Equitait Veterinary Practice

11/06/2026

Rider Spotlight - Sarah Farnsworth

Everyone at Equitait would like to wish Sarah the very best of luck in the CCI 4* long at Bramham this week!

Sarah is riding “The Ridge Cardento” known to his friends as “Dave”. He’s a beautiful horse with a truly lovely character and has been home produced by Sarah and her sister Ruth.
Sarah and Dave have had some outstanding results this season including a win in the Open Intermediate Under 21 class at Oasby and a spectacular clear round in the fiercely competitive 4* class at Belsay to come 24th against some of the best horse & rider combinations in the world!
Over the last few years Sarah has worked with us at Equitait through the university breaks, and throughout this season she has been completing her dissertation for her final year at Exeter University!
It’s an incredible achievement to have produced a horse to this level and we hope you really enjoy the whole Bramham experience!
GOOD LUCK! 🏇🍀

27/05/2026

Thanks for the mention Jade Paterson, Equestrian Training

24/04/2026

Influenza - update

We have been watching an increase in flu outbreaks in England over the past few weeks but in recent days it has come closer with an outbreak in Northumberland confirmed on Wednesday and Lanarkshire yesterday.

Since the beginning of April 2026, the surveillance team that watch for influenza have received details from 21 confirmed outbreaks of equine influenza (EI) on premises across 15 counties in the UK (with more unconfirmed cases about).

The majority of initial cases were noted in either unvaccinated or horse of unknown vaccination history.

For practical biosecurity measures and thoughts on ensuring vaccines are up to date please see the attached document.
For horses that are high risk they should consider boosting their horses if it has been over six months since their last vaccination.

https://equinesurveillance.org/landing/resources/EIDS_EI_update_23042026.pdf

20/04/2026

Equitait are delighted to be sponsoring this fabulous local show. Entries shut tonight in just over two hours...
https://www.horse-events.co.uk/horse-events/berwickshire-hunt-pony-club-easter-show-and-spring-festival-2026-show-jumping-qualifier/

18/04/2026

Like Buses - after a wait, yesterday was busy in the foaling suites - two foals, both up and sucking and placentas passed. We were lucky then to meet one of their full sisters, Matilda while out on the road. Matilda turned one year old a few weeks ago. All Bon Jovi's offspring.

13/04/2026

Weekly Stallion Spotlight - Djarfur

Djarfur or "Talent" as he is known at home, is a show jumping pony stallion that lives up to his name.

Known for producing smart, athletic child friendly offspring, he is a popular choice and a great asset to have in Scotland, where there are a limited number of pony stallions specific to show jumping lines.

For more details and to see other local stallions we work with, please view at : https://equitait.com/services/scottish-stallion-showcase

30/03/2026

Weekly Stallion Spotlight - Equiplay Melody 'Frog'

Frog is a maternal half brother to the world famous and prolific Connemara sire, 'I love you Melody', who was well known for producing performance ponies that competed to the highest levels. Frog's dam Equinoxe Melody was Supreme Champion of the French National Show in 2000 and 2002 and has produced a number of Class 1 stallions. He transfers the great temperament, intelligence, bravery and stunning looks that that we expect from the Melody lines. The only Melody stallion standing in the UK, Frog is so sensible at home and very easy to handle. He is currently assisting a 10 year old girl progress through her pony club stage, whilst standing at stud at Equitait Veterinary Practice. This means he can cater for natural covers and both fresh and chilled AI with the functionality to add in the expertise of stud vets from the practice as and when required.

For more details and to see other local stallions we work with, please view at : https://equitait.com/services/scottish-stallion-showcase

19/03/2026

Weekly Stallion Spotlight - Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi, or Jovi as he's know at home, is by the famous Dutch Warmblood stallion, Concorde. Not only will he add a show jumping flare to any mare's offspring, his stamp and good looks shine through in all his progeny. His calm, sensible, and friendly demeanour also show in his offspring.

Available for natural coverings, fresh and chilled AI. He stands and can be viewed at Equitait Veterinary Practice, Duns. Visiting mares can be liveried during the breeding process, with vets on site to take care of all aspects of the stud work. Jovi's consistently excellent semen quality and motility make him the vet's dream for getting fertile mares in foal and the mare owners dream for keeping cost down while producing outstanding foals.

For more details and to see other local stallions we work with, please view at : https://equitait.com/services/scottish-stallion-showcase

25/02/2026

Exciting News...

17/01/2026

https://nautil.us/horses-can-smell-how-youre-feeling-1261710/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-gb
Interesting article backing up what we already know - "Horses react to how we're feeling" In some ways it's why our bonds with them are so strong. It's also why our vets and handlers all horse ride and come from equestrian backgrounds. This means when we're handling your horses, sometimes in tricky situations, we're less like to experience fear and in turn we get a better reaction from them. During my interactions with horses (particularly with behavioural issues) I have found it surprising effective to 'share breath' with them and give them time to smell the handlers before proceeding.

Horses Can Smell How You’re Feeling: If you lead with fear, they may respond with their own fearful behaviors.