For the want of a nail the shoe was lost,
For the want of a shoe the horse was lost,
For the want of a horse the rider was lost,
For the want of a rider the battle was lost,
For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe-nail.
-Benjamin Franklin
Love getting those teeth floated!
Horse Health Care
At Hidden Hills, we do our best to ensure that all horses are in good health. For boarded horses, Hidden Hills provides the best pasture possible during the growing season and hay during the winter, as well as salt blocks in the pastures. We also require boarders to participate in the following preventative health care plans:
Deworming
Our vet-recommended deworming program is integral to keeping our herds free of parasites. Hidden Hills orders the dewormers when they are due and invoices boarders directly. It the boarder's responsibility to deworm their horse with the provided dewormer and make note of it on the barn white board.
–February: Safeguard or Panacur (fendabendazole)
--June: Zimectrin Gold or Equimax (ivermectin/praziquantal)
--October: Strongid or Exodus (Pyrantel pamoate)
--December: Zimectrin Gold or Equimax (ivermectin/praziquantal)
Vaccinations/Annual Vet Care
To keep preventive care simple and most cost effective, Hidden Hills schedules a vet day twice a year. Vaccinations and coggins testing are required at these times for all boarders.
April Vet Day: Vaccinations (RF, WNV, Rabies, EWTT, Strangles), Dental, Coggins Testing
October Vet Day: Vaccinations
We use the following vets, though we allow boarders to use the vet of their choice:
Even the little ones learn how to clean their horse's hooves!
Primary Veterinarian: Crossroads Veterinary Services, Dr. Michael White, 423-883-1426
Equine Medical Center, Drs. Arlynn Blazer and Scott Williams, 423-559-9690
Dr. Tyree, 423-316-0093
Farrier Care
Regular hoof care is normally needed every 4-8 weeks, and is to be scheduled by the boarder. The following are a few local farriers whose work we have appreciated:
Christina Mendoza-Green, 423-310-4282 (natural barefoot trimming)
Randy Debord, 865-216-7301
Jason Whittemore, 423-255-2731
Josh Morrison, 931-273-1009
Annual Preventative Health Care Costs
Just FYI, the approximate yearly preventative horse health care costs about $500-850, depending primarily on the type of hoof care needed. Of course, should an injury or illness occur (please not!), that amount will grow exponentially!