How Can I Find Out My Horse's Vaccine Schedule?

Vaccinations are one of the most important parts of maintaining your horse’s long-term health. They protect against life-threatening diseases, prevent outbreaks, and help ensure your horse stays sound and active throughout the year. But determining the right vaccination schedule can feel overwhelming, especially with different requirements based on age, lifestyle, travel frequency, and regional disease risks. At Vaquero Equine Hospital in Waco, we help horse owners create personalized vaccination plans built around their horse’s needs and Central Texas conditions. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Core vs. Risk-Based Vaccines

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) separates equine vaccines into two categories: core vaccines and risk-based vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended for all horses regardless of exposure or environment because they protect against widespread and dangerous diseases. These include: • Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis • West Nile Virus • Tetanus • Rabies Risk-based vaccines are recommended based on your horse’s lifestyle. Horses that travel, show, or board with others often need additional protection. These vaccines may include: • Equine Influenza • Equine Herpesvirus (Rhinopneumonitis) • Strangles • Potomac Horse Fever • Rotavirus • Botulism Your vet will help determine which of these your horse needs based on their daily routine, boarding situation, and travel schedule.

Foals Have Different Vaccine Needs

Foals begin receiving vaccinations at a young age, typically starting at four to six months old. The timing often depends on the mare’s vaccination status. Foals generally receive a series of boosters spaced several weeks apart to build strong immunity. Because young horses are more vulnerable to infectious diseases, consulting with an equine veterinarian is essential to establishing a proper foal vaccination timeline. The schedule continues to change as they grow, making professional guidance especially important.

Adult Horses Require Annual Boosters

Once horses reach adulthood, most vaccines transition to yearly boosters. Core vaccines are typically administered annually, although some owners choose to vaccinate for encephalitis and West Nile twice per year due to Central Texas mosquito seasons. Risk-based vaccines like influenza and rhinopneumonitis may require boosters every six months for horses who travel or show. Horses kept at home with minimal contact may not require as many risk-based vaccinations. Your veterinarian will evaluate your horse’s exposure level to determine the appropriate frequency.

Travel, Boarding, and Competition Affect Your Schedule

If your horse attends rodeos, shows, trail rides, competitions, or clinics, your vaccination schedule will differ from a pasture-only horse. Many facilities require proof of vaccination for equine influenza and EHV-1/EHV-4. Traveling horses are also more exposed to new environments, other horses, and airborne illnesses, making extra protection necessary. Even short-term boarding requires up-to-date vaccines to ensure the safety of all horses on the property.

Local Disease Risks Influence Timing

Central Texas weather creates unique challenges for horse owners. Mosquito season is long, meaning horses remain at risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile and EEE/WEE for extended periods. Because of this, some horses benefit from semi-annual boosters, especially if they spend most of their time outdoors. Your veterinarian will factor in local conditions when building your schedule, ensuring your horse is protected year-round.

How to Keep Track of Your Horse’s Vaccines

Maintaining accurate vaccination records is essential. These records help you: • Meet boarding or travel requirements • Create a long-term health history • Avoid missed boosters • Track reactions or sensitivities to specific vaccines Vaquero Equine Hospital provides detailed documentation for all administered vaccines, along with reminders for upcoming boosters. We help ensure nothing is overlooked.

Consult With an Equine Veterinarian for a Personalized Plan

No two horses have the same lifestyle, health background, or exposure level, which is why vaccination schedules should never be one-size-fits-all. An equine veterinarian will assess your horse’s age, living situation, travel habits, and local disease risks, then design a schedule tailored specifically to them. This approach ensures maximum protection with no unnecessary vaccinations.

Contact Vaquero Equine Hospital today to schedule a wellness exam and create a customized vaccine plan to keep your horse healthy, protected, and performing at their best.