A good immunization program is a critical component of an equine health maintenance program and is essential to responsible horse ownership. Equine vaccines have been studied extensively, and are both safe and effective, when administered properly. It is devastating when we see a horse die of a disease that would have been easily prevented with vaccination. Our recommendations are based off of updated strategies for vaccinating horses provided by the AAEP, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, which is the largest group of equine veterinarians in the country. The AAEP has divided vaccinations into two categories: core vaccines and risk-based vaccines.

Core vaccines are ones that every horse should receive, at least yearly, regardless of location, job description, or age.

Elective vaccines are given to some horses based on risk factors such as location, travel history, farm dynamics, age, or other criteria. During your vaccine appointment we can further discuss you horse’s particular individual needs, since every situation is slightly different.

Don’t forget that different parts of the country require very different vaccines and/or vaccine schedules, and if your horse is traveling into or out of Ohio, he may need additional vaccines.

For our area, the core vaccines (which all horses should receive) are:

Risk Based Vaccines are:

• Rhinopneumonitis (Equine Herpes/EHV)

• Influena

• Strangles

• Lyme

• Botulism

• Potomac Horse Fever

We also offer a select amount of vaccinations for ruminants, small ruminants and select barnyard pets.