Becker Equine

09/08/2024

Becker Equine and working together on a complex dental case with oral extraction, sinus trephination and a lot more.

09/08/2024

18/07/2024

👏🙌👏

14/07/2024

The summer heat and sun won't be letting up any time soon, so 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 horse protected this summer.

27/06/2024

🙌🙏👏

RGR Pony Club is excited to be sending 20 members to Kentucky for the National Championships! This competition only happens once every other year and we are proud that so many were able to qualify!

We would love to thank the Championship sponsors that help make this trip possible!

Becker Equine
Foxtail Farm
LHS Equestrian LLC
Katrina Natwick Eventing & Dressage

14/02/2024

Do you have a plan for your horse’s unexpected medical expenses? (Read, for example: can you afford colic surgery if it comes to it?)

Whether a horse is purchased for personal or business reasons, horse ownership represents a significant investment of time, money, and resources. While nothing may easy the emotional burden, wise planning can at least help reduce the economic impacts should something happen to your precious companion.

There are many types of coverage available to the horse owner and the conditions can vary widely between companies. Common types of coverage available for horses are listed (but not limited to what you see) in the graphic. Some equine insurers may require an insurance examination certificate signed by a veterinarian before a policy will be issued for a horse, however that does not mean your veterinarian can attest for the insurability of the animal — your veterinarian can only respond to questions of which he or she has direct knowledge, reporting the medical facts to the best of his or her ability.

Regardless of the circumstances, never ask or expect your veterinarian to report a claim to the insurance company or to be an expert with regards to your insurance policy. This is your responsibility as the owner and if you have questions regarding your policy be sure to ask your insurance agent!

24/01/2024

Coming into 2024 has some exciting new services to offer.

From conception to competition and through retirement our goal at is to be there for your horses care as a teammate for life.

Becker Equine is an equine veterinary service providing routine & ambulatory specialized care in the

20/01/2024

FUN FACT FRIDAY! Are you familiar with the many adaptations that help your horse stay warm during the cold winter months?

🌾 Hindgut digestion of hay produces the most heat, acting as a small furnace inside of the horse. This is why free choice, good quality hay is so important in the winter.

💪 Horses have a huge muscle mass and muscle activity produces heat. This includes running and playing and even shivering if their body temperature starts to drop. It is important to remember that these activities also will result in a bigger caloric demand so free choice hay and in some cases, grain, is often needed.

🧥 To blanket or not to blanket is a constant debate but either way, as it starts to get cold your horse will grow a thicker coat. If you decide to leave your horse unblanketed you may notice that they look “fluffy”. This is due to a phenomenon called piloerection where the hair stands up to better trap air within. Two layers of the coat also help with warmth. The inner layer is softer and has air pockets to create an insulating layer. The outer layer is coarse and has oils that keep moisture from penetrating the insulating layer and keep the horse warm.

⚖️ Wild horses go into the winter heavier than ideal and the fat serves as an extra layer of insulation. However, if a horse is going to be kept heavily blanketed and in a barn during the cold weather months this is unnecessary and can lead to obesity related issues.

🦵Their distal limbs (below the knees and hocks) are made of mostly bones and tendons, tissues that are resistant to the cold temperatures.

🦶The hooves have an alternative route of blood circulation through larger vessels that can be used in low temperatures. This is why horses can stand in snow without detrimental effects.

👃A horse’s nose has a robust blood supply and is rounded so that it is less susceptible to frostbite than a human’s nose.
•
Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

08/01/2024

During these cold winter days you may be thinking about offering bran mashes to your horse as a warm, comforting treat and also as a way to help prevent colic due to the higher fiber content of bran. This, however, is an outdated concept and nutritionists point out several potential problems associated with feeding bran mash too often—namely, an imbalance of the dietary calcium-phosphorus ratio that could lead to bone disorders, and a disruption of the healthy fermentation patterns in the horse’s intestinal tract.

The best way to help your horse stay warm this winter is by increasing forage 🌾 and providing shelter 🏠 during a cold snap. And as far as the risk of colic, your first line of defense is to provide plenty of water to keep your horse hydrated. 💦

As always, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information; contact them to learn more about feeding mashes (they are typically not an issue if fed as the occasional treat) and colic prevention this winter.
•
Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

26/12/2023

Merry Christmas from our family to you and yours! 🌲

11/12/2023

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!
•
Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

11/12/2023

Good Reminder!

BECKER EQUINE practices across different states and countries, interacting with several different weather patterns at the moment!

Right now, the atypical cold and snow in Texas is a huge concern for most horse owners.

We strongly suggest to our people to encourage their horses to drink water. Initially, luke warm water might be enough. If not, do not hesitate spray their hay with salty water. Sometimes it takes a little sweet feed, apple juice or flavored electrolyte in the water. Adding water to their regular grain also helps increase the daily the water intake.

