Spring might still feel far away, but February is when smart horse owners start planning ahead. Cold mornings and shorter days make it easy to put preventive care on the back burner, yet this is one of the best months to set horses up for a healthy, active spring. Early attention helps performance horses, breeding horses, and trail companions feel their best before workloads increase and schedules fill up.
For horse owners in Gainesville, TX and surrounding areas, February preventive care is about staying ahead of problems rather than reacting to them later. A proactive plan now supports comfort, soundness, and overall equine health all season long.
Why February Matters for Spring Horse Health
By the time spring arrives, parasites are active, travel schedules pick up, and riding intensity increases. Waiting until March or April can mean limited appointment availability and missed opportunities for early intervention. February gives our veterinary team time to assess each horse’s needs and build an individualized care plan.
Early preventive care supports:
- Strong immune response before peak disease exposure
- Better parasite control before spring pasture growth
- Smoother conditioning for performance and working horses
This is especially important for horses that will be hauling, showing, breeding, or transitioning back into regular work.
Key February Preventive Care Priorities for Horses
Equine Wellness Exams Set the Foundation
A February wellness exam allows our veterinary team to evaluate your horse’s overall condition before activity levels rise. Subtle issues like early joint stiffness, weight changes, or dental concerns are easier to address now than during peak riding season.
Wellness exams are valuable for:
- Performance horses preparing for competition
- Breeding horses entering the reproductive season
- Pleasure horses returning to consistent riding
These visits also help ensure health records are up to date, including electronic paperwork needed for travel.
Vaccinations That Match Your Horse’s Lifestyle
Vaccinations are a cornerstone of equine preventive care. February is an ideal time to review core vaccines and determine which risk-based vaccines are appropriate for each horse. Travel plans, herd exposure, and competition schedules all play a role.
Our veterinary team provides individualized vaccination plans designed to protect horses without over-vaccinating. Planning early helps horses build immunity before spring events and pasture exposure begin.
Deworming and Fecal Exams Done Right
Parasite control is most effective when it is strategic. February is a great time to perform fecal exams to assess parasite load and guide targeted deworming. This approach supports long-term equine health and helps reduce resistance issues.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all plan, fecal testing allows deworming programs to be adjusted based on each horse’s needs. This is especially important for horses living in groups or rotating pastures.
Supporting Comfort and Performance Before Workload Increases
Equine Chiropractic Care for All Types of Horses
As horses move out of winter downtime and into spring conditioning, comfort and flexibility matter. Equine chiropractic care supports proper movement and helps address restrictions that may limit performance or lead to soreness.
Regular chiropractic adjustments benefit:
- Competitive equine athletes
- Ranch and working horses
- Weekend trail horses
February is a smart time to evaluate alignment and movement before training intensity increases. This proactive approach supports smoother transitions into spring work.
Herd Health Planning Before Spring Arrives
For owners managing multiple animals, early planning is just as important. February allows time to schedule herd work and disease prevention services before spring demands increase.
Preventive herd care supports:
- Health and productivity across the group
- Reduced disease spread
- Efficient scheduling at your facility
Our veterinary team offers mobile services, making it easier to manage herd needs without unnecessary stress.
General Equine Health Starts With a Plan
Keeping horses healthy year-round takes more than last-minute appointments. General equine health services focus on maintaining wellness through individualized vaccinations, parasite control, and routine exams. February is when these plans come together.
For performance and breeding horses especially, early preventive care supports stamina, comfort, and consistency. Thoughtful planning now can help avoid disruptions later in the season.
A Healthy Spring Starts With February Care
Spring success does not happen overnight. It starts with small, intentional steps taken early in the year. February preventive care gives horses the support they need before spring schedules become busy and workloads increase.
If you are ready to prepare your horse for the months ahead, now is the time to schedule a wellness visit. Our veterinary team is here to help horse owners in Gainesville, TX and surrounding areas create preventive care plans that support long-term equine health and performance. Call Art & Science Veterinary Services at (940) 287-3004 to book an appointment.
Image credit: Envato Elements
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