DeAnn Sloan
Guide To After-Hours Equine Care for Horse Owners

Access to veterinary care outside regular hours is vital for maintaining the health and well-being of horses. Such services offer horse owners reassurance, knowing that assistance is available during emergencies. Understanding these services can significantly impact your ability to respond to your horse’s needs promptly.
Caring for horses requires vigilance and readiness for unexpected health issues. Timely veterinary care is crucial in ensuring their well-being. After-hours care acts as a safety net, allowing you to address urgent health concerns as they arise. Clinics offering these services provide the convenience and peace of mind that comes with having reliable options available. Whether it’s an injury or sudden illness, knowing you have support around the clock is invaluable. For those in the Taylorsville area, the UrgentVet Taylorsville Vet Clinic offers such essential services.
Understanding after-hours equine care
After-hours equine care refers to veterinary services available beyond typical working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This service ensures that horses receive timely medical attention when emergencies occur outside regular schedules. Having a plan for such situations is essential for every horse owner, as it prepares them to act swiftly during unexpected crises.
Having a strategy for after-hours emergencies can make a significant difference in outcomes. Horses are prone to sudden health issues that require immediate attention, such as colic or acute injuries. By understanding the framework of after-hours care, you can better prepare for these critical moments, ensuring your horse receives the necessary treatment promptly.
Knowing that professional help is just a call away allows you to focus on providing immediate care until the veterinarian arrives. This proactive approach is crucial in minimizing complications and promoting recovery. Access to after-hours services reduces stress and anxiety during emergencies.
Scenarios requiring immediate care
Colic is one of the most common equine emergencies requiring prompt veterinary intervention. This condition can escalate quickly if not addressed immediately, making after-hours services vital in managing it effectively. Quick responses are essential in reducing pain and preventing further complications associated with colic episodes.
Injuries sustained from falls or accidents also necessitate urgent attention. Horses can injure themselves unexpectedly while playing or even in their stalls. Having access to a clinic that operates beyond regular hours ensures that wounds are treated before they become infected or lead to more severe issues.
Sudden illnesses like respiratory distress or fevers also demand rapid assessment and treatment. These conditions can deteriorate rapidly, underscoring the importance of having a reliable after-hours plan. Being prepared for these scenarios helps mitigate risks and supports your horse’s swift recovery.
Benefits of urgent care clinics
Urgent care clinics play a role in equine health management by offering specialized services designed for emergencies. They provide a range of treatments tailored to address acute conditions effectively, ensuring that your horse receives comprehensive care during critical moments.
The availability of experienced staff equipped with the necessary tools to handle various emergencies enhances the quality of care provided. These clinics are staffed with veterinarians who have specific expertise in treating equine ailments, offering reassurance that your horse is in capable hands during emergencies.
Urgent care facilities often have advanced diagnostic equipment on hand, allowing for accurate assessments and timely interventions. This capability not only improves treatment outcomes but also alleviates worry by delivering precise diagnoses and targeted therapies quickly. For more information about these services, visit UrgentVet – Your Pet Can’t Wait to Feel Better®.
Preparing for an after-hours visit
Preparation is key when dealing with after-hours veterinary visits. Having essential information about your horse readily available can expedite the process and enhance communication with the veterinarian. Keep records of your horse’s medical history, current medications, and any previous health concerns handy.
It’s also wise to assemble an emergency kit containing basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptics, and contact details for local clinics offering after-hours services. Familiarizing yourself with these locations beforehand ensures you know where to turn during an emergency without losing precious time.
Being mentally prepared helps you remain calm and focused during stressful situations. Knowing what steps to take before heading to the clinic can improve outcomes significantly by allowing you to stabilize your horse’s condition en route and upon arrival at the facility.
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Kentucky Derby: The Middle East Strengthens Ties with US Horse Racing

Photo by Abbie Myers, via Wikimedia Commons
Three prestigious Middle East horse races in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have been added to the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ series.
The Group 3 UAE 2000 Guineas and Listed Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes will award qualifying points towards up to two invitations for the big race at Churchill Downs.
The Group 3 Saudi Derby has also been added to the list of qualifying races, further strengthening the links between racing in the United States and Middle East.
The qualification series now consists of ten races, giving fans of Arabic horse racing betting even more reasons to wager on the sport in the region.
Saudi Racing Receives Major Profile Boost
The addition of the Saudi Derby is a landmark moment for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. First staged in 2020, the race has quickly gained global prominence.
Japanese superstar Forever Young won the 2024 Saudi Derby before finishing third in a thrilling renewal of the Kentucky Derby. He subsequently produced a stellar performance to defeat Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup earlier this year.
Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, says the link-up with the Kentucky Derby will boost the profile of racing in the Middle East.
“This announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership between the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and Churchill Downs Inc which holds the promise of more collaboration in the future.
“Saudi Arabian racing has been in a position to make important advancements on the international stage since the inauguration of the Saudi Cup in 2020.
“This latest development further strengthens the depth of appeal of the Saudi Cup weekend and allows the Saudi Derby to form part of a series of prestigious races with those in the UAE that further complement the important Middle East swing of winter racing.”
Meydan set to Stage Two New Kentucky Derby Qualifiers
Meydan Racecourse will stage the other two new races added to the Kentucky Derby qualification pathway during the early part of next year.
The UAE 2000 Guineas is scheduled to take place on January 23, while the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby will be run on February 20.
Dubai Racing Club will also offer a new bonus, in addition to the $100,000 already in place, if the winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas also wins the UAE Derby.
If the same horse wins the UAE 2000 Guineas, the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby and the UAE Derby, it will be eligible to accumulate two bonuses valued at $200,000.
Bill Carstanjen, the chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, believes the addition of more qualifying races enhances the global profile of the Kentucky Derby.
“The UAE Derby has long been a cornerstone of the Road to the Kentucky Derby,” he said.
“But the addition of the 2000 UAE Guineas and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby now offers a clearly defined pathway for Dubai-based runners aiming to earn a coveted spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
“This partnership further connects Dubai racing fans to the Kentucky Derby, often known as the ‘Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’, while building on the rich history of horseracing in Dubai.”
Ted Noffey Bidding to Boost Kentucky Derby Credentials
The bookmakers’ favourite for the Kentucky Derby is the Todd Pletcher-trained Ted Noffey, who has reeled off three consecutive victories in the United States.
The two-time Grade 1 winner is the favourite for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar on October 31, and a victory there would enhance his Kentucky Derby credentials.
Six-time Derby winner Bob Baffert trains the second and joint-third favourite in the betting for the race – Brant and Buetane. Baffert has several other horses who could become Derby contenders.
Both horses are entered in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and the race could become a useful form pointer for the big one at Churchill Downs next year.



