where to start, a veterinary health check and farrier assessment are good first steps after welcoming a new Thoroughbred.