Spring is the perfect time for a comprehensive health check to ensure your horse is ready for the active season ahead. After winter's challenges and before the demands of spring grass, competition season, and increased work, a thorough veterinary examination can identify and address potential issues early. This guide explains what should be included in a spring health check and why each element matters.
Why Spring Health Checks Matter
A spring health check serves multiple purposes:
- Identifies issues that developed over winter
- Ensures horse is fit for increased spring activity
- Updates vaccinations before competition season
- Catches problems before they become serious
- Establishes baseline health for the year
- Provides peace of mind
- Can save money by preventing bigger problems
Think of it as an MOT for your horse—preventive care that keeps them performing at their best.
When to Schedule Your Spring Check
Ideal timing is late February through March:
- Before spring grass: Assess laminitis risk and plan management
- Before competition season: Ensure fitness and update vaccinations
- After winter: Check for winter-related issues
- Before increased work: Confirm soundness
Book early—vets get busy in spring!
Essential Components of a Spring Health Check
1. General Physical Examination
What the vet checks:
- Overall condition: Body condition score, weight, muscle tone
- Vital signs: Temperature, pulse, respiration
- Hydration status: Skin pinch test, mucous membranes
- Eyes: Clarity, discharge, any abnormalities
- Ears: Cleanliness, signs of infection or mites
- Nose and nostrils: Discharge, breathing sounds
- Mouth and jaw: Swelling, lumps, symmetry
Why it matters: Establishes baseline health and catches obvious issues
Learn to check vital signs yourself: Understanding Your Horse's Vital Signs.
2. Dental Examination
What the vet checks:
- Sharp edges or hooks on teeth
- Uneven wear patterns
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Gum health and ulcers
- Bit seats (if needed)
- Wolf teeth (especially in young horses)
- Overall dental health
What they do:
- Rasp (float) teeth to remove sharp edges
- Balance bite
- Extract problematic teeth if necessary
- Recommend follow-up if needed
Why it matters:
- Prevents weight loss and poor condition
- Improves bit acceptance and performance
- Prevents mouth pain and behavioral issues
- Essential before competition season
Frequency: Most horses need dental work annually; some need 6-monthly checks
3. Vaccination Updates
Core vaccinations:
- Tetanus: Essential for all horses (every 2 years, boosters annually)
- Equine influenza: Required for competition (annual boosters)
- Equine herpes virus (EHV): Recommended, especially for breeding or competition
Additional vaccines to consider:
- Strangles (if at risk)
- Rabies (if traveling abroad)
Why it matters:
- Protects against serious diseases
- Required for competition entry
- Prevents disease spread
- Legal requirement for some activities
Timing: Update at least 7 days before first competition
4. Soundness Assessment
What the vet checks:
- At rest: Stance, weight distribution, conformation
- In hand: Walk and trot on hard surface
- On lunge: Both reins, different surfaces if possible
- Flexion tests: Stress joints to reveal subtle lameness
- Palpation: Feel for heat, swelling, or pain
What they're looking for:
- Obvious lameness
- Subtle gait abnormalities
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Joint issues
- Muscle problems
Why it matters:
- Identifies issues before increased work
- Prevents minor problems becoming major
- Ensures horse is fit for intended use
- Baseline for future comparison
5. Respiratory Examination
What the vet checks:
- Breathing rate and effort at rest
- Lung sounds with stethoscope
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Exercise tolerance
Why it matters:
- Winter stabling can cause respiratory issues
- Identifies allergies or infections
- Important before increasing work
- Affects performance significantly
6. Cardiovascular Check
What the vet checks:
- Heart rate at rest
- Heart rhythm and sounds
- Murmurs or irregularities
- Recovery after exercise
Why it matters:
- Ensures heart is healthy for work
- Identifies potential problems
- Important for competition horses
7. Digestive System Assessment
What the vet checks:
- Gut sounds in all four quadrants
- Abdominal palpation
- Droppings consistency and frequency
