Countryside Veterinary Center

03/16/2025

Remember when your parents used to tell you to wait 30 minutes after eating before going for a swim? Unlike us, horses can actually benefit from eating forage before they exercise, as it may help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

While a variety of things can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers (medications, diet, stress, etc.), one train of thought is that these areas of irritation result as a consequence of the acid of the stomach splashing against unprotected parts of the stomach lining. When a horse eats forage, the hay can help absorb some of that acid and thus reduce the risk of ulcer formation.

It is important to note that a forage meal (one comprised of long stem hay) provides the most benefit, while eating large volumes of concentrate feeds (such as oats, corn, or other cereal grains) can actually increase the amount of acid within the stomach.
As always, please be sure to consult with your vet regarding further diagnostics and treatments if you have concerns that your horse may have gastric ulcers.

Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

03/04/2025

While we are all looking forward to warm spring days and lush green pasture, the transition from winter hay to spring grass should be planned carefully to mitigate any health risks to your equine. In other words — just because your equine friend is not obese or suffering from a nutritionally related disease, doesn’t mean you should just forget about hay entirely and let your horse eat their fill of spring grass.

Feeding high-quality hay is a good way to satisfy a horse’s urge to chew when they can’t graze and provide essential nutrients at the same time. A mature horse will eat 2-2.5% of its body weight per day; roughage should contribute to at least half of this percentage, but most agree forage should be a minimum of 75% of the horse's diet. Please remember that not all horses are made equal, so a horse's total nutritive requirements will ultimately depend on the individual's age, stage of development, metabolism and workload.

Take-home message: Before making any changes to your equine companion's diet this spring, consult your veterinarian to determine their current weight/body condition score and to formulate a balanced and nutritious ration that meets your horse’s specific nutritional needs!

02/15/2025

Equine surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage says the type and length of turnout a horse gets when healing makes a crucial difference

02/15/2025

DID YOU KNOW…?

1. Long toes increase the risk of suspensory ligament injury by 3.5 times!🤯
2. Toe grabs increase the risk of suspensory ligament injury by almost 16 times!😳

Talk to us about how to help your horse stay injury free!

11/06/2024

Anzo needs a home! 16 wk old GSD mix. Current on vaccinations. Sweet as they come!

10/04/2024

3 Indian runner ducks, free to good home

09/21/2024

I need a book keeper. Any suggestions?

06/09/2024

The devastation that has come to Brandon Brant and Eric Priest lives is shattering not only mentally, emotionally but career wise as well. They find themselves without income, without a barn, without equipment, and without the resources they once relied upon to sustain their livelihoods. As a community, it is our duty to rally around them in their time of need and offer a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.

To this end, we are organizing an auction that will serve as a lifeline for Brandon, Eric, and their families. The auction will commence on June 24th and conclude on June 26th. We are reaching out to you, our cherished community, to contribute to this noble cause.

Donations are welcome and can encompass a wide range of items and services, including but not limited to:
- Training
- Riding lessons
- A weekend riding experience with _______
- Come ride a Reiner with________
- Recipient mare leases
- Aspirations
- Complete ICSI packages
- Flush packages
- Breedings
- Sale fitting packages
- Saddles
- Bits
- Show pads
- Show clothes
- Various forms of tack
- Horses
- Photoshoots

If it can be SOLD, we will gratefully accept it!

To streamline the donation process, we have partnered with Professional Horse Services, LLC Mike and Stephanie Jennings, who have generously offered their expertise and platform to facilitate the auction. Donation forms can be found here: https://internethorseauctions.formstack.com/forms/ola_brant_priest_ola . We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jennings family for their invaluable assistance.

Please ensure all donation forms are completed and returned to Jennings by June 23rd. The SOONER the better so we can really advertise all these great donations! The Auction will start June 24th and end June 26th.

We ask each and every one of you to contribute what you can and to spread the word far and wide. Together, let us make a tangible difference in the lives of Brandon Brant, Eric Priest, and their families.

Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity.

DONATION FORM: https://internethorseauctions.formstack.com/forms/ola_brant_priest_ola

If you have any questions please call or text
Cooper Smith 903-327-3995
Chelsea Schneider Media Inc. 817-683-1767
Pro Horse Services 855-272-3905

05/27/2024

05/12/2024

The OG pilot officially retired from daily work today at 12 years old and just a few miles shy of 470,000 miles!

05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms of 2 and 4 legged children, moms-to-be, and mother figures!

03/06/2024

On the way to work on a rural country road in central Ohio a friend came upon a crate at the edge of the road with these puppies in it with a free puppies sign. Currently safe at the clinic. Will be looking for loving homes. 2 short haired are females- maybe jack russel mix. Long haired is a male- maybe Aussie or sheltie cross. Will be bathed, dewormed, and get first round of vaccines. If interested let me know or call the clinic 740-965-8111

02/16/2024

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-eurez-obituary?id=54388836

View Robert Ralph Eurez's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

01/02/2024

And just like that- breeding and foaling season is upon us! May Mother Nature treat you all kindly

12/09/2023

Baby it’s cold outside! ❄️⛄️

Many people think of donkeys as hardy, low-maintenance “small horses.” However, while they have similarities, donkeys are a completely different species and as such have a different physical, mental, and emotional make-up.

As the weather gets colder, it’s important to remember that donkeys are more sensitive to changes in temperature than their equine friends. They don’t grow a winter coat like horses and their hair is less waterproof, so they require shelter from the elements (like a run-in shed or a waterproof blanket). Being stoic animals, they also won’t show signs of discomfort and hypothermia until they are very sick.

Remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed, and other health conditions, so be sure with your primary veterinarian to address any concerns or questions!
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

10/14/2023

Tuesday Tip: Sternal/Belly Lifts

This seems simple, but your horse might disagree. This exercise of lifting the belly causes your horse to have to use his core (belly) muscles to lift his back and sternum. You should see him raise his back a few inches to stretch his lower withers and thoracic spine. If your horse is used to collecting and rounding this is likely easy, but if you horse has signs of back pain or decreased core strength you may see them act resistant to this exercise.

Visit our YouTube page to see instructions on how to perform this simple but important exercise.

If your horse is having trouble we would recommend an appointment to determine why they are struggling and form a specific plan to best first their needs. Call/Text: (937)504-1534