New Study Reveals Financial Challenges and Evolving Trends in Equine Veterinary Care
A groundbreaking study from the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) offers fresh insights into how horse owners manage veterinary care for their animals—and the financial hurdles many face. Published in Equine Veterinary Education, the research underscores gaps in emergency preparedness and explores innovative solutions, including telemedicine, to bridge the growing demands of equine health care.
Financial Barriers to Care
The study, led by researchers from the Department of Agricultural Economics and the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, analyzed responses from 4,915 horse owners across all 50 U.S. states. One key finding: a significant number of owners are financially unprepared for unexpected medical emergencies.
"Owners’ ability to tolerate an unexpected expense—whether through savings, insurance, or income—directly impacts their access to veterinary care," said Jill Stowe, professor of agricultural economics and the study’s lead author. "Proactive planning could make a critical difference in outcomes for horses."
While routine care like vaccinations and lameness exams aligned with expected costs (150and150and200, respectively), emergency scenarios revealed stark challenges. Colic, a potentially life-threatening condition, stood out: over 60% of owners said they could pay $5,000 or less for surgery, despite actual costs often exceeding that amount.
Compounding the issue, only 14% of respondents had dedicated savings for equine medical emergencies, and nearly 80% did not carry insurance for their horses. The data highlights an urgent need for better financial literacy among owners—and creative billing solutions from veterinarians.
Access and Availability of Veterinary Services
The survey also examined how owners interact with veterinarians:
95% reported having a primary vet, with 75% relying on farm visits.
For clinic-based care, 80% were willing to transport their horse under 50 miles.
Wait times varied widely: 20% could secure next-day appointments, while 25% faced waits of over a week.
With equine veterinarians in short supply nationwide, practices are exploring efficiencies like telemedicine. Over two-thirds of owners expressed willingness to use virtual consultations for nonemergency care—if they had an existing relationship with the vet.
"Telemedicine faces challenges, but it could expand access, especially in rural areas," Stowe noted.
Looking Ahead: Education and Innovation
The study suggests opportunities for both owners and veterinarians to adapt:
Owners could benefit from insurance, savings plans, or financing options.
Veterinarians might consider payment plans, preventive care education, or telemedicine to ease scheduling pressures.
Encouragingly, most owners recognized industry challenges and expressed openness to new care models. "Horse owners are eager to collaborate with vets to ensure their animals receive the best care possible," Stowe said.
Read the full study:
O.L. Gibson et al, Descriptive analysis of the use of and preferences for equine veterinary services, Equine Veterinary Education (2025). DOI: 10.1111/eve.14100
Why This Matters:
With equine veterinary shortages and rising costs, this study provides a roadmap for improving care accessibility. From financial planning to tech-driven solutions, the findings could help shape a more sustainable future for horse health management.
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Key Takeaways:
Many horse owners are underprepared for emergency costs, particularly colic surgery.
Telemedicine shows promise for nonemergency care but requires vet-client relationships.
Proactive financial planning (insurance, savings) could reduce barriers to critical care.
Veterinarians are adapting with new business models to meet client needs.
