Vaquero Equine Hospital

01/12/2025

01/04/2025

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.
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Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

12/23/2024

We will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
You can always use our website to request appointments, even when we are closed.
vaqueroequinehospital.com
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! 🎄

12/10/2024

The daily grind

12/03/2024

Mr. Pretzel Head is looking for a home!

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Vaquero Equine Hospital!
We are closed today, but remember you can still use our online scheduling to book appointments. Tomorrow we will only be open for emergencies and tech appointments.

11/28/2024

𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 🦃
Our clinic will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. On Friday Nov 29th we will be open for emergencies and Tech appointments only.
While our team will be out of the clinic on Thanksgiving, but you can still request appointments online anytime. Check out this video for a quick walkthrough of the process! Wishing you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!

11/20/2024

Our website just got some major updates! One thing we know you’ll love is the new online scheduling!

Visit us at vaqueroequinehospital.com to explore the updates and take advantage of this new feature!

11/11/2024

🇺🇸 Thank You Veterans

11/08/2024

Join us tomorrow at the China Spring Country Store for our Fall Vaccination Clinic! Bring your dogs and cats to get their vaccinations and enjoy some shopping while you’re there.
List of services in the comments

11/08/2024

Do you know how to check your horses vitals?
Understanding their heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate makes it easier to tell when something is off. While these can vary by age, this guide shows what's normal for adult horses. Have questions about your horse’s vitals or want to learn more? Drop them below!

10/28/2024

Freeze Branding Appointment - October 31st!

We're scheduled for freeze branding on Thursday, October 31st and are opening the opportunity for others who may be interested. This is a great chance to get your horses freeze branded! Reach out if you'd like more information or want to join in.

(254)722-2001
[email protected]
149 Dosher Ln

10/24/2024

Fall Vaccination Clinic!
Dog & Cat vaccinations by Vaquero Veterinary.
Saturday, November 9th!
9:00-1:00🐾

10/09/2024

Yep, you read that right! These feet pics are for medical purposes only. We’re here for all your equine X-ray needs 🦴🐴

Vaquero Equine Hospital
(254)722-2001
[email protected]
149 Dosher Lane

06/11/2024

Annual Teeth Floats 🦷🐴

Regular dental care is crucial for maintaining a horse's overall health. We recommend horses receive annual dental examinations and floating to ensure their teeth wear normally and to prevent issues like sharp points and uneven surfaces.
Staying proactive about dental health can prevent more serious issues from arising.

Call to schedule your horses appointment
254-722-2001