Health Concerns of the Boarded Horse

What to be aware of to maintain optimal health for your boarded horse
by R. Paul Schwab, DVM

Horses at a boarding facility have a unique set of circumstances that warrant extra veterinary consideration. They are typically around many other horses from different backgrounds going in and out of the facility to shows and events, potentially to other states and/or countries. Basically, boarded horses are exposed to diseases they may not have had exposure to otherwise. Other concerns that should be addressed in regards to boarding include nutrition, turnout, and basic health care, which may or may not be the horse owner’s responsibility.

Preventative Measures
Vaccinations are an important part of disease prevention for any horse; this is especially true of the boarded horse. All horses, regardless of environment and use, should be vaccinated for West Nile Disease and tetanus once per year. Horses that have limited exposure to other horses on the trails or minimal showing should be vaccinated for Equine Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis annually as well. Boarded horses or other horses that may be around multiple horses that travel all over the country often should get the Equine Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis at least every six months. The area where your horse lives will determine what other vaccines may be needed (e.g., rabies, Potomac Horse Fever, etc.) Also, if a boarding facility has had problems with Strangles, it might be wise to vaccinate for Strangles before arrival.

Good general health is important for any horse, obviously. Healthy horses can fight off bacteria and viruses that they are exposed to with their own natural immunity. Regular veterinary check-ups and good hoof and dental care can be a valuable investment in your horse’s overall health and immunity.

Nutrition is probably the most important factor in the healthy boarded horse. Who is responsible for feeding your horse? How many people feed your horse? Does your horse need a special diet, and who sees that he gets that diet? Most boarding facilities do an incredible job of taking care of multiple horses and diets at one time, but your horse may have specific dietary restrictions that should be addressed and monitored.

Maintaining Health
Parasites are always an issue but may be more of a problem at a boarding facility, depending on the housing, turnout, and number of animals present.

One advantage to keeping horses in stalls is that they are not a good environment for parasites. They are usually cleaned daily and the urine destroys many of the parasite eggs. If the hay is kept mostly off the ground, the horses don’t graze in the stall. If horses at the boarding facility are grazed together or in the same fields or paddocks, parasites are more likely to spread. Frequent fecal checks can help determine the amount of deworming appropriate for the individual horse and situation.

While we are on the subject of grazing and turnout, it’s important to remember what a horse is supposed to do in the wild: they graze most of the day over wide expanses, running, socializing, and generally being horses. Stables are not the natural environment for horses, so we need to provide them with enough stimulation to fill that void. Frequent exercise, turnout if possible, and socializing to keep their minds and bodies working can help. Boredom in horses can result in vices such as wood chewing, cribbing, and stall weaving, not to mention medical problems such as stomach ulcers and colic. Feed them multiple times a day if they don’t have turnout, and give them jobs. Horses are working animals and need something to do.

It’s our responsibility to take care of the horses we own, even if they are not at home with us every day. Considering health along with other factors when choosing a boarding facility can save you time and money down the road.