This is to detect any kind of latent problems that we can address before the horses get into their high level work activities. Their vaccination protocols are different during their first year, and research is teaching us that early vaccination isn't always the best protocol because of maternal antibody interference with vaccines. The veterinarian also needs to evaluate the growth plates in growing horses' legs, Swanson states. It's particularly important to establish whether they are growing properly without showing signs of nutritional imbalance or trauma to the growth plates. We can easily correct some conformational defects with corrective trimming or with simple orthopedic procedures that work in the quickly growing foal, but once that window of opportunity is gone, when the growth plates close, we lose the ability to improve or correct most angular limb deformities.
Older horses have their own special set of problems and needs, too.
Regular checkup's can reduce many common old-age afflictions. Twice-yearly oral exams are generally recommended for the older horse. As the cheek teeth finally wear out, there is increased risk for secondary tooth problems, such as tooth root abscess, fractured teeth, and twisted teeth. These create difficulties in chewing, which, in turn, can cause undernourishment. That's because older horses often have difficulties maintaining weight and properly metabolizing nutrients.