Equine Care
ABOUT EVENTS EMERGENCY HEALTH INFO RESOURCES
Equine Care
EQUINE CARE INFORMATION CENTER
Welcome to our equine care resource center. Here, we share links to trusted articles, guides, and websites on horse health, nutrition, behavior, and daily care. Our goal is to make it easier for horse owners and enthusiasts to find reliable information and learn from experts across the equine community.
University of Georgia Equine Program
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Equine Resources
American Association of Equine Practitioners
Vaccines and Coggins Testing
Georgia offers horse owners mild weather for year-round riding, scenic trails, camping, and frequent events at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. With these advantages come important health considerations for your horse.
Vaccinations
Protect your horse with these annual vaccines:
- West Nile & Eastern/Western Encephalitis (EWE) – prevent mosquito-borne diseases that can cause severe illness or death.
- Rhinopneumonitis – helps prevent highly contagious respiratory disease, especially when horses interact with others.
- Rabies – protects against wildlife exposure; an affordable vaccine that provides peace of mind.
Tip: Give these vaccines in March for year-long protection.
Coggins Test
- Required by Georgia law whenever your horse leaves your property.
- Detects Equine Infectious Anemia, a serious, incurable blood-borne disease transmitted by biting flies.
- Tests are valid for one year; schedule alongside your vaccines for convenience.
Summer & Show Tips
- Provide plenty of water and electrolytes, especially during travel or in stalls.
- Inspect and disinfect stalls at shows; check for hazards like nails or staples.
- Keep sick horses at home to protect others in your barn and community.
Reminder: The Georgia National Fairgrounds requires a current Coggins test and health certificate for all equine activities.
Hoofcare
Proper hoofcare is essential to your horse’s overall health, comfort, and performance. Whether your horse is a backyard companion or a high-level competitor, maintaining healthy hooves is one of the most important responsibilities of horse ownership. With routine care and early attention to potential issues, many hoof problems can be prevented before they start.
You’ve likely heard the saying, “No hoof, no horse”, and for good reason. A horse’s hooves support their entire body weight and directly impact movement, balance, and soundness. Poor hoof health can lead to lameness, discomfort, and long-term structural issues.
Basic Hoofcare Tips:
- Schedule farrier visits every 6–8 weeks
- Pick out hooves to remove dirt and debris
- Provide balanced nutrition for strong hoof growth
- Keep horses in clean, dry environments
- Check hooves regularly for changes or damage
Hoofcare in Action
Horses are powerful, rugged animals — but their strength depends on one fragile and vital foundation: their hooves. In this feature from Farm Monitor, John Holcomb takes us to Branch Farms on the Coleman River in North Georgia to explore the critical role proper hoof care plays in keeping horses healthy, sound, and working.
Stephanie Branch explains why hooves are just as important as a horse’s heart, affecting every other part of the animal’s health. Farrier Cade Rogers of Cade Rogers Farrier Service gives a behind-the-scenes look at the precision involved in trimming and shoeing — a job that requires years of training, skill, and physical endurance.
From balancing weight across four small support points to shaping metal that becomes an extension of the hoof, this story highlights the craftsmanship, patience, and physical demands behind one of the most overlooked professions in the horse industry.
Equine Forage Videos
Explore our collection of videos on equine forage and feeding practices. From selecting the right hay to understanding pasture management, these videos provide practical guidance to help keep your horse healthy and well-nourished.
Equine Health Alerts
Your horse’s health is our top priority. This page provides the latest information on disease outbreaks, emergency alerts, and critical news affecting horses in Georgia. Check back regularly to stay up to date and keep your horses safe and healthy.
Georgia Equine Commission Facebook page
New World Screwworm Updates