Spring Horse Health: What Your Vet Looks For
- Ella Riley CertNCS (VCC), RVCCA
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Spring is a time of change for horses, longer daylight hours, improved grass growth, and increased workload as riding and competition pick up. It’s also an ideal time to assess your horse’s health and address any issues early, before they become more significant problems later in the year.
During a spring health check, your vet will look at several key areas to help ensure your horse is comfortable, healthy, and ready for the season ahead.
Body Condition and Weight
As grass quality improves, your vet will assess:
Body condition score
Weight changes since winter
Muscle tone and topline
Spring grass can lead to rapid weight gain in some horses, increasing the risk of laminitis. Others may struggle to regain condition after winter. Early assessment allows feeding and management to be adjusted appropriately.
Feet and Lameness
Changes in ground conditions and increased exercise can highlight underlying issues.
Your vet will check:
Hoof health and balance
Signs of lameness or stiffness
Joint comfort and range of motion
Early detection can help prevent minor issues becoming more serious as workload increases.
Teeth and Eating Habits
Dental problems can contribute to weight loss and poor performance, particularly as forage intake changes.
Your vet may:
Review dental history
Recommend a dental examination if due
Assess chewing efficiency and jaw comfort
Most horses benefit from annual dental checks, with some requiring more frequent assessments.
Parasite Control
Spring is an important time for reviewing worming programmes.
Your vet will consider:
Recent faecal egg count results
Tapeworm risk
Pasture management and grazing arrangements
A targeted worming plan helps protect your horse while reducing unnecessary treatments.
Skin and Coat Condition
Spring brings shedding coats and changing skin health.
Your vet will look for:
Signs of skin infections or mud fever
Hair loss or irritation
Parasites such as lice or mites
Addressing skin issues early helps prevent discomfort as temperatures rise.
Vaccinations and Preventative Care
Spring is often a convenient time to:
Check vaccination status
Plan boosters around competition schedules
Review preventative healthcare plans
Keeping vaccinations up to date helps protect both your horse and others on the yard.
Behaviour and Performance Changes
Subtle behavioural changes can indicate discomfort.
Your vet may ask about:
Girthiness or reluctance to work
Changes in attitude or performance
Appetite or routine changes
These signs can be early indicators of issues such as gastric ulcers, back pain, or low-grade lameness.
In Summary
Spring health checks allow your vet to identify potential problems early, tailor management advice, and help your horse transition comfortably into the new season.
If you have concerns about your horse’s health or would like to book a spring health check, please contact the practice for advice or an appointment.
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