Vaccinations: Which Ones Does My Horse Need and When?

Keeping your horse protected, healthy, and competition-ready

Just like people, horses need regular vaccinations to protect them from serious — and sometimes life-threatening — diseases. But with multiple vaccines and different rules depending on your horse’s lifestyle, it can be tricky to know what’s required and when.

In this post, we’ll explain the core vaccinations all horses should have, the recommended schedules, and what extras might be needed depending on where your horse goes and what they do.

Why Vaccinate?

Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect your horse from dangerous diseases like equine influenza and tetanus. Some of these diseases are incurable or fatal, and others can spread rapidly through yards or events.

Vaccination:

• Reduces your horse’s risk of serious illness

• Minimises the spread of infectious disease

• Keeps you compliant with competition rules and insurance

• Offers peace of mind

Core Vaccinations for All Horses

1. Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium found in soil. It enters through wounds — even tiny ones — and causes severe, often fatal, muscle spasms and paralysis.

Every horse should be vaccinated for tetanus, regardless of lifestyle or age.

Schedule:

• Primary course: Two injections 4–6 weeks apart

• First booster: 12 months later

• Ongoing boosters: Every 2 years(In some situations — like post-foaling or injury — a tetanus antitoxin may also be used.)

2. Equine Influenza (Flu)

Flu is highly contagious and causes fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and poor performance. Outbreaks spread rapidly — especially in yards, at shows, or during travel.

Many competitions, riding schools, and livery yards require flu vaccinations to be up to date.

Schedule (Competition Standard):

• Primary course:

  • 1st vaccine (Day 0)

  • 2nd vaccine (21–92 days later)

  • 3rd vaccine (150–215 days after 2nd)

• Boosters:

  • Every 6 months (required for many competitions)

  • For leisure horses not competing: annual boosters may be acceptable

👉 Always check the rules of your governing body (e.g. FEI, BD, BE, Pony Club) — some have stricter requirements.

Optional / Risk-Based Vaccinations

Depending on your horse’s lifestyle, travel, and location, your vet may also recommend:

3. Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)

Causes respiratory disease, abortion in pregnant mares, and in rare cases, neurological disease.

Recommended for:

• Horses in large yards

• Young horses

• Breeding mares

Schedule:

• Two initial doses, 4–6 weeks apart

• Boosters every 6 months

4. Strangles

A highly contagious bacterial infection causing fever, abscesses, and swelling of lymph nodes.

A strangles vaccine is now available in the UK, though not mandatory. Some yards may require testing or vaccination during outbreaks.

When Should I Vaccinate?

The best time to vaccinate depends on:

• Your horse’s current vaccine history

• Competition plans

• Yard requirements

• Travel and exposure risk

We recommend:

• Foal vaccinations starting from 5–6 months

• Keeping a recorded vaccination history (in passport)

Don’t Forget the Passport

By law, vaccinations must be:

• Recorded in your horse’s passport

• Administered by a veterinary surgeon

Missing a booster can invalidate your horse’s competition eligibility — even by a single day. Set reminders, and we’re happy to help keep you on track.