Vintage Equine First Aid

01/08/2026

Source: American Association of Equine Practicioners

Even though the topic of after-hours and emergency care is important year-round, we wanted to offer this reminder as we approach the holidays.

Though we wish our horse doctors could be there for our equine friends in any emergency, the reality is that our horses' primary veterinarian cannot be available 24/7 and still juggle the needs of their own personal lives, health and happiness.

The most significant pain point for many veterinarians is caring for their clients during regular business hours and then also being on call for emergencies after hours. For single-doctor or small practices, this traditionally has been the case most nights of the week.

However, private veterinary practices and veterinary schools have more recently focused on developing new models for emergency care which ease the strain on individual practitioners. This includes the growth of emergency cooperatives where two or more practices in a geographic area work together to share after-hours care, as well as more emergency-only practices and the use of tele-triage services to address client concerns after normal business hours.

As equine veterinarians reevaluate what after-hours care looks like for their practices, the support of their clients is critical to creating a balance that works for both parties. If your horse doctor talks with you about changes in how after-hours care is delivered, we hope you’ll welcome the adjustments. This evolution of emergency care must take place in order for equine veterinarians to avoid burnout and continue to be at their best to treat all of your equine friends.

This is why taking an equine emergency first aid course is so important!

Contact us for more information on our courses.

Information and photo credit to American Association of Equine Practitioners

01/08/2026

Great information to know
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01/04/2026

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

12/21/2025

Happy Winter Solstice
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12/18/2025

12/13/2025

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12/02/2025

Do you want to help your horse out in emergency situations

You are their first responders in any emergency situation

Vintage Equine First Aid is offering different equine first aid courses in all ages and levels

We are affiliated through Equi-Health Canada

We are starting to book for the 2026 season

We are looking for host barns to host Equine First Aid courses

OR

Come to my home farm in Loretto Ontario
Willow Creek Farm as i do teach courses at home as well


We offer a variety of different courses you can choose from
1. Equine Health and Emergency First Aid
$169 / person - all day

2. Advance Emergency Equine First Aid
$169/person - all day

3. Advance Emergency Equine First Aid - Wilderness Edition
$169/person - all day

4. Equine First Aid Fundamentals
$99/person - 4 hour course

5. “I Can Help” - Equine First Aid
$59/person - 3 hours
Kids course 5 to 9yrs old

Many more to choose from

Contact for more information

Certified Equi-Health Instructor
Valery Lower
Call / Text / Email
705-890-2251
Vintageequinefirstaid@gmail.com
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Vintage Equine First Aid

11/29/2025

Great 💜 information to know