Deworming Schedule:

MONTH	DEWORMER
January - February	Ivermectin
March - April	Strongid (double) or Equimax or Zimectrin Gold
May - June	Ivermectin
July - August	Safeguard
September - October	Strongid (double) or Equimax or Zimectrin Gold
November - December	Ivermectin or Panacur PowerPac or Quest

Vaccination Schedule:

Tetnus	Annual
EEE/WEE	Annual
West Nile Virus	Annual or every 6 months
Flu/Rhino	Every 6 months
Strangles	Every 6 months
Rabies	Annual
Potomac	Annual or every 6 months
Also: Coggins Test	Annually

Farrier Schedule:

 Trimmed or shod every 6-8 weeks, preferably 6 weeks if shod.

Estimating Horse Weight:

1. Measure horse from point of chest to point of croup in inches (length of horse).
2. Measure horse's circumference or heartgirth in inches.
3. Calculate weight by the following: (heartgirth x heartgirth x length/300) + 50 = weight.

Body Condition Scoring:
(A score between 5 and 7 is best for most horses)

1. POOR: Backbone, ribs, tailhead, pelvis, and vertabrea stick out. The bones of the withers, shoulders, and neck are noticeable. No fat can be felt.
2. VERY THIN: Backbone, ribs, tailhead and pelvic bones stand out. The bones of the withers, shoulders, and neck are noticeable.
3. THIN: Backbone stands out, but is covered with fat to midpoint. Some fat can be felt over ribs, but they are still noticeable. Tailhead is prominent. Individual vertabrea can not be seen. Bones of withers, shoulders and neck are visible.
4. MODERATELY THIN: Withers, neck, and shoulders do not look thin. Slight crease down back. Outline of ribs can be seen. Fat can be felt around tailhead. Vertabrea cannot be seen.
5. MODERATE: Shoulders, withers, and neck blend smoothly into body. Ribs can be felt, but not seen. Fat around tailhead is spongy.
6. MODERATE TO FLESHY: May be slight crease down back. Soft fat around tailhead and over ribs. Small fat deposits along the withers and neck, and behind shoulders.
7. FLESHY: May be crease down back. Ribs can be felt, but not easily. Fat can be felt between ribs. Soft fat around tailhead. Fat can be seen around withers, neck, and behind shoulders.
8. FAT: Crease down back. Ribs are hard to feel. All along withers is filled with fat. Fat around tailhead is very soft. Fat can be seen on the withers and behind shoulders. Some fat is deposited along the inner buttocks.
9. EXTREMELY FAT: Deep crease down back. Fat is deposited in patches over the ribs. Buldging fat around tailhead, withers, neck, and shoulders. Inner buttocks rub together. Flank is filled in.

Equine Feed Requirements: (pounds/100 lb body weight)

Activity	Hay	Grain
Maintainance	1 1/2 - 2 lbs	----
Late gestation	1 - 1 1/2 lbs	1/4 - 3/4 lbs
Lactation	1 - 1 1/2 lbs	1-2 lbs
Heavy Work	1 - 1 1/2 lbs	3/4 - 1 1/2 lbs
Weanlings	3/4 - 1 1/4 lbs	1 3/4 - 2 lbs

Reproduction Facts:

Gestation Period:	336 Days (average)
Cycle Length:	21 Days (average)
Duration of Estrus:	6 Days (average)
Age of Puberty:	10-24 months

Vital Signs:

1. Pulse rate: 30-42 beats per minute.
2. Respiratory rate: 12-20 breaths per minute.
3. Rectal temperature: 99.5' to 101.5' F. If the horse's temperature exceeds 102.5' F., contact your veterinarian immediately. Temperatures of over 103' F indicate a serious disorder.
4. Capillary refill time (time it takes for color to return to gum tissue adjacent to teeth after pressing and releasing with your thumb): 2 seconds.

Emergency Euthanasia Procedure:

The proper location of gunshot penetration is important in the destruction of the brain and minimizing suffering. The optimal site for penetration of the skull is one-half inch above the intersection of a diagonal line from the base of the ear to the in side corner of the opposite eye. The firearm should be aimed directly down the neck, perpendicular to the front of the skull, and held at least 2-6 inches away from the point of impact. When performed skillfully, gunshot induces instantaneous unconscio usness, is inexpensive, and does not require close contact with the horse.

A .22-caliber long rifle is recommended, but a 9mm or .38-caliber handgun will be sufficient for most horses. The use of hollow-point or soft nose bullets will increase brain destruction and reduce the chance of ricochet. If a shotgun is the only avai lable firearm, the use of a rifled slug is preferred.