For blankets when it’s this cold instead of adding lots of layers that don’t breath well we have had luck in Minnesota and Vermont adding a fleece or wool cooler for the nighttime to hold in warmth but also keep the moisture off them. When it comes to blanketing we have found it very much varies from horse to horse (body clipped/regularly blanketed/conditions they are used to) so more than anything somewhere to escape the wind is key. During cold weather, you often see horses outside their shed but they are always hiding way from the wind.

If you have any question, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Becker Equine is created and run by an extreme diverse group of people, working towards a single goal - “be there for you and your horses needs”.

Photo credit

24/08/2023

Back to another hot one here today in Texas!

Copied here is a reminder that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse and is necessary for your equine friend to maintain normal body functions. An idle, 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day; but depending on the temperature and on the conditions in which the horse is exercised, the total water intake can increase up to 30 gallons per day.

All horses need clean, good-quality water at all times and regardless of the season. Be sure to clean outdoor water troughs at least every couple of weeks to remove debris and algae, and stall water buckets should be emptied and rinsed daily. If you have an automatic water system, don't forget to check it daily as there could be a malfunction that would result in your horses not getting adequate amounts of water.

Info courtesy of AAEP! 🙏

05/07/2023

July 4: Loco Mosquito Come & Take It Jackpot :: Snook Rodeo Arena :: Snook, TX featuring Daisy Duke's BBQ September 8: The New D :: Brazos County Expo :: Bryan, TX (South Arena) September...

08/06/2023

As we roll into summer, it’s an excellent time to deworm your barn! Penacur Powerpac is an excellent choice for control of large strongyles, encysted early third stage, late third stage and fourth stage cyathostome larvae, small strongyles, pinworms, ascarids, and arteritis caused by fourth stage larvae of strongyles vulgaris in horses.
We always recommend deworming twice/year (spring/start of summer and fall/start of winter) in Texas is the best time to do so!

07/06/2023

30/05/2023

🎆🎆Entries are open for the Loco Mosquito Come and Take It Barrel Jackpot. 🎆🎆

🎆Pay $10 at time of entry; pay remaining fees on site (cash or card).
🎆 Enter online at www.enterthealley.com
🎆 All details posted at www.twistedsistersproductions.com

LoCo Mosquito
Becker Equine

29/05/2023

Happy Memorial Day! May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

25/05/2023

At Becker Equine we understand accidents happen.

Dr. Rolf is able to see both ambulatory and clinic based emergencies providing our expertise in triaging and supporting horses, and their owners, in what we know can be critical and stressful times.

Our emergency line is 936-931-4478 ext:0 Any time. Any day. We are here for you and your horse.

17/05/2023

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurologic disease of horses caused by a protozoa (microscope unicellular eukaryotes falling into the parasite class)which causes an infection of the central nervous system.

As many of us know clinical signs varie and can mimic other neurologic diseases and some musculoskeletal problems. This parasite can affect both white and gray matter randomly at one or multiple sites within the central nervous system.

Clinical signs reflect affected areas of the spinal cord, brain and can include; ataxia, weakness, muscle atrophy, unusual or atypical lameness, reduced or absent sensation, alterations in level of consciousness or behavior. It can also impact cranial nerves causing dysphagia, facial paralysis, and ocular abnormalities.

EPM is often progressive but can have an acute or insidious onset. The progression can be rapid, or the clinical signs might appear to stabilize only to relapse or worsen later.

If you suspect your horse has any subtle symptoms listed, don’t hesitate to contact the team to jump ahead of any potential progression!

14/05/2023

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms in our lives that don’t only support our dreams but make the day to day happen!

May have seen more than 2 of us equine vet dads getting their flowers after emergency calls, kids sports and family outings last night so ….an extra thank you for mothering through the crazy schedules we have!

11/05/2023

At Becker Equine, equine podiatry plays a vital role as we improve soundness, optimize career longevity and prevent chronic lameness. Dr. Rolf Modesto has had great success with diagnostic radiographic films (aka x-ray) taken approximately every 6 months to assist farriers in keeping proper shoeing and decreasing the odds of hoof related lameness. With radiographs, we can address common problems such as, long toe, low heel, improve break-over, address heel/frog support, laminitis, navicular disease, club foot and more.

Call the clinic and lets help your horse!

02/04/2023

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 to Braylee Albarado, the Piper's Prize winner!
6th Annual Piper Faust Memorial Barrel Race

Double J Saddlery
Caldwell Country Chevrolet
Becker Equine

20/03/2023

💪👏🙌

14/03/2023

6th Annual Piper Faust Memorial Barrel Race Pole Bending Slot Race entry deadline is TOMORROW, March 15!

Email [email protected] to get entered - only a few spots remain!

All rules & details at twistedsistersproductions.com!

Becker Equine
Pepe Cervantes

07/03/2023

See you there!