* Age: Foals and older horses generally require more frequent checkups than healthy adult horses.
* Health status: Horses with pre-existing conditions or health concerns might need more frequent visits.
* Lifestyle: Horses with intense training regimens, competition schedules, or those living in challenging environments (e.g., harsh weather conditions) might need more frequent vet visits.
* Vaccination schedule: Vaccination requirements vary depending on the region and the horse's specific needs, leading to varying visit frequencies.
* Dental care: Horses require regular dental care, which may involve visits from a specialized equine dentist.
Here's a more accurate breakdown of why vets visit horses:
* Annual checkups: These are essential for monitoring overall health, identifying potential problems early, and administering vaccinations.
* Routine dental care: Horses' teeth continuously grow, and regular dental exams and procedures are crucial to prevent issues.
* Vaccinations: Vaccines are given on a schedule to protect against various diseases.
* Health concerns: Vets are called in for a variety of reasons, including injury, illness, lameness, behavioral issues, or pregnancy.
* Pre-purchase exams: A vet will examine a horse before purchase to assess its health and soundness.
* Emergency care: Vets provide emergency services for horses experiencing life-threatening situations.
So, while annual checkups are important, vets visit horses for a variety of reasons and with varying frequency based on individual needs.