- Body condition and weight
- Signs of ulcers or discomfort
Why it matters:
- Identifies digestive issues
- Important before diet changes (spring grass)
- Prevents colic
- Ensures optimal nutrition absorption
8. Skin and Coat Examination
What the vet checks:
- Overall coat condition
- Skin lesions, lumps, or bumps
- Signs of parasites (lice, mites)
- Wounds or scars
- Sweet itch or allergies
- Sarcoids or other growths
Why it matters:
- Identifies skin conditions early
- Monitors existing lumps or bumps
- Prepares for fly season
9. Hoof Health Assessment
What the vet checks:
- Hoof balance and shape
- Sole and frog health
- Signs of laminitis
- Thrush or other infections
- Hoof wall quality
- Digital pulse
Why it matters:
- Hooves are foundation of soundness
- Spring is high laminitis risk time
- Identifies issues before they cause lameness
Note: Coordinate with your farrier for comprehensive hoof care
10. Parasite Control Review
What the vet does:
- Fecal egg count (FEC) test
- Review worming history
- Recommend strategic worming plan
- Discuss pasture management
Why it matters:
- Targeted worming is more effective
- Reduces resistance
- Saves money on unnecessary worming
- Spring is key time for parasite control
Additional Assessments for Specific Horses
For Older Horses (15+ years)
- Cushing's disease (PPID) screening: Blood test if showing signs
- Metabolic testing: If at laminitis risk
- Joint assessment: Arthritis monitoring
- Kidney and liver function: Blood tests if indicated
For Competition Horses
- Performance assessment: Fitness for intended level
- Passport and vaccination check: Ensure compliance
- Specific discipline requirements: E.g., heart rate recovery for eventers
For Horses with Previous Issues
- Laminitis history: Metabolic testing, careful monitoring
- Respiratory problems: Detailed lung examination
- Previous injuries: Specific assessment of affected areas
Preparing for Your Vet Visit
Before the Appointment
- Groom your horse thoroughly
- Have horse in from field (if possible)
- Prepare a clean, safe area for examination
- Gather vaccination records and history
- Note any concerns or questions
- Ensure someone can hold the horse
Information to Provide
- Any changes in behavior or performance
- Diet and feeding routine
- Exercise level and type
- Turnout arrangements
- Any medications or supplements
- Plans for the season ahead
What to Expect: Cost and Time
Typical Costs (UK, 2026)
- Basic health check: £50-£100
- Dental work: £80-£150
- Vaccinations: £30-£60 per vaccine
- Fecal egg count: £15-£30
- Blood tests: £50-£150 depending on tests
- Total comprehensive check: £200-£400+
Time Required
- Basic examination: 30-45 minutes
- With dental work: 60-90 minutes
- Comprehensive check: 90-120 minutes
Following Up After the Check
If Issues Are Found
- Follow vet's treatment recommendations
- Schedule follow-up appointments
- Adjust management as advised
- Monitor closely
- Keep records of treatment
If All Clear
- Keep vaccination certificate safe
- Note date for next dental check
- Implement any management suggestions
- Schedule next routine check
Spring Management Recommendations
Your vet may advise on:
Laminitis Prevention
- Grazing management strategies
- Use of grazing muzzles
- Diet adjustments
- Monitoring protocols
For detailed guidance: Spring Grass & Laminitis Guide.
Fitness Building
- Safe exercise progression
- Conditioning timeline
- Warning signs to watch for
Nutrition
- Transitioning to spring grass
- Adjusting hard feed
- Supplement recommendations
DIY Health Monitoring
Between vet visits, monitor your horse regularly:
Weekly Checks
- Body condition score
- Overall demeanor and behavior
- Eating and drinking normally
- Normal droppings
- Movement and soundness
Monthly Checks
- Weight (using weigh tape)
- Hoof growth and balance
- Coat condition
- Any new lumps or bumps
Final Thoughts
A comprehensive spring health check is an investment in your horse's wellbeing and performance. It provides peace of mind, catches problems early, and ensures your horse is ready for the active season ahead. Work with your vet to create a health plan tailored to your horse's individual needs, and don't hesitate to schedule additional checks if concerns arise. Prevention and early detection are always better—and cheaper—than treating advanced problems.
For more seasonal horse care advice, explore our Stable & Sound blog and discover quality horse care supplies.
