Health Check & Vet Partnership: Summer Wellness for Your Horse

As the warmer months settle in around Ashurst, proactive health management is your best defense against seasonal risks. Partnering closely with your vet ensures that your horse’s vaccination schedule and parasite control strategy are tailored to local challenges—keeping them comfortable, protected, and performance‑ready all summer long.

Essential Summer Vaccinations
Tetanus boosters are non‑negotiable year‑round, but summer can bring additional threats. In our region, the risk of insect‑borne illnesses like West Nile virus or equine influenza often peaks when insects are most active. Talk to your vet about which “risk‑based” vaccines make sense for your horse’s lifestyle—whether that’s turnout near wetlands, frequent travel to shows, or simply shared paddocks with neighboring barns. Your vet will factor in local disease prevalence, your horse’s age and workload, and any travel plans to develop a bespoke vaccination timetable.

Targeted Worming Strategy
Blanket deworming can drive resistance in parasite populations, making it harder to protect your horse over time. Instead, switch to a summer worm‑count approach: submit a faecal egg count (FEC) sample every 8–12 weeks so you only treat those animals shedding high parasite loads. This not only cuts down on unnecessary chemical exposure but also preserves dewormer efficacy by slowing resistance build‑up. Work with your vet or an equine parasitologist to interpret FEC results and choose the right class of anthelmintic on an as‑needed basis.

By staying vigilant on vaccinations and adopting a data‑driven worming plan, you’ll give your horse the healthiest foundation to enjoy sunny hacks, busy show schedules, or lazy field days ahead. A strong vet partnership means expert guidance, tailored protocols, and peace of mind—so you can focus on making the most of every summer moment with your equine companion.