Cave Creek Equine Hospital/Sports Medicine & Surgery

11/07/2025

🌟 Client Spotlight 🌟
We’re so grateful for kind words like these! Helping horses heal—and supporting their owners every step of the way—is what we’re here for. Thank you, Pattie, for trusting Dr. Martin and our team with your mare’s care. 💙🐴
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09/07/2025

It’s , and we couldn’t let it pass without recognizing our incredible farrier partner, Jeremiah!
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From his early start with horses at age 12 to earning his Certified Journeyman Farrier and Therapeutic Endorsement through the American Farriers Association, Jeremiah’s passion and dedication to his craft are unmatched. He’s competed across the country in the World Championship Blacksmiths series, cared for dressage horses at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, and passed some of the most rigorous farrier exams in the world—including the prestigious Associates exam from England’s Worshipful Company of Farriers.
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But what we value most is the way Jeremiah collaborates with our veterinary team to support each horse’s unique needs. His knowledge, precision, and commitment to ongoing excellence make him an invaluable part of the Cave Creek Equine family.
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Thank you, Jeremiah, for everything you do—for us and for the horses. Your work makes a difference every day. 💙
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09/07/2025

⭐️ Client Spotlight ⭐️
Peggy’s horse came to us with a challenging lameness issue that others couldn’t pinpoint. With patience, teamwork, and thorough diagnostics, Dr. Vidal and Dr. Aristizabal helped get her back in the arena and ready to compete.
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We’re honored by Peggy’s kind words and grateful for the trust she placed in our team, both during treatment and again during a pre-purchase exam. 🐴💪
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Thank you, Peggy, for letting us be part of your journey! 💙
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04/07/2025

Wishing you and your herd a safe and joyful Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 As we celebrate the freedom and resilience that define our nation, we’re also grateful for the trust you place in us to care for your equine athletes. We hope your day is filled with health, happiness, and time with those who matter most. ❤️🤍💙
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🐴Sudden loud noises and bright flashes can be stressful for horses, so take a few extra steps to keep them calm and comfortable tonight! 🫶

30/06/2025

With the just around the corner, now is a good time to make preparations to keep your horses, farm animals and pets safe during any fireworks that will be happening in your area. 🎆

The graphic below lists some tips to get you started. If your horses are staying out overnight, be sure to check your fencing ahead of time and neutralize any hazards like rocks, branches or holes that could lead to injury if the animals start bolting. If you are really worried about your horse's safety, consult your veterinarian about calming agents and sedatives.

No matter what your Independence Day plans are, above all please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so EVERYONE may have an enjoyable celebration. Happy 4th!

Thank you to our Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

18/06/2025

🐴💙 Today on , we’re celebrating the compassionate, skilled, and dedicated veterinarians who put their heart into every patient they treat.
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At Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery, our vets go beyond the exam room—combining advanced diagnostics, deep expertise, and true passion for equine athletes.
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Help us show them some love today! Drop a comment or ❤️ to thank the incredible team that keeps our horses healthy, happy, and performing at their best.
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17/06/2025

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the amount of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.

If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.

If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination while you wait for your appointment.

Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare. As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

15/06/2025

12/06/2025

What measures have you taken to reduce fire risks in your barn? 🧯

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2024 there were 64,897 wildfires reported, consuming 8,924,884 acres in the U.S. As we head into the hottest time of the year, make sure your farm has a fire prevention plan and an evacuation strategy in place to keep both equines and people safe.

Check out the graphic for ten fire prevention measures to get you started on the right track to a safer facility. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and we invite you to contact your local fire department and your veterinarian for guidance on designing a prevention and response plan tailored to your specific situation.

Barn fires are the number one local emergency affecting agricultural facilities. They can cause horrific injuries and kill more equines than any other type of disaster, so being prepared is only in your best interest!

06/06/2025

🐸 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭… 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑔 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐟?
Not the hopping kind—but the V-shaped, squishy one that acts like a shock absorber, helps with traction, and keeps blood flowing. Talk about multitasking! 🐴💪
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06/06/2025

Interested in playing polo? Cave Creek Equine Polo offers something for every level.