Well-meaning riders are understandably concerned about ensuring their horses are fit enough for their jobs. But in the drive for competitive results, it’s easy to over-practice and over-train horses — by simply doing too much work and not providing enough rest and recovery days in between.

The short answer is yes—but the encouraging news is that direct transmission of disease from horses to humans is quite uncommon. Still, it’s important to be aware of several bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections that can, in rare cases, pass directly from horses to people. This overview excludes conditions like West Nile virus, which are not transmitted directly from horse to human but rather through intermediate sources like mosquitoes.

Musculoskeletal disease is a widespread problem, especially in performance horses. Fortunately, it does not have to be a career-ending disease. Regenerative therapies are revolutionizing equine health care, offering versatile solutions for a wide range of conditions. From promoting tissue regeneration to supporting overall health, these cutting-edge treatments are transforming the way we care for our horses.

Plan ahead and know what to do when the unexpected happens - If you own horses, you will experience an emergency with them at one point or another.