Fuller Equine Veterinary Practice

30/06/2025

🐴✨ Our Sophie and her beautiful Dita were looking hot🔥 in the Advanced Medium at Codham Park on Saturday 🏅🐎

We love seeing what our clients and their four-legged friends get up to – whether it’s competing, hacking, or just enjoying time together.

Pop into the comments to let us know what you’ve been up to with your horses – we’d love to hear from you! 💬📸

If you are happy for us to share any of your adventures, you can always keep us updated via email 🤩

27/06/2025

Happy Friday everyone!

Magda has had a last minute cancellation today, she therefore has some availability today.

Please call the office to book in😊

25/06/2025

😊 Thanks for your nominations 🙏🙏❤️❤️ It means a lot to us ###

12/06/2025

A quick cuddle with this little cutie pie and then on to back medicating 🤩

11/06/2025

Very excited that Isabel Alcon Gardner is joining the Fuller Equine team - She is looking forward to meeting you all soon 🐎⭐️

10/06/2025

Lovely seeing so many horses out competing today 😍🤩

02/06/2025

This morning, Magda headed out to consult on a lovely 23 year old Quarter Horse gelding. Below you will see a photo of Magda injecting his DIT joint with Adcortyl. The DIT joint is tiny and notoriously difficult to inject, so it requires very precise movements and the smallest needles.

29/05/2025

21/05/2025

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!

Our talented clients Sylvester, Turbo, Jackpot and Nevada and their mom Jessie Apicella competed at Royal Windsor this past weekend in the Coaching Class.
The class consisted of a 7 mile drive around the King's Estate and then a show in the main ring which resulted in a very well deserved Reserve Champion placing.

21/05/2025

Ahhh Summer...we absoultely love those long evening hacks, the eventing season, show jumping without getting rained on and keeping those dressage horse's as pretty as they were when they left the yard. Having a long canter along the beach or trucking out to go on long, winding forest rides.

However, it does not come without it's issues (as does every season in the UK).

Safeguarding Your Horse During the Summer Months

Heat Stress and Dehydration
Horses are especially vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration during hot and humid weather. As large, warm-blooded animals, they rely primarily on sweating to regulate body temperature—but in extreme heat or humidity, their cooling mechanisms may be insufficient. Horses cannot pant like dogs and depend heavily on hydration and environmental conditions to stay cool.

To reduce risk:

Provide constant access to clean, fresh water.

Ensure there is ample shade in pastures and stables.

Schedule exercise or training during early mornings or late evenings.

Watch for signs of heat stress, including excessive sweating, rapid breathing, and lethargy.

Insect-Related Irritations and Disease
Summer brings a surge in biting insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. These pests can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even transmit diseases like equine infectious anemia or West Nile virus.

Protection strategies include:

Using fly masks, sheets, and topical repellents.

Avoiding turnout at dawn and dusk when insects are most active.

Removing manure frequently and practicing good pasture hygiene.

Skin Sensitivities and Sunburn
The summer sun can exacerbate several skin conditions in horses. Light-skinned or pink-nosed horses are especially prone to sunburn, and sweating combined with humidity can lead to fungal or bacterial infections like rain rot.

To prevent skin issues:

Apply equine-specific sunscreen to sensitive areas.

Use UV-protective fly sheets.

Groom regularly to spot irritations early.

Consult a vet for allergic reactions to insect bites, as some horses may rub themselves raw from the discomfort.

Toxic Plants and Pasture Hazards
Warm weather encourages plant growth, including toxic varieties like buttercups and ragwort. Horses may accidentally consume these if pasture management is lax.

Steps to take:

Identify and remove poisonous plants—dig up ragwort by the root and burn it to prevent regrowth.

Rotate and mow pastures regularly.

Fence off ponds and stagnant water sources, which can harbor harmful bacteria or appear deceptively inviting to overheated horses.

Exercise and Electrolyte Management
Increased sweating during summer activity can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly in horses that are worked or compete regularly.

Maintain electrolyte balance by:

Providing supplements under veterinary supervision.

Adjusting exercise intensity based on temperature.

Allowing rest breaks and access to shade and water during and after workouts.

Final Thoughts
Summer can be a rewarding time for horse and rider alike, but it requires extra attention to equine health and comfort. By implementing preventative care—from hydration and insect control to pasture management and sun protection—you’ll help ensure a safe and enjoyable season for your horse. Don’t forget regular check-ups with Fuller Equine and maintaining open lines of communication with equine professionals. With the right precautions, both you and your horse can make the most of the summer months ahead.

21/05/2025

It's time...to nominate your favourite vet, vet support staff and vet practice and we would love to have your support and votes.

All you need to do is click on the below link and fill out the form.

The Petplan Vet Awards are in their 26th year, recognising and celebrating teams and individuals within the vet sector who inspire their clients and colleagues with their commitment and passion.