Equine Performance Innovative Center: EPIC

01/13/2026

Summer sores fail to resolve when treatment targets the surface instead of the cause. Effective management requires eliminating larvae, controlling bacterial load, and suppressing excessive inflammation at the same time. When those factors are addressed together, the wound can dry appropriately, abnormal tissue regresses, and healthy repair begins. This is why structured, medically guided treatment changes outcomes in these cases.

01/12/2026

Severe summer sores require more than topical care when tissue loss, movement, and contamination work against healing. A tie over bandage allows consistent pressure, protection, and medication contact in areas where standard bandaging fails. This technique helps control granulation tissue and creates a stable environment for recovery. We will be breaking down the full case and reasoning behind this approach in an upcoming YouTube video.

01/12/2026

Castration wounds can be managed in different ways depending on the horse, the tissue, and the surgical goal. Leaving an incision open allows drainage but also leads to healing by second intention, which relies heavily on granulation tissue and often extends recovery time. Closing the incision promotes more controlled healing, reduces excessive tissue response, and lowers the risk of complications such as prolonged swelling or herniation. The decision is based on managing risk and creating the smoothest path for recovery, not simply surgeon preference.

01/11/2026

Habronemiasis progresses beneath the surface, driven by chronic inflammation that will not resolve without proper intervention. This video explains why summer sores persist and what effective treatment requires. Watch the full breakdown on our YouTube channel.

In this video, we examine a severe equine lesion suspected to be a summer sore (habronemiasis) and explain how veterinarians confirm the diagnosis using a bi...

01/11/2026

Habronema larvae, commonly known as summer sores, are most active as temperatures rise and fly populations increase. In warm, humid regions like Florida, flies deposit larvae into small wounds where they become trapped at the L3 stage and trigger a chronic inflammatory response. Once embedded, the body cannot clear them on its own, leading to persistent granulomatous tissue that prevents normal healing. Early recognition and proper management are critical as fly season begins, because untreated lesions will continue to grow and cycle.

01/10/2026

Corneal infections progress quickly and can become vision threatening if medication delivery is inconsistent. A subpalpebral lavage system allows treatment to be administered frequently without repeatedly manipulating a painful eye. This improves drug contact time, reduces stress, and increases the likelihood of resolving infection before deeper structures are affected. Early intervention and efficient delivery are what protect vision and restore comfort in cases like this.

01/09/2026

Chronic navicular disease is rarely isolated to a single structure. It reflects long term stress within the hoof, involving the navicular bone, surrounding soft tissue, and the biomechanics of the entire capsule. Repeated injections can manage symptoms, but they do not always address joint environment stability over time. New intra articular therapies are designed to support the joint capsule itself, improving lubrication, reducing mechanical irritation, and protecting the structures that absorb load during motion. Managing navicular disease effectively requires shifting from short term relief to strategies that support the joint as a system.

01/07/2026

Mia joined the externship with a clear objective, gain direct experience in equine sports medicine and build the skills needed to support horses in regions with limited access to specialized care. During her time here, she is involved in real cases, real workflows, and the standards required in a high performance clinical environment.

This externship is designed for students who want meaningful exposure, not observation from a distance. It prioritizes responsibility, technical understanding, and learning how a professional equine practice operates at a high level.

Each extern represents the type of student this program is built for, focused, disciplined, and committed to developing real competence.

For those pursuing a future in equine medicine and looking for structured, hands on experience, applications are available at equineperformancecareers.com.

01/05/2026

Suspected habronemiasis cannot be managed on appearance alone. These lesions often mimic other inflammatory or neoplastic conditions, which is why biopsy is essential. Histopathology allows us to confirm the diagnosis, rule out more serious disease, and build a treatment plan that targets the true cause rather than guessing. Accurate diagnosis is what prevents prolonged healing, ineffective therapies, and unnecessary progression. Full Breakdown of how to treat this will be in our YouTube channel today at 6:30pm est.

01/04/2026

Barrel racing places intense stress on the hocks, stifles, suspensory apparatus, and feet, often revealing subtle issues before they become obvious injuries. Having veterinary support on site allows early assessment of gait changes, heat, swelling, or pain responses that are easy to miss in a high speed environment. Catching these signs early can prevent minor problems from progressing. This is why we show up to sales, races, and events, to support and guide owners and equine athletes with clear medical insight when it matters most.

01/03/2026

We are site today at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion supporting the barrel racing community. Our team is here to assist with any medical, soundness, or performance related needs throughout the event. If your horse needs to be evaluated or you have questions, stop by and connect with us. We are here to support the horses and the people who compete with them.

01/03/2026

EPIC is on site today at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion supporting the barrel racing community. Our team is here to assist with any medical, soundness, or performance related needs throughout the event. If your horse needs to be evaluated or you have questions, stop by and connect with us. We are here to support the horses and the people who compete with them.