Front Range Equine Urgent Care

01/06/2026

Hydration is so important! "A hydrated gut is a happy gut" - Dr Blasko (and probably every other equine vet)

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

01/03/2026

Another change for Front Range Equine Urgent Care this year?

EXPANDED CALL RANGE!

We have decided to expand our call area to the east and extend the drive time to 50 min. While that doesn't sound like much, it will allow us to help out other DVMs/clinics, clients, and their horses in the Nunn, Kersey, and east Greeley area. If you are still outside of our call area, please remember that if you are able to haul to a barn (trainers, friend, neighbor, etc) that is in our call range, we can meet you there!

A rough boundary map is attached. If you check out our website, you can actually Zoom in for more specifics: www.frequineuc.com.

We are limiting our area more south west (think greater Boulder area) to a 30 minute drive time from our Berthoud location.

Don't hesitate to call if you are unsure if we service your area. Our doctors always check the address of where your horse is located from where we are. If we are unable to get out there, we do our best to help think of other options for your equine family member. This may consist of hauling to a hospital, hauling to a closer location, or suggesting other veterinarians in your area that may be closer. We can also consult and help you make decisions with our new telemedicine service, as well!

01/02/2026

Welcome to the Year of the Horse!

As 2026 kicks off, there are a few changes on the Urgent Care front that will benefit both horses and their owners alike.

Check back for additional updates over the next couple days!

--- 📞 Now Offering Telemedicine Consults 🐴 ---

Not sure if your horse’s situation is an emergency or can wait? We’re now offering telemedicine consults to help horse owners make informed decisions about whether urgent veterinary care is needed.

What a telemedicine consult includes:
• Direct conversation with one of our veterinarians
• Review of your horse’s symptoms, photos, or videos
• Guidance on next steps—urgent care vs. monitoring

Pricing:
• $35 per consult in January & February
• $60 per consult starting March 1
• If urgent, in-person care is recommended, the telemedicine consult fee will be applied to the exam

Please note:
This is a medical consult service. Client information and a credit card will be collected prior to the consult beginning. Call our regular number, 970-300-4133, to reach the doctor on call.

Our goal is to help you make timely, confident decisions for your horse—especially when you’re unsure how urgent a situation may be.

— Front Range Equine Urgent Care

12/31/2025

As we ring in the New Year, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

The past several months have been incredibly meaningful for us, and we are so grateful for the way the equine community has welcomed Front Range Equine Urgent Care.

Thank you to the horse owners, trainers, barns, and fellow veterinarians who have trusted us with their horses and supported us along the way. It’s truly an honor to be part of this community and to care for the horses that mean so much to you.

We look forward to continuing to serve you and your horses in the year ahead. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy New Year! 🐴✨

— The doctors at Front Range Equine Urgent Care

12/25/2025

✨🎄 Warm Wishes This Holiday Season from Front Range Equine Urgent Care 🎄✨

The barns may be quieter, the nights a little colder, and the hay nets a little fuller — it’s officially the holiday season! As the year comes to a close, we want to thank our wonderful clients and equine community for trusting us with your horses and welcoming us into your barns.

We know this time of year looks different for everyone, and we wish you peace, rest, and moments of joy—however you choose to spend it.

🐴❄️ Winter reminder: Cold weather brings unique challenges for our horses, and our team remains available for equine urgent care needs throughout the holidays.

From all of us at Front Range Equine Urgent Care, we’re wishing you and your horses a safe, cozy, and healthy holiday season. ✨💙

12/24/2025

Front Range Equine Urgent Care has been certified an official “Santa’s E.L.V.E.S.” (Emergency Landing and Veterinary Expert System) location.

In the event that Santa’s reindeer team needs to make an unscheduled Christmas Eve stop for sled repairs, refueling, or veterinary care, staff at this clinic will be available to provide needed assistance and ensure a safe and on-time delivery of Santa’s cargo.

Reindeer (they are in the cervid family) may not be horses (equid family), but Dr Looman (who is our on call doctor 12/24 and 12/25) is ready to jump in if the team needs help!

She will also be available from 5AM to 10PM both days for all your equine urgent and emergency needs, so give us a call at 970-300-4133.

12/23/2025

Just letting everyone know that Santa's crew is healthy and ready to go!

