Stable Mate Services

01/10/2021

🍂🍁 Autumn has landed 🍁🍂

If like me your horses have been out 24/7 throughout the spring & summer it’s a good idea to start giving them gentle reminders of being stabled again.
This morning is a perfect morning to do so, light rain & wind to get them used to the different things they will hear & see again with the autumn weather creeping in. ⛈💨

Few distractions like treat balls & salt licks to help keep them occupied.

Also less stressful to be stabled for a few hours in the daylight and if possible it’s best to start your stable prepping when your around your yard or generally nearby.

We all know the struggles we face during the autumn & winter months, ‘preparation is the 🔑’.

06/05/2021

❗ LAMINITIS WARNING FROM VETS ❗

Vets are reporting that they are seeing a sharp increase in cases of laminitis.

🌦With the majority of the UK experiencing rain and periods of sunshine, this creates the perfect conditions for rapid grass growth.

🐴 Laminitis is an extremely painful condition and can cause permanent damage to the hooves. It affects structures called sensitive lamellae that are located inside the horse’s hoof. The sensitive lamellae form a strong bond to hold the pedal bone in place within the hoof.

Laminitis causes the sensitive lamellae to stretch, weaken and become damaged which can cause the pedal bone to move within the hoof. In extreme cases the pedal bone can even pe*****te through the sole of the hoof which is excruciatingly painful. In such cases, euthanasia is likely to be the only treatment option to end the horse’s suffering. 🌈

Horses carrying excess weight or have a health condition such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are at an increased risk of laminitis so grazing may have to be restricted.

👀 Watch out for the subtle signs as shown below and if you have any concerns contact your vet.

For further advice, including prevention visit: https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/horse-health-and-sickness/laminitis

🎥 The British Horse Society

09/04/2021

R.I.P Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 🕊🙏

28/03/2021

🌼 Happy Sunday horsey people 🌼
🌅 sunset starts @ 19:23 this evening 🕢
We made it through the worst 🙌👍

27/03/2021

Weekend plans 🙈🙄😬

23/03/2021

Spot on 🙄🤣

23/03/2021

❤️🙌

07/03/2021

Spring Worming

Spring is an important time for horse worm control as whilst the breeding cycle is dormant during the cold winter months. The increase in temperature in the spring leads to recrudescence of larvae and recommencement of the worms breeding cycle. Larval emergence in the spring and the increase in a horse’s burden can be detected by testing the faeces to confirm the presence of eggs.

To prevent mass emergence in the Spring. There are two types of wormer that can be used for this, fenbendazole or moxidectin based wormers. Horses only need treating for tapeworm twice a year as the lifecycle takes six months to complete. This should be done in March and September.

15/01/2021

😏🙄😂

15/01/2021

As the temperatures drop and snow falls, the Dengie nutrition team share their top tips on feeding your horse or pony during the cold weather.

14/01/2021

🌈 Thank you 🌈

29/12/2020

The Government should create a specific offence for dog theft, with 8 years minimum sentencing and a fine of at least £5,000. Dogs are like members of the family to many people and current laws do not reflect this. Dogs are a support network for so many, a family member, a lifeline.

17/12/2020

😂👍

26/11/2020

*** Update ***
The only way they could fix the issue was by giving me a new number. 😦 This is now working, so if you need to get in touch, my number is now 07824 478851.

Currently Experiencing Phone Problems.
Mobile provider looking into the problem, hopefully be back on soon.
Please use Facebook messenger or Email to contact me, otherwise hold tight & l’ll update once lines are back up.
🥰

20/11/2020

We will remember them 🌺❤️🇬🇧
A heart-warming photograph of a driver from the Royal Regiment of Artillery, lying in the grass, reading. His horse is resting on the grass with him. There is no exact number of the horses, mules and donkeys lost in WW1, but some estimate it was as high as 8 million.

