First Equine Veterinary Services

04/21/2026

Trivia Tuesday! 👩🏼‍⚕️

Any guesses as to what this incidental finding is?? 👀

Tell us what you think!

04/17/2026

🔹Fridays with the Firsts!🔹

A few weeks ago we posted about posture in horses and have had some clients comment or message who are interested in more information. So for the next few weeks, we will start an equine rehabilitation series for our FWTF!

Whether your horse is recovering from an injury or you’re trying to improve your horse’s general fitness, these are great guidelines for ensuring the best recovery or prevent chance of re-injury.

Where any rehabilitation needs to start is with ✨range of motion✨ (ROM).

➡️ Restoring function begins with restoring movement.

Before strength, before conditioning, and before returning to work, the joint and surrounding soft tissues must be able to move correctly and comfortably. Skipping this step or rushing ahead often leads to incomplete recovery or reinjury.

🔹 Why Range of Motion Matters

After an injury several things happen quickly:
-Muscles become inactive and begin to shorten
-Surrounding fascia stiffens
-Joint mobility decreases
-Compensatory movement patterns develop

Without early intervention, these changes can limit long-term recovery even if the original injury heals.

🔹Doing ROM exercises help to:

-Maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness
-Preserve muscle length and elasticity
-Improve circulation, bringing nutrients to healing tissues
-Stimulate neuromuscular pathways, which is critical in cases where nerve injury is involved
-Reduce compensation patterns that can lead to secondary issues

Basically, ROM sets the foundation for every phase that follows.

🔹There are two types of ROM:

Passive ROM
Movement is applied to the limb without active effort from the horse. This is especially useful early on when pain, weakness, or neurologic deficits limit voluntary movement.

Active-Assisted ROM
The horse participates slightly, but movement is still guided and controlled. This helps begin re-engaging muscle and nerve pathways.

🔹How to Perform ROM Safely

-Work within the horse’s comfort zone—never force movement
-Perform exercises slowly and deliberately
-Aim for 5–10 repetitions, 1–2 times daily
-Watch for signs of discomfort, resistance, or guarding

➡️ Range of motion is not just a “light start”. it is a critical first step that determines how well the horse will regain strength, coordination, and long-term soundness.

04/14/2026

Trivia Tuesday!!! 🍼

We are in full swing foaling season!! 🩵🩷

Why should all foals be examined by a veterinarian after being born??

➡️There are several reasons, so there’s more than one right answer! (And cuddling with babies is a TOTALLY acceptable answer!)

04/13/2026

🚨Important Information for Haul In Appointments🚨

Starting today (Monday) Eliza Jordan Rd from Tanner Williams will be closed due to construction.

If coming down Tanner Williams to the clinic, take Snow Rd south to Airport Blvd and come up Eliza Jordan from there.

We will let you know when it’s open again!

04/08/2026

It’s here!!!!!! Check out Ride + Remedy’s podcast with Dr. Brittany on equine spinal manipulation and acupuncture!!

Join Dr.Brittany FIrst of First Equine Services as she brings understanding to Equine Spine Manipulation and Acupuncture.Listen Hear on Spotify ...

04/07/2026

Trivia Tuesday 🐣

Only fat/overweight horses get laminitis.

True or false- tell us what you think and why!

03/31/2026

Trivia Tuesday!! 🐣

We are into breeding season and have already had several patients have their beautiful foals inspiring today’s trivia:

How long is the average gestation length of a mare??

Tell us what you think!

03/30/2026

This past weekend Dr. Patrick taught the AAEP Dental course at Auburn!! They had a great turn out and enjoyed their dentistry deep dive! Thank you Auburn CVM for hosting!!

03/27/2026

🔹There is a new FEI requirement regarding vaccine appointments that must be completed in accordance with FEI rules.

➡️ If your horse is FEI-registered, please let us know at the time of scheduling if vaccines will be performed. This allows us to come prepared with the appropriate equipment and technology, and to ensure we’ve allotted enough time for your appointment.

🔹Thank you for helping us keep everything compliant and running smoothly!

03/20/2026

✨Friday’s with the Firsts✨

Does your horse have good posture? How can you tell? You hear about trainers and judges wanting horses “square” but what exactly does that mean?

🔹A horse that is “square” has all four legs evenly spaced making corners of a square if you drew a line between them. However, there is so much more involved for a horse to have good posture!

🔹When truly square, all legs are completely perpendicular to the ground-not camped under or stuck out behind and not leaning forward. The feet may be “square” forming corners of a square, but if they are not perpendicular to the ground, there is leaning/compensation happening.

🔹Not only should the legs be in line side by side, but also front to back. Meaning when standing in front of the horse, you only see the front legs when truly square.

🔹They should be able to stand square with their core or abs engaged allowing them to lift their back. When the back is lifted, the head and neck should come down and they should be able to lift from the base of their neck. If the legs are square but the back is dropped, the core is not engaged and this is the equivalent of slouching for people.

🔹Good posture should look effortless. When standing square, there should be no tension throughout the body.

It takes time to develop good posture because in order to have it, muscles used for stability have to be engaged and strong. We see horses daily that lack top line and have poor posture, even those in training programs and heavy work. Having good posture means the horse has a good base of support, which can help minimize injury and soreness!

Dr. Brittany, who is certified in equine rehabilitation, can help you formulate a step by step plan with stretches and strengthening exercises designed specifically for your horse to help them strengthen their core and body to develop (and maintain!) good posture!