Health
Horse vaccination schedule — which vaccine and when?
Influenza, tetanus, rhinopneumonia, West Nile: which vaccinations does your horse need and when? An overview including KNHS rules for competition horses.
Published: 3/25/2026
EquiSight Editorial
Redactie · EquiSight · SaFleu Equestrian Centre BV
Influenza — mandatory for KNHS competitions
First vaccination, vaccination 2 four weeks later, and approximately 6 months later vaccination 3. Then annually. For KNHS competitions, the most recent vaccination must not be older than 6 months.
Tetanus — strongly recommended
First 2 vaccinations with a 4-week interval, then every 2–3 years. Tetanus is always fatal if left untreated — not vaccinating is not an option.
Rhinopneumonia (EHV-1/4)
Especially in stables with many horses and in pregnant mares (5, 7, 9 months of gestation). General schedule: every 6 months.
West Nile virus
Recommended in risk areas before mosquito season. Primary series of 2 vaccinations, then annually.