My Horses Get Checked by the Lay Equine Dentist

February 9, 2023

My Horses Get Checked by the Lay Equine Dentist

It's time for the Friesians and Fell pony to get their teeth checked! A good stable management program must include regular dental visits for the horses.

Once a year, my horses are paid a visit by their lay equine dentist, Brian Stuart. Unlike human teeth, equine teeth are constantly growing, which means their bites are always changing. Because of this, it is very important for a horse’s mouth to be examined for any sharp edges or misaligned molars. The process of correcting these conditions is called floating - filing or rasping an equine’s teeth so that chewing surfaces are smooth and properly contoured for eating. These days, power floating has become a popular method, but I prefer the all-natural, more traditional hand filing process. Yesterday, Brian came to my stable to check on all my horses.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

: Whenever we see this bucket of tools, we know it’s that time of year again when the lay equine dentist comes to my stable to check on all the horses’ teeth. Yesterday, all my Friesians and Banchunch the Fell pony got their annual dental exams. These are Brian’s tools of the trade. They are called floats. When not being used on a horse, Brian soaks them in a Chlorhexidine solution, an antimicrobial disinfectant. Floats are about 21-inches long. The long handles allow Brian to get to the back molars.

: Each float is fitted with a sharp tungsten carbide blade made of chips that are bonded to the base. This is what files each tooth during the floating process. Brian has 10-floats in his bucket. The floats also come in varying angles for use on different teeth. By using these floats, Brian can file sharp enamel points to correct any dental imbalances.

: This is an “s” file, a two-sided file used for finishing areas and for polishing the front of the molars section where the horse’s bit sits.

: The key to working with horses is to gain their trust, which in turn helps them calm down. Brian spends a few minutes just talking to each horse before he begins working.

: Brian has been practicing for more than 30-years. He always works in the horse stalls where they are most relaxed. He starts by checking the front teeth.

: Much of Brian’s work is done through feel. He feels for any abnormalities in the mouth. Horses have 42 teeth in all. Of those, 24 are molars and premolars that are constantly growing and being worn away.

: Brian uses a float to file any uneven or high edges of the front molars. The process of teeth floating and occlusion adjustment are not painful, but the sound of the rasp may need some getting used to, especially for a horse that is new to dental care. Rinze is very accustomed to Brian and his tools.

: Regular dental exams and floating are an important part of a horse’s preventative health care plan, so Brian comes to my stable once or twice a year. Over the years, power floating has become more popular than traditional hand filing, but this manual method is more natural and does not require anesthesia. All that is needed is a knowledgeable practitioner and a trusting relationship between horse and dentist.

: After each horse is done, Brian goes over all his findings with my stable manager, Helen Peparo.

: And then she logs everything down, so we have records of the horses’ dental health from year to year.

: Rufus and Truman “TJ” Junior look on with curiosity – it’s not the donkeys’ dental day yet.

: Hylke knows it’s his turn next.

: This is a McPherson full mouth speculum. It keeps the horse’s mouth open during the floating process.

: Brian places the speculum on Hylke – he doesn’t seem to mind it at all.

: After feeling his teeth with his hand, Brian reaches in with a float to assess the back molars and floats those that need it.

: Hylke remains still for the entire process. Brian continues to speak softly to keep Hylke relaxed. Fortunately, Hylke has had regular floating at his last stable, so his teeth are in good condition.

: Brian is almost done. The speculum is removed and Brian does some finishing touches with the “s” file. Hylke seems to know he gets a c-o-o-k-i-e next.

: What a good boy, Hylke. Brian always talks to them after their session so they end positively. All the horses are in good condition – thankfully just some routine work this year.