What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery

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Forest Row
Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery

Proudly independent equine vet practice in Sussex owned and run by the vets who work there. Donkeys are more than welcome!

Priors Farm Equine Surgery is situated in the village of Forest Row, south of East Grinstead in East Sussex. Established in 1978 the practice was taken over in 2008 by Ben Chilvers and Duncan Harrison, and now comprises a team of four dedicated equine veterinary surgeons. We are an exclusively equine practice carrying out first and second opinion work, as well as taking referrals from other local

veterinary surgeons and we take great pride in providing a high quality service to all of our patients whether they are top level competition horses or family pets. Over the years we have built a reputation for being caring and compassionate, and we aim to spend as much time as possible getting to know our patients as individuals in order to tailor our services to their particular needs. We are a purpose built equine hospital with full range of up-to-date diagnostic and surgical facilities. Stabling and 24-hour nursing care is available to enable us to cater for you and your horse’s needs. On Wednesday’s we offer a zoning scheme whereby you can reduce your visit fee to £15.00+VAT. Please telephone the practice for ways in which you can reduce your visit fee for routine work. We are proud that Priors Farm Equine Surgery has attained the RCVS’s Equine General practice standard. This has placed Priors Farm as one of the few equine practices in the area to have been inspected and approved by the RCVS. We are also delighted to have attained approval as a Veterinary Nurse Training Practice.

10/07/2025

With rising temperatures, it's vital to keep our horses comfortable and safe. The BHA has issued updated guidance for racing during hot conditions, and we encourage all horse owners to review their recommendations.

At Priors Farm, we’re reminding owners to:

-Provide constant access to clean, fresh water

-Use shade or stabling during peak sun

-Avoid exercise in the hottest part of the day

-Sponge or hose down with cool water (not scraping it off won't make your horse hotter we promise!)

-Monitor for signs of heat stress

Stay vigilant and proactive—our horses rely on us to keep them safe and healthy.
If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let’s all do our part in this heatwave!

https://media.britishhorseracing.com/bha/Veterinary_Resources/BHA_Hot_Weather_Policy.pdfutm_campaign=15082225_BHA%20hot%20weather%20policy&utm_medium=email&dm_i=L78,8Z9IP,31CC1C,11HE4E,1

10/06/2025

Sun’s out, stirrups up—let’s get your horse riding-club-ready for a summer of clear rounds!

It can be hard to find inspiration for a fitness plan when you feel you're against the clock with fun rides, rallies and shows looming. It's good to start with a basic fittening plan to get you started and tailor it to your horse or pony:

Week 1 stick to 20 min straight-line walking on level ground to wake up muscles and joints.

Week 2-3 build to 40-60 min walks, weaving in gentle hills and big circles so tendons strengthen evenly.

Week 4 onwards introduce 5-10 min easy trot intervals during each ride; add an extra trot set every week if your pony finishes still keen and breathing normally.

Swap one schooling session for a stretchy hack or pole line to keep brains fresh, and always give at least one full rest day after to allow for recovery.

Call your vet early if you notice uneven steps, head-bobs on a circle, sudden reluctance to go forward, or if fitness stalls despite steady work—these can hide low-grade lameness or airway issues.

We are available to visit or invite you to our hospital for a thorough lameness workup or poor performance evaluaiton to help you and your horse get the best out of your summer!

29/05/2025

Biosecurity Tips for Every Horse Owner

Biosecurity isn’t just for big yards or international travellers — it’s for every horse owner. Disease can spread fast, but a few simple habits go a long way toward keeping your horse (and others) safe.

Here’s what realistic, everyday biosecurity looks like:
1. Wash your hands — a lot.
Carry hand sanitiser in your grooming kit or yard bag, especially if you’re handling multiple horses or visiting other yards.
2. Have a “yard outfit” and boots.
Use separate clothing and footwear for your yard vs. when visiting other horses, especially during outbreaks.
3. Don’t share tack, buckets or grooming kits.
If you have to share, disinfect items first. Nose-to-nose contact spreads viruses easily.
4. Isolate new arrivals.
Keep new horses separate for at least 2 weeks, ideally 3. Monitor temperatures and signs of illness daily.
5. Stay home if your horse is ill.
Postpone clinics, shows or lessons if your horse has a cough, snotty nose or fever — even if it’s “just a cold”.
6. Disinfect stables and transport.
Give your trailer or lorry a proper clean between uses. Viruses and bacteria love a dirty floor.
7. Stay informed.
Use tools like Telltail Alerts to get notified about outbreaks near you:
https://telltail.co.uk/alerts
8. Call your vet if you have questions of concerns, just give us a ring on 01342 823011.

No need for hazmat suits — just thoughtful, consistent habits.
Good biosecurity is about prevention, not panic.

