Pine Meadow Equine Service, PC

08/10/2025

Such high risk here in Tidewater. Make sure you vaccinate twice a year.

As mentioned in our post earlier this week about EEE, summer and fall are the peak time for arbovirus infection as these diseases (which include Eastern Equine Encephalitis [EEE], West Nile Virus [WNV], Western Equine Encephalitis [WEE] and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis [VEE]) are transmitted by several different species of mosquitoes and biting insects.

Let this graphic serve as a source of more information about West Nile Virus (WNV) as well as a reminder to keep your equines up to date on vaccinations with the guidance of your veterinarian to best protect your animals from infection.

Learn more about West Nile Virus and find downloadable resources on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/west-nile-virus

07/31/2025

Recently, there was a horse diagnosed with West Nile Virus is Fauquier county Virginia. West Nile Virus is spread area to area by birds. Mosquitos infect other birds and can infect people and horses. It does not transmit from horse to horse or from horse to person.

Vaccination for West Nile Virus is part of our spring and fall program.

07/23/2025

Never been a fan for most of what's talked about here. Hay, after water, is THE most important thing you put in your horse. Poor quality roughage cannot be corrected by grain. Spend the money, feed good hay and you will avoid a myriad of problems.

As many horse owners start the process of planning out their fall and winter hay supply, many may be considering purchasing round bales for their equine companions due to cost-effectiveness and greater convenience for feeding pastured animals. However, it's important to remember that there are a few things to consider when choosing between square or round bales.

• Are you equipped/prepared to store your hay correctly?
Improperly stored round bales can lose much of their nutritional value and are also more susceptible to mold, dust, and bacteria growth, which can cause respiratory issues and even colic.

• Are your horses protected from botulism?
Round bales provide an optimum environment for the development of the botulism toxin. This toxin is produced when "Clostridium botulinum" is exposed to the right environmental conditions — such as when forage materials are baled and stored while still damp, or when they include the carcasses of dead animals, like birds and mice.

Prevention of this disease through vaccination is critical, especially in areas where the condition is prevalent (such as Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, California, and Tennessee).

• Are round bales a good choice for your horse?
Horses prone to respiratory conditions usually have increased problems with round bales due to their higher dust content.

• Do you have a feeder to place your round bales in?
Round bales not placed in a feeder can create more waste, which means your horses may not be meeting their nutritional requirements.

• Can you secure high-quality round bales?
Not all hay is created equal. Be sure to choose high-quality hay to meet your horse's nutritional needs and minimize the risk of impaction colic, which increases with lower-quality, less digestible forage.

As always, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information and advice—consult your horse doctor on best practices when feeding hay this fall and winter!

For more information on botulism, visit our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/botulism/

07/17/2025

I love that the VAST majority of my folks know these. Helping us to help you just ends better for your horse.

06/20/2025

Conditions won't be good for the next whole week. Be careful.

06/11/2025

We work for them

05/31/2025

Genius!'

07/09/2024

Give your people a big thank you and a cold beverage. Cheers to those who work so hard to keep our kids sound!

It's National Farriers Week! Let's celebrate the hard work that our farriers put in daily to partner with equine veterinarians and ensure the health and well-being of our horses. Proper hoof care is essential for a sound and happy horse, so it goes without saying that a skilled farrier is both a necessity and a tremendous asset.

Don't forget to give a shoutout to your farriers this week and show them your appreciation for their dedication to their craft!

07/01/2024

30 years ago, I drove with Dr. Dale Cupp, DVM to the lawyers office and Pine Meadow Equine Service was born.

I thought he was so old when he used phrases like "20 years ago..." but now I find myself saying the same thing. Where did the time go?

Pine Meadow Equine Service isn't, and probably never will be, the biggest practice in the area, but this is somewhat by design. Dr. Cupp taught me that traveling 2 hours in one direction may put you 3 hours away from a horse that needs you for an emergency. Keeping the practice radius small has allowed me to raise three great kids and to remain married to my high school sweetheart. Dr. Cupp said to keep the horse's health first and foremost in your mind, to treat people fairly and that the business end would take care of itself. And it has.

I would like to sincerely thank you for your support over the years. It has been an amazing ride and I look forward the the years ahead.