12/19/2025

🌬️❄️ Winter Weather = Pasture Safety Check Time ❄️🌬️

With the high winds recently, and winter weather right around the corner, remember to take a few extra minutes to check pastures and turnout areas regularly.

✔️ Walk fence lines to look for damage, loose boards, broken wire, or sagging tape
✔️ Remove debris, fallen branches, blown-in trash, and loose equipment
✔️ Check gates, latches, and corners for sharp edges or entrapment risks
✔️ Look for muddy, icy, or uneven areas that could lead to slips or injuries
✔️ Scan turnout areas from your horse’s perspective—if it looks tempting to chew, step on, or investigate, it’s worth addressing

A quick walk-through can help prevent lacerations, entanglements, and injuries before they happen.

Check out this article from The Horse:

https://thehorse.com/118790/making-winter-manageable-on-horse-farms/

🚨 Urgent & Emergency Care Reminder 🚨
If your horse is injured, tangled in fencing, bleeding, non–weight bearing, or acting painful or abnormal after severe weather, don’t wait. Call your veterinarian right away. Prompt attention can make a significant difference in outcome. If your regular veterinarian is unavailable, call Front Range Equine Urgent Care! We will triage, get your horse taken care of, and sent back to your regular vet for continued care (if needed).

🐴❄️

Don't wait for the first snowflakes to prepare your horse property for the cold, dark, and wet months ahead.

12/18/2025

*Laceration picture below, just in case you are squeamish (like Dr B's partner)*

This young guy made some poor life choices over the weekend while his mom was in the middle of her 24 hour shift. Once found, she called us and we got him all fixed up. Thank you Sarah for trusting us with Sampson's care; he was an absolute love to work with and you are a wonderful owner 💜🦄

12/16/2025

Looking for a great holiday gift for your horsey loved one, yourself, or your four-legged equine companion? Front Range Equine Urgent Care has first aid kits available! Stocked with all your UC doc's favorite things (except puppies and kittens), and in a handy tote that you can throw in your trailer, truck, or tack room for easy access.

What's in it? All these goodies:

--Laminated vitals card with normal heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature - also a magnetized version!
--Digital thermometer
--Flashlight/utility light bar
--Stethoscope - and you won't need to embrace your inner veterinarian and wonder "where did I put my stethoscope?" because it's BRIGHT YELLOW!
--Bandage scissors - Dr B's favorite brand (MEUUT, used by EMTs, and are sturdy scissors with large handles)
--Gloves (medium sized and latex-free)
--Syringes - 12 cc and 60 cc
--Wound care supplies - large bottle (1000 ccs) sterile saline, telfa/non stick pads, triple antibiotic ointment, bandage roll (14" tall), brown gauze, two vet wraps, one roll of elasticon, duct tape
--Hoof abscess material - Epsom salt paste, Animalintex pad (we love these!). These poultice materials can also be used for mild leg swellings.
--Instant ice pack
--Tongue depressors
--ProBios paste (probiotic supplement)
--SummerGames electrolyte paste (Dr B's favorite!!)

The tote is large enough for other things - so you can make it your own! You can also reach out to your primary veterinarian and ask for a tube of Bute or Banamine (or both) to make it complete.

Reach out via email ([email protected]) or reply to this post for more info (cost and how to pick up).

This will make a great gift for anyone looking to head into 2026 prepared for any equine adventure.

Happy Trails!

12/10/2025

Dr. Blasko had a fantastic time at this year’s AAEP Convention in Denver! She was honored to co-lead a discussion with Dr. Ginger Reagan on emergency care and burnout—an important, honest conversation shared with veterinarians from around the world. The group brought forward a wide range of experiences, ideas, and solutions to support those tackling equine emergency work and the burnout that can come with it.

Dr. B also attended excellent sessions on sustainability in equine practice, as well as recruitment and retention of equine veterinarians—from new grads to seasoned practitioners. She connected with many like-minded colleagues who share her passion for keeping equine vets thriving in equine medicine.

And of course, The Front Range Equine team had a wonderful time together. These doctors rarely get to be in the same room at the same time, so it was a much-needed chance to learn, connect, and celebrate the profession they love!

12/05/2025

Update from a great source. Colorado caseload has not increased. Great job guys!!