11/03/2026
Your horse's teeth affect SO much more than just their ability to chew!
I want to share a personal experience and stress the importance of choosing someone truly qualified in equine dentistry.
For years, I've had professional equine dentists care for my horses. Equine dentistry is about much more than floating sharp edges. Proper alignment and balance can influence jaw function, comfort, posture, biomechanics, and how a horse moves and carries themselves.
When we moved to Nova Scotia, we got a little pony in early spring. Assuming his teeth hadn't been done in a while, we had a vet out. I specifically requested the vet who specialized in dentistry.
He was heavily sedated, his teeth were power floated, and the vet was finished in about FIVE minutes! I was told there were a few sharp edges but everything else was fine. I questioned his visibly crooked incisors and was told they looked good.
Over the next several months, our pony became increasingly skittish, reluctant to have anyone near his face, and harder and harder to catch.
By fall, I had my regular professional equine dentist out to do my horses. What we discovered in that little pony's mouth was heartbreaking.
Massive ramps on both first molars, a significant wave, sharp edges, and incredibly unbalanced incisors. This was only about six months after his previous dental!
Once properly assessed and balanced, his entire demeanour began to change within days. Now he's one of the first to come looking for pets and scratches! I felt terrible knowing how much discomfort he must have been living with.
Here's the takeaway: There is a BIG difference between someone who can float teeth and someone who truly understands equine dentistry.
Basic dental training in veterinary school is not the same as specialized education and experience in equine dental anatomy, occlusion, and proper balance. Some veterinarians pursue extensive additional training, and that's wonderful. What matters is their actual qualifications and expertise.
Ask questions about your provider's training and experience. And if your horse is still showing discomfort or behavioural changes after having their teeth done, don't be afraid to seek another qualified opinion.
Your horse can't tell you their mouth hurts. Sometimes their behaviour is the only way they can communicate it.
Proper equine dentistry is essential to your horse's comfort, health, and quality of life. ❤️ 🐴
