Maintenance Care of the Competitive Sport Horse

Today’s high level sport horse represents a significant investment of time and money. High level show jumpers, dressage horses and western performance horses often take several years to train to their upper levels, and injuries or illness can substantially affect the time to produce a winning horse. Owners and trainers are concerned that these horses receive the best possible care without excess expenses and down time. The veterinary care of such horses must take an approach of overall health and maintenance of the horse in training, not simply one of attending to lameness or illness after it occurs. Recognition of potentially serious lameness and other health issues early on may prevent significant loss of training and competition time as well as extending the horse’s career. […]