11/11/2020

Ernest and his father were keen bell ringers at Gressenhall Church. Ernest even joined the Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers in 1911 due to his talents. When war broke out, Ernest left Gressenhall to serve his country and the Commonwealth in the Norfolk Regiment. Much of Ernest’s military career is unknown, however, we do know he was transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers at some point
(Credit: The Gressenhall Bell Ringers)

Kick the Dust - Norfolk

08/11/2020

Lest we forget ❤️

08/11/2020

Our beautiful Gressenhall Church bells ringing before our 2 minute silence, to remember & honouring all the hero’s both humans & animals in service.
Lest we forget ❤️

31/10/2020

Thinking of setting of Fireworks? Please think of us

Organised public displays may be cancelled this year, and as a result there could be an increase in private firework displays at home.

Please think about horses, livestock and domestic pets when making plans to set off fireworks and inform your local community so they can be prepared.

RSPCA (England & Wales)

25/10/2020

Simple things only equestrians will understand.
Had a old oil tank made into a muck heap bin.
Cherry pick it away 🚜 🙌👍

25/10/2020

One of them nights 🌓
When you exhale, look at your horses and yard and know your blessed. stables

25/10/2020

STRAW VS SHAVINGS
Every horse, stable and property varies tremendously. The choice of bedding is often dependant on your area, your horses' needs and your own personal preference. If your still undecided , heres a list of considerations to help you make the right decision.

Cost- Straw is generally cheaper if your able to buy the larger round bales and store inside.

Availability- Check that shavings/straw are readily available in your area. You don't want to be caught in a shortage!

Storage- If you order shavings/sawdust by the bag it takes up less space and package prevents from getting wet (could even be kept outside).
For straw, you will need a shed/barn to store it in to keep dry.

Mucking Out Time - The long-debated argument, which bedding is quicker to muck out?
My opinion is there’s no consensus and it is a completely personal preference and again depends on horse & stable base. I’d recommend mucking out both beddings before making your decision!

The Environment- Where straw easily breaks down, shavings take years and is often much more acidic.

Removal- If you have a muck heap in a trailer, shavings may be a better option for you. Straw takes up a lot of room in a trailer/pile it will require removal often.

Dust- Ensue your horses have clean bedding readily available with no dust. Dust can cause long-term respiratory issues and illnesses.

Allergies- Some shavings are treated so your horses can have allergies to their bedding. (Again research & check daily for any allergies).

Toxicity- It is important when using shavings to do your research on the type of wood being used.

Absorbency- Shavings are much more absorbent than straw. Depending on your stable base, and how often your horse urinates. you should take into consideration how absorbant you need your bedding.

Food or bedding?- Some horses (or ponies) may eat their straw when they run out of hay.

25/10/2020

Yep.... 😂😏🙈

23/10/2020

23/10/2020

Four legged team

23/10/2020

Catching a little autumn ☀️

23/10/2020

Little Gladys didn’t want me to leave this morning ❤️

22/10/2020

Theses ears 🥰😍🐴

21/10/2020

He died for your entertainment 💔

Please share his story to raise awareness this firework season.

With lockdown restrictions set to be in place for the foreseeable future, and large, organised firework displays cancelled, more people will be looking to hold firework displays in their gardens. However, we are urging people to reconsider garden displays after the tragic event that occurred last November.

Popkei, a beautiful Friesian horse, had been poorly for a while, and was diagnosed earlier in the year with heart failure. Despite vets saying he could pass away at any moment, he fought through, and would run out to the field most mornings with his best friend, Shandy.

Tragically, over the weekend, after consecutive evenings of local residents launching fireworks, the stress took its toll on Popkei. His heart didn’t cope as well as it should have, and on 5th November 2019, we had to say goodbye to our beloved horse.

Now, we want Popkei’s shocking story to reiterate the importance of not setting fireworks off near animals. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence if a) an act of his, or a failure of his to act, causes an animal to suffer; b) he knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the act, or failure to act, would have that effect or be likely to do so; c) the animal is a protected animal, and d) the suffering is unnecessary. The offence can carry a fine of up to £20,000 and/or a prison term of up to six months.

And it’s not just livestock – thousands of animals up and down the country are petrified of the loud explosions, including dogs, cats and not to mention our native wildlife.

Please share Popkei’s tragic story. We the hope that people will think twice before setting off fireworks in their gardens.

19/10/2020

Thats my lot stock up for a while 🐴🐴🐴🐴
Don’t forget Mole Valley Farmers Equestrian Dereham have discounts on feeds, supplements & bedding until 31st October 👍