Stafford Equine Veterinary Services

07/09/2025

07/08/2025

It’s ! Let’s take a moment to celebrate and thank our farriers!

Proper foot care is the cornerstone of maintaining a sound horse, and a good farrier is an essential part of your equine's healthcare team, keeping your horse’s feet balanced and well-supported. Farriers and veterinarians often work together for the best interests of the horse, so a skilled farrier is both a necessity and a tremendous asset. Be sure to let your farriers know they are appreciated!

07/04/2025

07/01/2025

With the just around the corner, now is a good time to make preparations to keep your horses, farm animals and pets safe during any fireworks that will be happening in your area. 🎆

The graphic below lists some tips to get you started. If your horses are staying out overnight, be sure to check your fencing ahead of time and neutralize any hazards like rocks, branches or holes that could lead to injury if the animals start bolting. If you are really worried about your horse's safety, consult your veterinarian about calming agents and sedatives.

No matter what your Independence Day plans are, above all please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so EVERYONE may have an enjoyable celebration. Happy 4th!

Thank you to our Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

06/28/2025

As a large portion of the country continues to experience extreme heat, it's imperative that horse owners do their due diligence to keep their horses safe and healthy during heat waves.

One of the side effects of the heat for some horses is the inability to sweat properly. This condition, called anhidrosis, is potentially dangerous for horses because it compromises their ability to thermoregulate even in weather that doesn’t seem that hot, and therefore puts them at higher risk of heat stress.

Anhidrosis is not fully understood yet; it is widespread in the hot and humid regions of the southeastern United States and the Gulf states, but it is also widely reported elsewhere during the summer and particularly during heat waves. If your horse has a high respiratory rate and does not seem to tolerate turnout on hot days, be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian.

Remember that administering unnecessary medications without consulting your horse doctor first could do more harm than good, as it puts your equine friend at risk of developing harmful side effects!

06/20/2025

Happy first day of summer! ☀️

As the temperatures heat up, unfortunately some of our equine friends struggle to sweat properly in the summer heat, which can put them at an increased risk of heat stress.

Though there is limited evidence in regard to effective treatments for horses diagnosed with anhidrosis (the inability to sweat properly), there are a few therapies that have been proposed to help, including offering horses dark beer!

Overall, watch closely for signs of heat stress if your horse is diagnosed with anhidrosis. During the summer months, monitor your horse's response to the heat and ensure they are sweating an appropriate amount. If you have concerns about your horse's ability to sweat, please contact your veterinarian.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

06/17/2025

An education from the Pony Club program can take you places…like the top levels of equestrian sport, which includes the leaderboards for the 4* and 5* events during the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE). It was a thrilling weekend as Pony Club fans and members tracked their favorite riders and role models. In addition, members stayed busy in a variety of other events provided by the United States Pony Clubs.
Read the full wrap-up at bit.ly/pony-club-2025-kentucky-three-day

06/17/2025

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO TELL IF YOUR HORSE IS IN DISTRESS?

As a horse owner, it's imperative you know how to recognize problems and respond promptly. It's important to know what conditions require veterinary attention, and how to take appropriate action while you're waiting for the veterinarian's arrival.

Types of emergencies you and your horse may encounter on your journey together include colic; lacerations and bleeding wounds; impaled objects or nails in the foot; acute lameness due to conditions ranging from hoof abscess to fractures, laminitis, tendon injuries and more; eye injuries; allergic reactions; choke; and even foaling emergencies.

No matter what you may face in the future, getting to know your horse's normal vital signs (including temperature, pulse and respiration) as well as its normal behavior patterns will help you become a good observer, so that you readily recognize signs of ill health. Being prepared is in your horse's best interest.

Always remember, your veterinarian is one of your best resources. Talk to them about how they can be reached after-hours, and about recommendations for an emergency plan suitable for your individual situation.

06/13/2025

📢 NEEDED: HAIR SAMPLES FROM FRIESIANS WITH MEGAESOPHAGUS‼️‼️

We are seeking hair samples from purebred Friesian horses with suspected or confirmed megaesophagus as we work towards a reliable genetic test. Please note: samples are for research purposes only, not commercial testing. Owners will not receive a result or interpretation of the analysis.

✅ Purebred Friesian horse
✅ Suspected megaesophagus
✅ Confirmed megaesophagus
✅ Pulled hair sample (includes root bulb where DNA is located)
✅ Worldwide - we can receive samples from any country
⚠️ Deceased Friesians - ONLY if the hair was pulled (not cut)
❌ Cut hair samples (hair root bulb must be attached)
❌ Crossbred Friesians
❌ Other breeds

Confidentiality is assured. Please consider sending a sample! 🙏

Hair Sample Submission Form:https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/_files/ugd/588c21_2fd2e11b3c434b87aba130f9dfb9ed2c.pdf

Learn more about megaesophagus in Friesian Horses: https://www.fenwayfoundation.com/megaesophagus

06/13/2025

As the temperatures rise and the sun stays out longer, make sure your equine friends are adequately protected from harmful UV rays. ☀️

Hot summer weather puts horses at risk not only for dehydration and heat stress but also the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn— just like humans.

A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it's important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.

In addition to the pain and discomfort, horses that are prone to recurrent sunburn may also face other long-term consequences, like the increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).

If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your equine protected this summer.

06/13/2025

What measures have you taken to reduce fire risks in your barn? 🧯

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2024 there were 64,897 wildfires reported, consuming 8,924,884 acres in the U.S. As we head into the hottest time of the year, make sure your farm has a fire prevention plan and an evacuation strategy in place to keep both equines and people safe.

Check out the graphic for ten fire prevention measures to get you started on the right track to a safer facility. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and we invite you to contact your local fire department and your veterinarian for guidance on designing a prevention and response plan tailored to your specific situation.

Barn fires are the number one local emergency affecting agricultural facilities. They can cause horrific injuries and kill more equines than any other type of disaster, so being prepared is only in your best interest!