Jackson Equine Independent Veterinary Practice

21/11/2025

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗚𝘂𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 🌱: One of the Most Overlooked Foundations of Equine Wellbeing

We talk a lot about joints, fitness, feet and nutrition… but a healthy digestive system quietly underpins all of it. When a horse’s gut isn’t happy, everything from immunity to behaviour to performance can start to wobble.

And because horses are hindgut fermenters with a delicate microbial ecosystem, even small disruptions like stress, antibiotics, rich grass, travel, illness, can tip things off balance.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what can help support the equine gut:

🧱𝗕𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
These act like a “mop” for the gut. They bind toxins, excess fluid and harmful bacterial by-products in the digestive tract. Whilst they don’t fix the cause, but they can be invaluable for reducing irritation and supporting hydration while we sort out the underlying issue.

🦠 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀
These are the live, beneficial microbes themselves – the “good bacteria” that help stabilise the hindgut’s community. Probiotics can help with restoring balance after stress, illness or antibiotic use, as well as general gut motility support. But not all probiotics are equal, and not all strains work for horses so choosing a product with well researched equine specific strains is important.

🌾 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀
Think of these as food for the good bacteria. They help strengthen the beneficial microbial population, improve fibre digestion and create a healthier overall gut environment.

🍞 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 & 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗶𝗱𝘀
Live yeasts help make the hindgut more stable and efficient, particularly in horses on higher-starch diets or those prone to weight fluctuations. They improve fibre breakdown and support a more consistent hindgut pH – crucial for metabolic horses, poor doers or those on limited grazing.

𝗔 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗴𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀:
• better nutrient absorption
• more stable energy levels
• stronger immunity
• calmer behaviour
• reduced risk of colic
• better resilience during travel, competition or stressful periods

𝗚𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, and when supported correctly, it makes a tangible difference.

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16/11/2025

𝗧𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀: When Muscles Say “No Thanks!” 👎

If you’ve ever seen a horse suddenly stiffen up, shorten the stride or seem reluctant to move after exercise, it can be very alarming and tying up, also known as azoturia or exertional rhabdomyolysis, is one of the more common culprits. This is another condition Adam deals with fairly often, and awareness really does help owners act quickly and confidently.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀 ‘𝘁𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽’? 🤔
It’s essentially a muscle disorder where the muscles cramp, tighten and become painful, usually during or shortly after exercise. The severity can vary hugely, from mild stiffness to a horse that really can’t move comfortably.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
• a very short, stilted gait
• back or hindquarter stiffness
• sweating, anxiety or reluctance to go forward
• firm, painful muscles
• dark or tea-coloured urine in more severe cases
(That last one is an emergency 🚨 – always call straight away.)

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻?
There isn’t just one cause.

In some horses it’s a one-off episode triggered by things like:
• sudden changes in exercise
• working hard after time off
• dehydration
• high-starch feeds

In others, it’s part of an underlying muscle condition such as PSSM or RER which is why a tailored vet assessment matters. Not every stiff, reluctant horse is “tied up”, and not every tying-up episode is PSSM. It’s all about understanding your horse’s individual risk factors and building a plan that works for them.

If you’re dealing with repeat episodes, unexplained stiffness or a horse who “just isn’t right” after exercise, please get in touch to arrange an appointment to discuss. Catching the pattern early can make all the difference.

📲 Phone: 07570 652879 📧 Email: [email protected]
⏰ Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (excluding public holidays)

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14/11/2025

𝗟𝘆𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 🦠: Could It Be the Missing Piece of the Puzzle?

It’s something Adam sees more often than you might think and with plenty of deer and ticks in our area, that’s no surprise. But it’s also a condition that’s still widely misunderstood, sometimes missed, and often confused with other issues.

🔍 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀
Lyme rarely shows the same signs in every horse. Instead, it often presents as vague changes like:
• shifting or intermittent lameness
• unexplained stiffness or muscle soreness
• reduced performance or reluctance to work
• behavioural changes

These overlap with many other conditions, which is why a proper veterinary assessment is essential.

🧪 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀 isn’t as simple as a blood test
A positive antibody result only tells us your horse has met Borrelia, not that they’re currently ill. Diagnosing true Lyme disease means piecing together:
• clinical signs
• duration of symptoms
• ruling out other causes
• antibody type/levels
• and how the horse responds to treatment

It really is a puzzle that needs all the pieces! 🧩

💊 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸
If Lyme is the likely cause, specific antibiotics are used, and the good news is that many horses improve, though the degree of recovery varies, especially in more complex neurological cases.

🦌 𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮
With local deer and tick populations, Lyme pops up here more frequently. So if your horse has ongoing stiffness, vague performance issues, or lameness that doesn’t quite make sense, it’s worth a conversation.

