Spring and Fall are the best times for semiannual routine vet care. This includes vaccines, fecal, Coggins, dental float, and possibly dewormer.

Let’s break that down: your horse should be receiving specific vaccines every six months (Spring and Fall), based on your veterinarian's recommendation. Proof of vaccinations is required for shows — both schooling and rated shows. Vaccinations must be current within the past six months for equine influenza and equine herpes virus.

Fecal tests should be done one to two times annually prior to deworming to determine if your horse needs dewormer and which kind is needed. Worms continue to become more resistant to deworming medication, and administering these medications when unnecessary can lead to ineffective treatment.

(NOTE: Some insurance programs, such as Arenus ColiCare, Platinum Performance, and SmartPak, require annual fecal exams — check your policies!)

Drawing blood for a Coggins during scheduled routine care guarantees your horse is qualified to cross state lines or go to a facility where it is required within the next year. No one needs the stress of an “emergency” Coggins test!