Will Lalor - Veterinary Advice

(19 Oct 2011)

Preferably 4-8 weeks in the field for a winter's break. The horses need down time to allow micro-traumas to heal & repair. Good for the brain too. Bare-foot ideally & good waterproof rug. Hard feed to keep condition on. Early winter worm dose (ones that covers tapeworms & bots).
Resolve any soundness issues before they are put out! Any issues/unsoundnesses neglected Autumn '11, will more than likely reappear early next season.
Talk to trainer/manager when they need to start back into work, 10-12wks before first small event, depending on individual horse etc. Get fit slowly; Eg. 2weeks walking (roads preferably), wk 3-4 introducing trotting (roads & arena), 5-6introducing arenacanter-work & lungeing long & low.
Vet Soundness Evaluation when horses are 60% fit OR after the first couple o Event. Plan for withdrawal times & missing an event, if treatment is needed.
Spring; dentist, worm dose (good time for a 5-day course of Panacur) & competition season Flu vaccination. March is a good month to vaccinate, covers horse for the whole summer of competition up until Sept ('All horses competing in FEI competitions require an influenza vaccination within six months + 21 days of the competition').
Horses to be ideally got fit with a correct fitting saddle & good 'shock-absorption' saddle-pad.

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