Wilhite & Frees Equine Hospital

10/20/2026

You scream, I scream, we all should scream for WFEH’s tech team. Happy vet tech week! Special thanks to Stacey with MWI for the snack cups she personally prepares every year to celebrate this week. They are so appreciated (and eagerly anticipated!)

Tell us how a WFEH tech or assistant has made your or your horse’s life better in the comments! 👇🏼

10/19/2026

Happy Vet Tech Week! We love technicians and minis (of the equine and Chik-fil-a varieties). Be sure to show the vet techs in your life the love, always but especially this week! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

10/02/2026

TWENTY YEARS ago, these two were standing in their brand new hospital with a big dream. Come see them tomorrow to celebrate the anniversary of that and the many more years to come. Hospital tours, good company, vendors, free lunch and ice cream isn’t a bad way to spend a Saturday! We will be here from 11 AM to 2 PM and hope to see you then!

09/26/2026

We are ONE WEEK away from our Open House Anniversary Celebration! Come see us October 3rd and stop in anytime from 11 PM to 2 PM. See you there!

09/03/2026

We are ONE MONTH out from our Open House Anniversary Celebration! Stop by and grab some tacos, visit with our staff, tour the hospital, and meet some of our local horse community groups and businesses, then top it off with an ice cream cone.

Not a client or you haven’t visited our hospital before? This is a great time to meet the doctors and learn about our clinic. Anyone is welcome. We cannot wait to see you all on October 3rd!

07/21/2026

Save the date and celebrate with us! While we’ve been dedicated to caring for horses for more than two decades, we’re excited to commemorate the 20th anniversary of our hospital’s grand opening with a special Open House.

06/02/2026

Whether it is a horse owner during an appointment or a Pony Clubber on the weekend, Dr. Trahan loves the opportunity to teach and meet the next generation of horse people. 📖

Pony Club has opportunities for all ages and levels. The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is the largest equine educational organization in North America. Started in 1954 and originally based on Great Britain’s The Pony Club, the curriculum teaches riding skills and the care of horses through mounted and unmounted lessons. Through Pony Club, members have fun with horses and make lifelong friends while they develop skills, habits, and values that extend well beyond the barn and last a lifetime. Many members apply what they have learned in the USPC program successfully in their careers, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other life pursuits. Learn more about joining Pony Club here: https://www.ponyclub.org/become-a-member

There are always opportunities to learn from horses and from each other!

05/29/2026

We often have students reach out about shadowing opportunities but we have very limited space that fills quickly due to visiting vet students on externships in their clinical year. This is an incredible local opportunity for students wanting to gain experience!

05/18/2026

We have had several calls about severe weather advice today. So this is worth a reshare!

Thunderstorms and tornadoes can be a terrifying experience for both horse owners and their animals. Horses, being large, sensitive creatures, may become anxious or fearful during severe weather. It’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some key tips to help care for your horses during thunderstorms and tornadoes:

🌪️ 1. Bringing Horses Indoors: It can be hard to choose what is right when contemplating bringing your horse inside during severe weather. Ultimately it comes down to your horse, your barn options, how safe the structure you would use is, and sticking to your plan once you commit. Bringing your horse inside a well constructed barn or stable can provide them with protection from wind, rain, and flying debris. Leaving horses outside in open fields is a double edge sword as they could be at risk from lightning, hail, or falling debris; but in the event of a true tornado an open area where they are free from debris or trapped inside of a structure may be the safest option. Any horses outside during strong winds should have fly masks on to protect their eyes. While there are very few true "tornado proof" horse shelters a run-in shed or a sturdy structure that offers protection from the wind and rain can help during a severe thunderstorm.

🌪️2. Ensure Secure Fencing: Before storms hit, check your fencing to make sure it's secure. Loose or broken fences can cause chaos, especially if your horses are scared and try to run. Make sure gates are securely latched, and that there are no areas where the horses could get tangled or escape.

🌪️3. Avoid Tying Horses: During a storm or tornado, do not tie your horses. Horses tied in stalls, cross ties, or to posts may become panicked and injured, especially in high winds or if the area becomes flooded. Allow your horses to move freely in their stall or shelter to reduce the risk of injury.

🌪️4. Keep Calm and Keep Yourself Safe: Horses are highly sensitive to their owners' emotions. If you remain calm and composed, your horse is more likely to remain calm as well. Sticking to your normal barn "routine" as much as possible is helpful as horses may become more stressed by change. Putting hay in nibble nets or hay bags can help offer distraction from loud storms. It is important for you to seek shelter during severe weather so securing your horse safely and moving to a basement or interior room of your house as directed is best. You cannot help your horse if you are injured so remember: PEOPLE ALWAYS COME FIRST.

🌪️5. Monitor the Weather: Stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings. If a tornado watch or warning is issued, take immediate action to get your horses into a safe location. Pay attention to weather apps, local radio, or emergency services for alerts.

🌪️6. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Having an emergency kit (like the one offered by our office) can make a world of difference during severe weather. An additional kit for summer storms may include:
•Flashlights and batteries
•First aid supplies for both humans and horses
•Extra halters and leads (put in different places in case the structure is compromised)
•A portable radio or battery-powered weather radio
•Emergency contact numbers for local veterinarians and animal rescue services
•Blankets or wraps for warmth

🌪️7. After the Storm: Once the storm has passed, take the time to check on your horses carefully. Look for signs of injury, stress, or trauma. Check the barn or shelter for any damage, and ensure that fencing and gates are still secure. If there’s been flooding or downed trees, clear the area to prevent further injury.

For more information check out this article from The Horse magazine: https://thehorse.com/116017/preparedness-is-key-to-surviving-tornadoes-with-horses/

Our office is always available for emergencies within our radius or by haul in. Our emergency line is the same as the daytime line: 816-779-0100 (you must wait to be connected to the answering service! Do not hang up!)

The best way to ensure emergency care for your horse is to have a current relationship with your vet (regular visit within the past year). Call or click the link to schedule a visit with our office: Call or click to schedule today: https://practices.allydvm.com/online-booking?practice=wilhitefrees

05/15/2026

🩹🩸 Why do we get “wound up” about wounds? Successful healing of wounds can be determined by many factors but involving your veterinarian is always the best place to start.
Primary (first intention) healing is what is referred to by closing the wound by suturing it. This is usually the ideal option as it is often quickest and most functional (and cosmetic) in regard to wound healing. Second intention is relying on the body to create a clot/scab with granulation tissue then reepithelialize and contract the wound on its own.
🛑 There are some situations where first intention healing is not available such as contamination, location, or age of the wound.
📸 In the photos seen here, first and second intention healing both took place. The flap was sutured but the “tip” of the flap devitalized or “died” (as expected) and second intention healing was required at the bottom of the wound. Bandages and stall rest were both utilized to keep the wound clean and healthy. The only part of the scar visible today is the area that healed with second intention.

❓What should you as an owner do if you find your horse with a laceration or wound?
✅ Call your DVM and take multiple up close and far away pictures to prepare them. Info like size, location (near joints or tendons), any swelling or drainage, and if the wound is clean or soiled.
✅If the wound is actively bleeding apply a clean cloth or absorbent pad and hold it in place with a bandage wrap/polo/vet wrap.
✅ DO NOT REMOVE your bandage or wrap until your vet arrives.
✅ Verify your horse’s vaccination status with your vet. A tetanus toxoid booster may be needed.

☎️Call or click to schedule today: https://practices.allydvm.com/online-booking?practice=wilhitefrees