Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care

11/28/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Peterson Smith! We are so grateful to be part of your horses’ care, and for the privilege to support such a dedicated community of equestrians. 💙🦃.

Our office is closed today through November 30th so our team can celebrate the holiday with their families. If your horse needs urgent care, our emergency hospital and ambulatory services are always available 24/7. For emergencies, please call 352.237.6151.

We hope you’re enjoying a peaceful day with the people (and horses!) you love most. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and relaxing Thanksgiving!

11/25/2025

Today was our annual Peterson Smith Thanksgiving Potluck, and it was such a great way to kick off the holiday week! Our incredible team showed up with an amazing spread of sides, desserts, and family favorites!

It’s one of our favorite traditions and always a fun reminder of how lucky we are to work alongside such a talented, thoughtful, and tight-knit group of people. Thank you to everyone who cooked, baked, stirred, carried, set up, and taste-tested!

11/24/2025

As Thanksgiving approaches, we wanted to let our clients know that our office will be closed from November 27th through November 30th so our team can spend the holiday with their families.

Before the break, please double-check that your horse has everything they need: medications, supplements, and any other essentials. If you need refills or have questions, we encourage you to reach out early this week.

Although the office will be closed, our emergency hospital and ambulatory team will still be available 24/7. If you need emergency assistance, please call 352.237.6151.

From all of us at Peterson Smith Equine Hospital and Complete Care, we wish you and your horses a happy, safe, and peaceful Thanksgiving!

11/20/2025

Peterson Smith is actively monitoring the current Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) outbreak reported in other regions. As of today, there are no confirmed cases in Florida.

We remain in close communication with state officials and trusted disease-surveillance partners to ensure we have the most accurate, up-to-date information, and will continue to keep our clients informed of any changes.

For the most reliable, real-time updates, please refer to the Equine Disease Communication Center’s official alert page:
https://equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Equine-Herpesvirus-Myeloencephalopathy-(EHM)-Outbreak

Our team is always here to support you! If you have concerns about your horse’s health or biosecurity practices, please reach out to your veterinarian directly for guidance.

The Equine Disease Communication Center is monitoring an outbreak of EHM that originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov 5-9. To date, officially confirmed cases have been reported in the following states-

11/11/2025

Veterans Day is about perspective, remembering that freedom and safety don’t happen by accident. They’re built by people who gave up time, comfort, and certainty to protect something bigger than themselves. Today, we’re grateful for that kind of courage. From all of us at Peterson Smith, we simply want to say: thank you for your service, and for continuing to serve in so many ways!

11/10/2025

It’s going to get chilly tonight! Sudden drops in temperature can affect how horses drink and digest, so keeping an extra eye on them is never a bad idea. If something doesn’t seem right, just give us a call. We’re always happy to help keep your horses feeling their best!

11/06/2025

Incredible work from our practitioners at EQUIGEA! 👏 Embryo freezing allows breeders to plan matings with precision, preserve valuable bloodlines, and maximize each mare’s reproductive potential...a perfect example of how advanced reproductive science is shaping the future of equine breeding! Be sure to follow EQUIGEA’s page to see more of the amazing outcomes our team is producing in reproductive medicine! 🐴✨

Remember the mare we recovered an amazing 39 oocytes from? From that aspiration, six embryos developed and were successfully frozen for future use! These embryos will remain viable indefinitely, ready to be thawed and transferred when the timing is just right!

11/04/2025

Our interns recently participated in an ultrasound wet lab led by Dr. Meeks, Dr. C**k, and Dr. Smith! They practiced both limb ultrasounds, used for evaluating lameness and soft tissue injuries, and abdominal/thoracic ultrasounds, for internal medicine diagnostics!

Hands-on opportunities like this are at the heart of our internship program. We’re proud to frequently provide spaces where our veterinarians can practice, ask questions, and solidify the skills that will serve them throughout their careers!

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from all of us at Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care! 👻 Our annual employee costume contest brought out creative spirits from every corner of the hospital...some spooky, some hilarious, and all frightfully good fun! Take a look through the photos and let us know in the comments: who gets your vote? 🎃

From our barn aisle to yours, have a safe, fun, and treat-filled Halloween! 🐴🦇

10/30/2025

Calling all undergrad students! If you’re serious about a future in the horse industry, don’t let your chance at a career-launching internship pass you by! Peterson Smith’s Undergraduate Internship Program isn’t just something to pad your resume; it’s a true boots-on-the-ground experience that puts you right in the heart of high-level equine veterinary care.

Since 2004, we’ve helped launch the careers of future veterinarians, researchers, and equine professionals by bringing them directly into the action. You won’t simply be shadowing, you’ll be learning alongside our experienced team in a real clinical setting, working hands-on with horses in one of our three core departments of your choice: Hospital, Ambulatory, or Advanced Fertility.

If you’re studying animal science, agriculture, equine studies, or a related field, and you’re passionate, hardworking, and ready to learn, this is your chance to step outside the classroom and into a world where elite equine athletes, fragile foals, and complex medical cases are part of everyday life. You’ll gain practical experience, see cutting-edge veterinary care in action, and build the confidence to pursue your goals, whether that’s vet school, graduate school, or a lifelong career in the horse industry.

Looking for the best chance to get your boots in the door? Consider applying for the spring term! With many students in school during that time, we receive fewer applications, meaning your chances of being accepted are much higher. You’ll still experience the best of our program: a high, diverse caseload, working alongside top veterinarians, and building skills that set you apart, all with the same hands-on experience that makes our internships unforgettable.

The last day to submit applications for our 2026 class is October 31st. Don’t let procrastination come back to haunt you…apply now to secure your spot! https://petersonsmith.com/undergrad-internship-program/

10/27/2025

The Peterson Smith Star Award recognizes an employee who goes above and beyond: someone whose skill, dedication, and heart make Peterson Smith the exceptional place it is!

Today, we’re proud to honor Rebecca Guerrera, Hospital Treatment Tech, for her sharp instincts, incredible attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to patient care! Her quick thinking recently made a huge difference in a foal’s recovery.

Thank you, Rebecca, for setting such a high standard and making a real impact on the horses and people around you!

10/22/2025

Warning: graphic photos!

Which one of these wounds should you be the most concerned with? This tongue laceration will certainly result in a visit from your veterinarian, but you may decide to treat the small leg wound yourself. It’s just a small scrape, so no need to panic, right? Below, Dr. Faith Hughes (DVM, DACVS) explains why looks can be deceiving!

“Often, we equate the severity of a wound on our horse to its size, depth, amount of bleeding, or just how gross it looks. Owners may see small wounds that don’t even appear big enough to need stitches, so don’t worry much about it, until it’s too late.

However, SMALL WOUNDS = BIG PROBLEMS if they involve a joint or tendon sheath! Most of us know where the joints are, but it’s a good idea to become familiar with the location of the tendon sheaths as well. These are called synovial structures. If interfered with, they can be among the most dangerous wounds a horse can sustain.

When fluid can drain out through the injury, the horse may appear fine. But once the wound begins to close and trap bacteria inside, a severe, extremely difficult to treat infection can develop. By the time the horse becomes noticeably lame, we’re already late starting aggressive treatment. The outcome may be career or even life-ending. The tongue laceration in the picture will heal easily. The laceration over the hock, however, could be very, very serious if the tendon sheath is involved."

Moral of the story: never judge a wound by its size. When in doubt, have your veterinarian evaluate it, especially if it’s near a joint or tendon sheath. Catching these injuries early can make all the difference!