About
Horse Side Vet Guide (HSVG) is an authoritative equine health knowledge base designed to empower horse owners, barn managers, and equestrians to better understand and manage their horses' wellbeing. Built by a lifelong horseman and equine veterinarian with over 25 years of clinical experience, HSVG bridges the gap between horse owners and veterinary professionals by making expert knowledge accessible at any time. The platform features a searchable database of nearly 700 equine observations organized by body location, behavioral change, and situation — covering everything from lameness and colic to breeding, foaling, nutrition, respiratory issues, and skin conditions. Each record links to relevant diagnostics, potential diagnoses, and recommended treatments to guide decision-making. Key resources include the Whole Horse Exam tool, which guides owners through performing a structured physical assessment and communicating findings to their vet; an Equine First Aid Kit guide; quick-reference Vitals & Anatomy charts; and a library of instructional how-to videos covering tasks like administering medications and applying hoof bandages. The mobile app stores content locally for full offline access — invaluable in barns, pastures, or remote areas during emergencies. App-exclusive features include favoriting records and adding personal notes. HSVG is ideal for horse owners, equestrians, barn managers, veterinary students, and equine health professionals seeking a reliable, expert-curated reference for everyday care and emergency preparedness.
Key Features
- Searchable Equine Knowledge Base: Access nearly 700 equine observations organized by body location, behavior change, and situation — covering lameness, colic, nutrition, breeding, foaling, and more.
- Whole Horse Exam Tool: Step-by-step guidance for performing a structured equine physical assessment and sharing detailed findings with your veterinarian.
- Offline Mobile App: The HSVG smartphone app stores thousands of pages of content, key illustrations, and videos locally for full access even without internet connectivity.
- How-To Instructional Videos: Practical video guides covering essential horse care tasks such as administering oral and injectable medications and applying hoof bandages.
- First Aid & Quick Reference Resources: Comprehensive Equine First Aid Kit guidance and quick-reference anatomy and vitals charts to support emergency preparedness.
Use Cases
- A horse owner notices their horse is limping and searches HSVG's lameness observations to understand possible causes and what information to relay to their vet.
- A barn manager uses the Whole Horse Exam tool to perform a structured health assessment and share detailed findings with a remote veterinarian.
- An equestrian preparing for competition season uses the Equine First Aid Kit guide to ensure their barn is stocked with all essential emergency supplies.
- A veterinary student uses HSVG as a clinical reference to study equine observations, differentials, and diagnostic approaches across a wide range of conditions.
- A horse owner in a rural area with limited connectivity relies on the offline mobile app to access diagnostic and treatment guidance during an after-hours health emergency.
Pros
- Veterinarian-Authored Content: All information is created by a practicing equine veterinarian with 25+ years of hands-on experience, ensuring clinical accuracy and trustworthiness.
- Works Offline: The mobile app stores content locally, making critical health information available in barns, pastures, or remote locations without internet access.
- Broad Health Coverage: With nearly 700 observations spanning all major equine health categories, HSVG provides comprehensive guidance for a wide range of conditions and situations.
Cons
- Limited Free Web Access Without Account: Visitors without a free account are restricted to viewing only 2 records per month, requiring sign-up to unlock the full knowledge base.
- Not a Substitute for Professional Veterinary Care: HSVG is designed to complement veterinary relationships, not replace them — it cannot provide a definitive clinical diagnosis or treatment plan.
- Some Features Are App-Exclusive: Useful features like favoriting records, adding personal notes, and offline access are only available through the mobile app, not the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horse Side Vet Guide free to use?
HSVG offers a free account that provides unlimited access to the knowledge base. Without creating an account, users are limited to viewing 2 records per month. The mobile app may offer additional premium features.
Can I use HSVG without an internet connection?
Yes — the HSVG mobile app stores content locally on your device, allowing full access to health information, illustrations, and videos even without internet connectivity, which is especially helpful during barn emergencies.
Who created Horse Side Vet Guide and is the information reliable?
HSVG was created by a lifelong horseman and equine veterinarian with over 25 years of clinical experience. The content is professionally authored and continuously updated to provide accurate, evidence-informed equine health information.
What types of health topics does HSVG cover?
HSVG covers a broad range of equine health topics including lameness, colic, nutrition, skin and hair changes, breeding and foaling, respiratory issues, behavioral changes, conformational concerns, environmental conditions, and newborn foal care.
Is HSVG a replacement for calling my veterinarian?
No — HSVG is designed to complement your relationship with your veterinarian by helping you observe, understand, and communicate your horse's health concerns more effectively. It should never replace professional veterinary advice or emergency care.
