Weatherford Equine Medical Center, PC

12/27/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the WE Team!

12/12/2025

It’s getting close!!!

FOALING SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! Is your foaling kit stocked and ready to go?

If this is your first foaling or you don’t know where to start, this graphic lists a few essentials for you to include. Having these items ready several weeks before your mare’s due date will mean less stress and scrambling at the last minute trying to acquire what you need.

As always, your veterinarian is your best source of information. Consult your horse doctor for additional recommendations for your kit and for training on how to properly use these tools to assist your mare during and after delivery!

12/10/2025

If anyone is looking a for an early booking discount check out this stud. For any questions or concerns please call Weatherford Equine Breeding Center.

Santa Baby, slip a discounted breeding under the tree 🎄

Don’t forget Magicality is offering an early booking discount of $2,000 prior to January 1, 2026!

📸

12/02/2025

THE COLD WEATHER IS UPON US! ❄️

Are you familiar with the many adaptations that help your horse stay warm during the cold winter months?

🌾 Hindgut digestion of hay produces the most heat, acting as a small furnace inside of the horse. This is why free choice; good quality hay is so important in the winter.

💪 Horses have a huge muscle mass and muscle activity produces heat. This includes running and playing and even shivering if their body temperature starts to drop. It is important to remember that these activities also will result in a bigger caloric demand so free choice hay and in some cases, grain, is often needed.

🧥 To blanket or not to blanket is a constant debate but either way, as it starts to get cold your horse will grow a thicker coat. If you decide to leave your horse unblanketed you may notice that they look “fluffy”. This is due to a phenomenon called piloerection where the hair stands up to better trap air within. Two layers of the coat also help with warmth. The inner layer is softer and has air pockets to create an insulating layer. The outer layer is coarse and has oils that keep moisture from penetrating the insulating layer and keep the horse warm.

⚖️ Wild horses go into the winter heavier than ideal, and the fat serves as an extra layer of insulation. However, if a horse is going to be kept heavily blanketed and in a barn during the cold weather months this is unnecessary and can lead to obesity related issues.

🦵Their distal limbs (below the knees and hocks) are made of mostly bones and tendons, tissues that are resistant to the cold temperatures.

🦶The hooves have an alternative route of blood circulation through larger vessels that can be used in low temperatures. This is why horses can stand in snow without detrimental effects.

👃A horse’s nose has a robust blood supply and is rounded so that it is less susceptible to frostbite than a human’s nose.
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Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

12/02/2025

The more you know….

Water remains as important for your horse in cold weather as it is in the summer. As a matter of fact, decreased water consumption in the winter is thought to be the primary inducing factor for impaction colic — although there are other predisposing factors such as poor hay quality, lack of exercise, internal parasites and dental problems.

Impaction colic is essentially constipation and most often includes the accumulation of hard, dry f***l material in the colon. The usual signs of impending impaction colic are depression, a decreased appetite, and decreased production and dryness of manure.

Studies demonstrate that you can increase your horse's winter water consumption if you provide access to heated water, but ONLY if that is the only source of water available. As always, if you have any questions about preventing colic in your horse, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information!

11/24/2025

In light of the current EHV-1 outbreak, the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) have organized a horse owner education webinar to bring you the most up to date information on this issue.

Next Tuesday, join specialists Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) for an informative discussion about what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent its spread.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnIoJrASj0vuX7Q_K87mKEjg5bxeMAkqp7fpSoOgVtVm_Zgo1g5m~AiiV7ZQ3bbmlEW2iSkeRTSAfMCYf2QhFMoprr7WRbM_MsiJRcBGT1oLj0Q

*PLEASE NOTE: the attendee limit for this session is capped at 1,000. However, all who register will be emailed a link to an on-demand recording that will become available 24 hours after the live session ends.

11/21/2025

11/20/2025

💥EHV-1 TRAVEL UPDATE 💥

As of 11/19/2025 Arizona & Nevada have implemented new travel restrictions.

ANY horses that have been on the premises listed below, will not be allowed entry into Arizona or Nevada for 21 days after leaving the following locations, EVEN if horses are non-symptomatic. These restrictions have been confirmed directly via phone conversations with Arizona and Nevada "Departments of Agriculture"

Current Locations as of 11-20-2025 (Subject to Change) :
Extraco Events Center (Waco, TX)
377 Arena (Stephenville, TX)
Lazy E Arena (Guthrie, OK)
Jackson County (Edna, TX)

Link to Nevada Import Requirement Site (Watch for Updates)
https://agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Import_Requirements/ing g

11/20/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT:

IMPORTANT HEALTH UPDATE: EHV-1 PROTOCOLS IN EFFECT

Due to the confirmed EHV-1 (Equine Herpesvirus) outbreak currently affecting Texas, we are implementing immediate biosecurity protocols to protect our horses and our facility.

NO HORSES WILL BE ALLOWED ONTO THE PARKER COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE PROPERTY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THIS INCLUDES EVERYONE, POSSE MEMBERS, RODEO CONTESTANTS OR ANYONE TRAVELING THROUGH WANTING TO STOP.

We are monitoring TAHC updates closely. Our priority is the safety of every animal on these grounds. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this time.

11/20/2025

A good additive to help us through this mess!

In the heat of the EHV-1 Outbreak your horse needs VET ZONE MAINTENANCE for several reasons.
EHV-1 challenges the horse's immune system and inflammatory pathways.
VetZone Maintenance supports these systems with ozonated omega fatty acids and antioxidants that aid the body's natural defenses, acts as an anti inflammatory, promotes respiratory wellness, and helps maintain overall immune readiness. A smart daily addition during times of elevated EHV-1 concern.
Visit vetzonerx.com to find a nearby store or order online.

This morning’s devotional brought an amazing reminder that God always provides when needed.
2 Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Let’s face this tragedy with God’s Power over Fear! We’re not just in this together…we’re in this with a God who provides peace, love, and healing.

11/19/2025

💥EHV-1/EHM Cases Reported in Texas💥

Many cases of EHV-1/EHM have been confirmed in Texas following a major event in the barrel horse, breakaway horse, and reining horse world. EHV-1 is a contagious viral disease that can cause respiratory illness, neurologic symptoms (EHM), late-term abortions, and neonatal foal loss.

Watch for signs:
• Fever over 101.5°F
• Coughing or nasal/ocular discharge
• Lethargy, anorexia, limb swelling
• Neurologic signs: ataxia, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, trouble standing

How it spreads: Respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected horses, or contaminated mucus. It will stick to clothing, hands, hair, shoes, etc. Shedding can continue for 14–28 days.

What to do:
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear
• Practice strict biosecurity—disinfect equipment, avoid sharing tack, limit travel for 3–4 weeks
• If exposed at an event, isolate and monitor temperatures daily

For more information, contact Weatherford Equine Medical Center at 817-594-9100.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

11/19/2025

Every horse owner needs to read this article! We are in an EHV-1 outbreak and it is the worst possible strain! Please stay aware everyone! Follow prevention and biosecurity protocols!!

Learn about this highly contagious equine virus and how to curb its spread.