As always – you know your horse best, and we’re here to help make sense of the rest!

📲 Phone: 07570 652879 📧 Email: [email protected]
⏰ Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (excluding public holidays)

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09/11/2025

𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 🫶

As we head into winter and most horses switch from soft grass to coarser hay or haylage, it’s the perfect time for a dental check, especially for our older horses. 🦷

Ageing teeth often mean smoother, less effective grinding surfaces and tooth loss; even the best fed and otherwise healthy veterans can struggle to hold condition if they can’t chew properly. It’s one of the most commonly overlooked causes of weight loss in older horses.

Keep an eye out for quidding (dropping food), slow eating, bad breath, or long fibres in droppings, and if any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting them checked. Food trapped between teeth can cause pain, gum inflammation, infection, and even periodontal disease if left untreated.

The good news is, if tooth loss or worn grinding surfaces are a problem, there are excellent fibre replacer feeds available now. Such as simple forage replacement mashes, and soft short chops that are easy to eat and gentle on ageing mouths.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 ✋ : these feeds help manage the symptoms, not the cause. If in doubt, book an appointment to get them checked out!

📲 Phone: 07570 652879 📧 Email: [email protected]
⏰ Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (excluding public holidays)

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06/11/2025

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴! 🌦️

Once upon a time, we could plan our horse care around the seasons. Rugs went on in October, mud fever arrived in November, laminitis risk dropped after the first frost… and so on.

But those days are gone. ❌

The UK’s weather has become so unpredictable that our horses’ health risks no longer follow the calendar, they follow the forecast.

We’re seeing:

🌱 Grass still growing (and sugars still high) well into December
💧 Mud fever ad rain scald cases in what should be “dry” months
🪰 Fly and parasite activity continuing far later than expected
❄️/☀️ Colic cases linked to sudden temperature swings rather than the time of year

That’s why, as horse owners, 𝘄𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿-𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲.

It’s not about waiting for “spring laminitis season” or “winter mud fever season” anymore, it’s about staying alert to what the weather is doing right now and adapting accordingly.

✅ Keep an eye on grass growth and sugar levels even in “winter”.
✅ Watch for mud fever when mild, wet spells linger.
✅ Manage rugs and turnout based on temperature trends, not the month.
✅ Stay ahead of worming and fly control if conditions remain warm.

At Jackson Equine, we’re seeing this shift first hand, and we’re here to help you navigate it. It might mean more to think about but it also means more opportunities to prevent problems before they start. 😉

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02/11/2025

🎆 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀! 🎇

Love them or loathe them, fireworks season is here again. And whilst they may be magical for us, horses often don’t share the sentiment. But a little preparation can go a long way in helping keep them calm and safe over the coming weeks, particularly around Bonfire Night.

Here are some practical tips 👇 from us but we'd also love to hear yours in the comments:

✅ Routine is your friend

Where possible, keep their routine consistent. Sudden changes, such as bringing in when they're normally out or vice versa, can sometimes heighten stress rather than reduce it. Stick to what’s familiar for your horse.

✅ Stable appropriately

This is where knowing your horse really matters, because every horse is different.
If your horse is usually happiest stabled, bring them in and ensure the environment feels secure and quiet. If they’re calmer outdoors and you have safe fencing and turnout, leave them out.

✅ Consider sound management

Quiet background noise such as a radio playing classical music can help mask sudden bangs.
Lights on in the yard can reduce the contrast of bright flashes.

✅ Safe surroundings

Whether stabled or in the field:
Check fencing and gates
Remove hazards they could collide with if startled
Ensure any rugs fit securely and safely

✅ Companion comfort

Most horses feel safer with a calm field companion or stable neighbour. Pairing wisely can make a big difference.

✅ Sedation & calming support

Horses with severe firework anxiety do exist and they deserve support too. If you’re worried about how yours may cope, contact us to discuss options, including sedatives where appropriate.

✅ Emergency numbers ready

Save our 📲 Emergency Line: 07469 685955 (24/7) in your phone in case you need them.

Wishing all horses a safe, calm and stress-free fireworks season. We hope you don't but if you do need a vet during the night, Adam will be on call as always. 🌙

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29/10/2025

Thank you so much for all your support with Adam’s H&H nomination. We are incredibly grateful for all your kind comments, votes and shares.

𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝟱𝗽𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟯𝟬 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 so if you’ve yet to vote but would like to, you don't have long! ⏰

⬇️ Link in the comments below ⬇️

Here’s hoping 2025 is Adams year to win! 🤞

Many nominations were received for the Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year category at the Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria Equine Insurance. Our judging panel narrowed down the shortlist and now it's up to you to crown the winner. Have your say before voting closes at 5pm on Thursday 30 October. Visit the link in the comments. Celtic Equine Vets-Your Independent Equine Veterinary and Dental Practice Jackson Equine Independent Veterinary Practice Avonvale Equine Practice CM Equine Vets

26/10/2025

𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲! 📢

We’re absolutely over the moon to announce that Adam Jackson has once again been nominated and shortlisted for Horse & Hound’s Vet of the Year Award – 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝘄! 🎉

It’s hard to believe that it’s been just 18 months since Jackson Equine first opened its doors, and already the practice has been recognised twice in national awards, with this incredible honour coming hot on the heels of being shortlisted for Veterinary Practice of the Year at the Equestrian Business Awards. 🏆

For a small, independent practice built on care, compassion, and connection this recognition means the world. 💙

In November, Adam and Sadye will be heading to the prestigious awards ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club for a well-deserved night off (and hopefully some good luck on their side 🤞).

Until then, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲! 🗳️🤞
If you feel Adam has made a difference to you and your horse, or simply deserves your support, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to cast your vote and help us spread the word.

👉 https://www.hhawardsuk.com/vote25/info
⏰ 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝟱𝗽𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟯𝟬 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 so you don't have long! ⏰

Thank you, as always, for being part of Jackson Equine’s incredible journey. None of this would be possible without our fantastic clients, supporters, and of course, the horses who make it all worthwhile. 🐴

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22/10/2025

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲? 🪡

Did you know it’s something Adam offers as part of a holistic approach to veterinary care?

Acupuncture has been used in both human and veterinary medicine for thousands of years, and in recent decades it’s become an increasingly well recognised, evidence based tool for managing a range of equine conditions.

From muscle tension and stiffness to chronic pain, arthritis, nerve injuries, or even performance-related issues, acupuncture can be a gentle yet powerful way to help restore balance and comfort.

By inserting very fine needles into specific points along the body, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, increases blood flow, and helps release natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory chemicals, supporting healing from the inside out.

If you’ve ever wondered whether acupuncture could benefit your horse, then please get in touch to book an appointment.

📲 Phone: 07570 652879 📧 Email: [email protected]
⏰ Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (excluding public holidays)

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19/10/2025

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 🍂 ❄️

As the weather turns colder, many owners notice their horses becoming a little stiffer or taking longer to warm up, and it’s no coincidence.

Conditions like osteoarthritis often worsen in cold, damp weather. Lower temperatures reduce joint fluid viscosity (the “oil” that keeps joints moving smoothly) and can make muscles and tendons less flexible, increasing discomfort and stiffness. 😔

But what can you do to help? 👇

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴
Regular, gentle exercise is one of the best things you can do. Turnout and consistent work, even just in-hand walking like this, help stimulate joint fluid production and maintain mobility.

𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺-𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Spend longer walking at the start of exercise and build up slowly to more demanding work. Cooling down properly afterwards is equally important.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Deep, dry bedding helps reduce pressure on joints when lying down and getting up. Try to minimise long periods of stabling where possible.

𝗥𝘂𝗴 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮
Shivering and cold muscles can increase joint stiffness, but over-rugging can cause overheating and muscle tension.

𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
Regular farriery or barefoot trimming is essential. Poor foot balance can change the way joints are loaded, worsening wear and tear.

𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
Keep horses at an ideal condition score, excess weight increases strain on joints.

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
Those containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, or omega-3s can be useful, but evidence varies so make sure you do your research!

Arthritis can’t be cured, but it can be managed. With the right balance of movement, comfort, and targeted treatment, many horses remain happy and active for years. If management alone isn't helping, get in touch to book an appointment with Adam to discuss how he can help support your horse further.

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15/10/2025

🎥 𝗪𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻! 🎥

Adam’s had an idea 💡and we would love to hear your thoughts..

He’s been toying with the idea of starting a YouTube channel. A place to share short, informative videos on all things horse health, from everyday management and behaviour to more complex veterinary topics, nutrition, physio, and even the latest equine research and news.

His goal is to make veterinary knowledge more accessible, relatable, and maybe even start a small shift in how people think about horse care but before we dive in headfirst, we’d love your input.

📺 Do you use YouTube for horse info?
📱 Or do you prefer Facebook, Instagram reels, or good old Google searches?
📚 Maybe you’re old school and still trust a well thumbed reference book (or your vet in person!)?

We’re hoping to build something genuinely useful but only if there’s a demand for it? 🤔

Would you subscribe? What kind of videos would you want to see first?

𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝘄𝗲’𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸! 💬

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