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Miniature
Ventures
Breeders of beautiful Miniature Horses with Action! Quality Breeding ~ Quality Transport |
| Larry,
Maryann & Brianna Cerullo 5643 SW Minson Rd. Powell Butte, OR 97753 Phone: 541-447-6870 E-mail: miniv@coinet.com |
| Developing a
relationship with a veterinarian is probably the first thing a new
horse owner should do once they think about getting a horse. A
vet is the first line of defense you have to keep your horse
healthy. A veterinarian can and SHOULD be willing to teach
you about horse care and management. Not all vets are equine vets
and not all equine vets know and understand ponies and miniature
horses. Our very first vet, who held our hand through a colicking
young stallion episode, showed her colors when she told us a year or so
later that "miniature horses are genetic freaks and they should be
wiped from the earth." Needless to say, we didn't keep that vet
long and in our search for a new vet, we found a man who was caring,
willing to teach us, and more than willing to learn about miniature
horses. Together we grew from a herd of a few horses to over a
hundred and together our knowledge increased vastly.
Unfortunately, that vet no longer does equine work and we have had to
make do with other veterinarians, some of whom are excellent. Don't be afraid to interview a vet to take care of you (that's important) and your horse(s). If a vet doesn't have time to learn about your needs, experience, and animals, chances are that vet isn't going to satisfy you with the care he or she will give your animals. Veterinarians charge prices all across the board and if budget is important, try to make arrangements with the vet. Some will carry an account for you, others require cash as soon as services are rendered. Don't shop for a vet based on his/her charges alone...those charges reflect the experience, schooling, clinic costs and so on that are necessary for a vet to stay in business. We use several vets depending on the service required and the prices vary greatly. Once you have settled on a vet or vets, keep their phone numbers handy...in your barn, in your house, on your refridgerator, and by the phone. Put the phone number on the speed dial of your cell phone. In case of an emergency, you don't want to be digging through a telephone book to find the phone number. Understand that a veterinarian, especially a good one, is a busy person. They may not be able to return your calls for information immediately. Please don't hold that against them. They WILL get back to you as soon as they can. |
