Dentistry…..for horses
My Labor Day was spent hauling horses to the dentist. Yes, I did say the dentist. The Bitterroot Ranch, in Dubois Wyoming, conducts a series of clinics throughout the season for guests, wranglers and some private groups. For the past 4 weeks Dr. Hyde has been conducting a Dentistry School for around 11 students from all over the world.
At the end of this time the students are qualified “horse dentists”. So what exactly does this mean? Is this a career now? I have always recognized the importance of floating a horse’s teeth every 1- 2 years but I realize for many it may just be another penny in an ever increasing money pit, IE: your horse.
In Australia I had one horse who had the very best of everything but now between my husband and I we have 12 horses. We really can’t afford to give the same level of care to each of these horses now can we? Is horse dentistry among one of the essentials like shoeing and worming, as a prevention technique or can it wait and be used only if a problem were to arise?
Sarah
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Hi Sarah,
Our view would be that to a large extent it depends on what your horse is eating as to the level of dental care needed. Here in Argentina I think that the gauchos would think that we were crazy if we said that we were going to bring in a horse dentist! If horses eat grass most of the day then problems should be minimal . . .with our herd of over 130 we can’t remember the last time we had any dental problems . . .
Regards from all at Estancia Los Potreros