Here is what the clinics would consist of:

• Groups of at least 10 horses
• No farm call fees
• Discounted vaccination prices
• Discounted dewormer prices
• FREE basic physical exam, including dental exam
• FREE nutritional consults with special pricing on Platinum Performance and other products
• Facility owner incentives

Also, there will be no farm call fee for horses needing dental work, sheath cleaning, and/or booster vaccines for return visits scheduled within 10-14 days of the clinic.

Please call The Equine Center if you are interested in scheduling a clinic, or if you have any questions.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Keep in mind these important facts:

•If your mare has been in labor over one hour without producing the foal it is an emergency and you should call THE EQUINE CENTER immediately.

•Foals need to be up and nursing within a few hours of birth or they risk serious health consequences from lack of colostrum.

•We recommend an examination of the mare and foal within 24 hours of birth. This is extremely important to identify failure of passive transfer, retained placental membranes, herniations, and other potentially life-threatening situations for both mare and foal.

GOOD LUCK! We are here for you.

When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, it is always in the best interest of the horses for both equine veterinarian and the horse owner to be prepared. Catastrophic events can adversely affect the health and well-being of our horses. Preparation must be as thorough as possible knowing that circumstances will highlight the weaknesses rather than the strengths of those involved. If a catastrophe strikes, the veterinarian will be seen as an important professional resource. The equine veterinarian is uniquely qualified to understand and treat the injuries and stresses of horses in a disaster as well as understand the logistical factors associated with a rapid or planned evacuation of horses. Rescue of horses trapped or stranded in some disaster situations may require the unique services offered by a veterinarian for physical examination and assessment, chemical restraint, emergency treatment of wounds or other conditions, or assessment of permanent irreparable injury that necessitates humane euthanasia to prevent suffering.

In order to provide support for veterinarians and horse owners who have been impacted by a disaster, the AAEP(American Assoc of Equine Practitioners) Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Committee has developed a nationwide communication network. As a state liason for this network, my role is to manage relationships between state emergency and disaster agencies, the horse owners affected by it and to provide communication with disaster agencies and share information with public media. With the earthquake and wildfire potential of the area, it is very important to make sure that we are prepared. With this in mind, training sessions with local fire and rescue agencies have been very important. As part of the animal care team, I have been included in this training, and it has been very useful to develop a team approach to disaster preparedness for the veterinarian and emergency personnel alike. Not all emergency personnel have animal experience so discussion regarding behavior, handling, restraint (both physically and chemically with drugs), has helped to develop a better understanding and level of skill to effectively save the animal victims we may encounter.

HORSE OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
When a natural disaster may strike, horse owners must decide whether to “shelter in place” or load horses, gear, and pretty much everything but the kitchen sink, and head to a safe place, away from the greatest danger.

If you plan to evacuate with your horse, there are a number of web sites and contacts to help you. If at all possible, making these contacts well in advance of the emergency will make the trip much easier. Leave early in a voluntary evacuation period. If you wait too late, you may be stuck in traffic or not allowed on the road once winds reach a certain velocity. If you must make a last-minute search for shelter/stabling, consider some of the following as you make calls and prepare to move out:

· Have proof of ownership and individual identification of your horse.
· Be sure to describe your horse (stallion, mare, young unbroken, mare with foal) in terms that make special needs clear.
· Discuss fencing and stabling type—what is your horse used to living in and will he be safe in different/unusual type facility.
· If pasture/paddock with other horses, realize additional risk of injury in turning horses in with new “buddies”.
· Ask about health status: Know what vaccines/worming your horse has received in relation to the general status of horses being accepted at the stable. There is always some risk in commingling horses/livestock. Having your horse current on vaccination, especially Tetanus, EEE, WNV, Rabies and Flu/Rhino may protect in case of exposure to these diseases.
· Carry or locate source for feed and hay of type your horse is accustomed to.

A frequent question that arises in evacuation is: “Do I have to have Health Certificates and Coggins tests with me when I evacuate?” It is highly recommended that you carry with you, in addition to your best proof of ownership (registration papers, photos, bill of sale, etc.) proper health papers, at a minimum, your Coggins Test record. If you are unable to obtain these, you may be restricted from crossing state lines or staying in certain facilities. In general, all efforts are made to find some accommodation for emergency movement. During the (endless) 2004 hurricane season, several southern states and Florida agreed to allow emergency movement of horses out of Florida, with certain checks at the border, and agreement to return home within a certain number of days after the evacuation was lifted.

H.E.E.T.
H.E.E.T, the Horse Emergency Evacuation Team, is a non-profit organization with divisions in both North and South San Luis Obispo County. CDF, the County Fire Chiefs Assoc., the County Sheriff and CHP have all been instrumental in implementing training programs. With these combined efforts, members have been trained in the Incident Command System, Red Cross Disaster Services, First Aid/CPR, Horse Handling, Trailer Handling, Fire Safety, Large Animal Rescue and Horse First Aid. HEET has been instrumental in organizing the preparedness of San Luis Obispo County emergency personnel. They have donated vital equipment to the county emergency agencies to ensure that we have the ability to do the right job. Recently, they donated an Anderson Sling in order to allow safe recovery and rescue of large animals.

            You may think that turning your geriatric orse out to pasture is the kindest form of retirement, but horses are individuals and regular exercise is proving to ward off a number of aging maladies such as Equine metabolic disease, Cushing’s Syndrome, and degenerative arthritis.  Some enjoy being on vacation while others prefer to be a part of the action. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the horse.  Proper nutrition, care and exercise will help the animal thrive. Follow these guidelines to develop a total management plan for your older horse:

1.      Observe your horse on a regular basis.  Watch for changes in body condition, behavior and attitude. Address problems, even seemingly minor ones, right away.

2.      Feed a high quality diet.  Avoid dusty and moldy feeds.

3.      Feed your older horse away from younger, more aggressive ones so it won’t have to compete for feed.

4.      Feed at more frequent intervals so as not to upset the digestive system. Two-three times daily is best.

5.      Provide plenty of fresh, clean, tepid water.  Excessively cold water reduces consumption which can lead to colic and other problems.

6.      Adjust and balance rations to maintain proper body conditions.  A good rule of thumb is to be

able to feel the ribs but not see them.

7.      Provide adequate, appropriate exercise to maintain muscle tone, flexibility and mobility.

8.      Groom your horse frequently to promote circulation and skin health.

9.      Be aware that older horses are prone to tumors.  Look for any unusual lumps or growths from head to tail as well as beneath the tail (especially on gray horses).

10.  Schedule routine checkups with your equine veterinarian.  Call immediately if you suspect a problem.

A quick response to ailments, injuries or a decline in fitness can keep your older horse from having a serious or prolonged setback.  That means less worry for you and a better quality of life for your aging equine companion.  For more information about caring for the older horse, ask an Equine Center veterinarian for an appointment to visit and discuss any special needs they might have.

THANK YOU to the hundreds of equine enthusiasts that attended!

…and THANKS to everyone that made it such a success!

See you NEXT YEAR! FIRST Tuesday in NOVEMBER 2011
at the Alex Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

• Free Admission!
• Educational Lectures!
• Our FAMOUS Door Prizes!
• Over 30 Equestrian Vendors!