Pets Smile Plus

After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for horses, I decided to compare the cost, effectiveness, and net results of managing and treating horses holistically versus conventionally.

In this article I compare results for the average trail horse that is ridden about 2-3 times a week. I have used average feed and veterinary costs for my area (Austin, Texas), and drug and supplement costs from a major horse supply catalog.

I then discuss the issues related to each area of care, including feed, supplements, vaccines, dewormers, and first aid. Stay tuned for different profiles in coming months, when I will compare horses in different disciplines, young horses, older horses, and broodmares.

>>> Holistic Horse Oats (2 lbs/day): $131br
Hay (3 bales/week): $780br
Super Blue Green Algae (1-2 tsp/day): $156br
VEWT, West Nile Vaccinations: $48br
Spectrabiotic Natural Wormer: $115br
2 Fecal Exams: $32br
Acidophilus (for occasional immune support): $7br
TOTAL ANNUAL COST: $1269/p

p> Conventional Horse