How to Avoid the Vet! Learn what to notice early—and when making the call matters.

 How to Avoid the Vet! Learn what to notice early—and when making the call matters.
Hands-On Horse Workshop • Iron Giants Draft Horse Rescue
How to Avoid the Vet!
Learn what to notice early—and when making the call matters.
Your horse seems a little off. Would you know what to check?

Maybe breakfast didn’t disappear as quickly as usual. Perhaps your horse seems quieter, moves differently, or just doesn’t look quite right.

What do you notice? What do you check? And what do you tell your veterinarian?

Join Dr. Lynne Wimmer for a welcoming, hands-on workshop with the horses at Iron Giants Draft Horse Rescue. We’ll explore one simple question:

What does normal look like for this horse?

Every horse develops patterns. The more familiar you become with those everyday patterns, the easier it becomes to notice when something changes. Together, we’ll practice observing the clues horses give us every day.

Know the pattern. Notice the change.
A horse doesn’t need to look dramatically ill before something deserves attention. Learning an individual horse’s everyday patterns gives you a meaningful point of comparison and helps you share useful information when you call your veterinarian.
What We’ll Explore

Learn what to notice, what to track, and how to describe changes clearly.

1
The Horse in Front of You
Vital signs • facial expression • comfort
2
What Goes In and What Comes Out
Appetite • hydration • digestion • urine • manure
3
How the Horse Moves and Looks
Movement • mobility • weight • body condition • skin • coat • feet • hooves
4
Patterns Around the Horse
Behavior • temperament • environment • seasonal changes
Learn Alongside the Horses

This workshop brings the information to life. You’ll practice locating vital signs, observe the horses, and work with a partner to explore body condition.

We’ll also look at hoof health and discuss everyday observations you can take back to your own barn.

When It’s Time to Call the Vet
We’ll explore which changes deserve attention and how to describe what you see. Knowing your horse’s usual patterns can help you gather and share useful information when you contact your veterinarian.
Plus: An Introduction to Raindrop for Horses

We’ll also introduce Raindrop for Horses, bringing together touch, essential oils, and thoughtful observation. Watch the technique and learn to pay attention to the horse’s response throughout the experience.

Watch the ears and eyes. Notice breathing, posture, movement, muscle tension, and willingness to participate. The horse gets a vote!

Today’s observations become tomorrow’s clues.
Come Curious. No Veterinary Training Needed.

This workshop focuses on observation, awareness, and communication. Come ready to look more closely, ask questions, and practice skills you can continue using with the horses in your care.

The workshop and Raindrop introduction complement your horse’s care; they do not replace veterinary attention when needed.

Take the Learning Back to Your Barn

You’ll receive printed handouts at the workshop to use during our activities and take home:

  • Normal hoof and horse conformation handouts
  • Horse Body Condition Tracking Sheet
  • Horse Body Condition Guide and Tracking Sheet
  • Horse Vital Signs and Exam, including hoof parts and labeling
Full-Color Guides to Download

The day after the workshop, watch your inbox for a thank-you message with links to download and print the full-color Do You Know Your Horse’s Normal? guide and Raindrop for Horses guide.

Join Us at Iron Giants
Saturday, November 14
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Iron Giants Draft Horse Rescue
Registration: $50 paid on site
Your Registration Supports Iron Giants

Your $50 donation goes entirely to Iron Giants Draft Horse Rescue.

Interested in Raindrop at Home?
An optional Raindrop sample oil set is available for $30 for participants who would like to take oils home.

Get Tickets

Donation $50 to Iron Giants Collected Day of Event
Free
Total$0.00