Preventative medicine is the key to health and happiness and often is more economical than waiting for a serious issue to emerge before seeking veterinary care. An annual physical examination is recommended to detect underlying health concerns that may not be obvious. It is a time to check the teeth, discuss nutrition and your horse’s exercise program, perform relevant vaccinations and fecal testing and answer any questions you may have regarding your horse. This is also an ideal time to perform routine screening flexion exams to detect mild lameness and start treatment before it affects health and performance. Let’s take this time to get to know your horse and your needs better.