27/05/2025

Summer travel can be tough on horses — and their owners! If you’re hitting the road with your equine passengers during a heatwave, here are some essential tips to keep them safe and your journey smooth:

Hot Weather Transport Tips:
-Travel early or late: If possible avoid the midday heat by travelling during cooler hours.
-Ventilation is key: Make sure your lorry or trailer is well-ventilated. Open air vents and windows where safe to do so.
-Hydrate: Offer water before, during, and after travel. Electrolytes can help too.
-Plan regular stops: If safe and practicable check on your horse frequently and monitor for signs of heat stress.
-Pre-cool the lorry: If possible, let your vehicle run with fans on before loading.
-Keep journeys short: Minimise travel time where you can.

What if you’re stuck in traffic?

If you’re stuck in stationary traffic and your horse is at risk from the heat, you may be permitted to use the hard shoulder in an emergency — but this must be done with police permission.

Here’s how:
Call 101 and state it's not a medical emergency but an animal welfare emergency.

Explain clearly: You are transporting a horse that is at risk due to prolonged heat exposure and are requesting permission to move onto the hard shoulder to reach the next exit or layby.

Wait for instruction. Do not proceed without clear approval — using the hard shoulder without permission is illegal.

Knowing your rights and acting early can make all the difference.

Stay cool, stay safe – and take care of your four-legged travellers.

22/05/2025

Ticks on Horses – What You Need to Know!

As the weather warms up across the UK, ticks become more active—and they don't just target dogs and humans. Horses can also be affected, especially those grazing in wooded or grassy areas.

Spotting Ticks on Your Horse:

Ticks are small, spider-like parasites that attach to your horse’s skin to feed on blood. Common sites include:

-Under the mane
-Around the tail base
-Between the legs and under the belly
-Inside the ears or on the face

How to Remove a Tick Safely:

-Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers
-Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
-Pull slowly and steadily—no twisting
-Disinfect the area afterward
-Do not burn, squeeze, or apply chemicals to the tick before removal

Why It Matters:

Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and piroplasmosis, which can affect your horse's health and performance.

Need Advice or Help?

If you’re unsure about removing a tick, have concerns about your horse’s health, or just need professional support, we’re here to help.

📱 Call us on 01342 823011

Let’s keep your horses happy, healthy, and tick-free this season!

20/05/2025

Saying Goodbye: Talking About Equine Euthanasia

As horse owners, we cherish every moment with our equine companions. But when a horse's quality of life declines—due to age, illness, or injury—making the decision to say goodbye can be one of the hardest we’ll ever face.

When to Have the Conversation

If you notice:

-Chronic pain that no longer responds to treatment
-A decline in mobility or appetite
-Changes in behaviour or increased distress

…it may be time to speak to your vet. We’re here to guide you through this conversation with empathy and honesty. Together, we’ll assess your horse’s wellbeing and consider all the options.

What Are the Options?

There are two humane methods of euthanasia:

Lethal Injection – Carried out by a vet using an overdose of anaesthetic. This is peaceful and usually performed at home or a familiar setting.

Free Bullet (Shooting) – A quick and effective method performed by an experienced professional. This can also be arranged through us if this is the preferred or most practical option.

We’ll help you decide what’s best for your horse and your circumstances.

You’re Not Alone

Grief after losing a horse is real and valid. The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service offers free, confidential support for anyone experiencing the loss of a pet. You can reach them on 0800 096 6606 or visit their website for live chat and resources.

19/05/2025

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Not New to Us, Just Tried, Tested & Trusted

You may have seen recent news items and posts about PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy being introduced for treating soft tissue injuries in horses

But here at Priors Farm, we’ve been using PRP for over 12 years as part of our comprehensive regenerative medicine programme. This isn't a trend for us—it’s a trusted treatment we've used to help countless horses recover from tendon and ligament injuries with great success.

Pioneers in Advanced Therapies:

We're proud to be at the forefront of veterinary innovation, offering more than just PRP:

-Stem Cell Therapy
-Arthramid & other steroid alternatives
-Shockwave, K-Laser, INDIBA and tailored rehabilitation plans

Whether it's an elite performance horse or a much-loved companion, we provide evidence-based, progressive treatments designed around what’s best for each individual case.

Experienced. Progressive. Proven.

If you’re looking for truly established expertise in regenerative treatments, or want to know if PRP could help your horse, we're here to guide you.

Call us on 01342 823011 to have a chat about options for your horse.

Learn more about our services offered over on our website: www.priorsfarm.co.uk

06/05/2025

It's Strangles Awareness Week!

Protect Your Horse from Strangles: Introducing Strangvac Vaccination

What is Strangles? Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Streptococcus equi. It affects horses of all ages, causing fever, nasal discharge, swelling of lymph nodes, and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties. Outbreaks can disrupt entire yards, with significant health and economic impacts.

Introducing Strangvac: Strangvac is an innovative vaccine developed specifically to help protect your horse against strangles. This intramuscular vaccine works by stimulating your horse’s immune response to help prevent infection and reduce disease severity.

Why Vaccinate with Strangvac?

Reduces risk of infection and severity of symptoms.
Helps prevent costly outbreaks and yard closures.
Enhances overall yard biosecurity and peace of mind.
Vaccination Schedule:

Initial course: Two vaccinations four weeks apart.
A third vaccination is recommended six months later which we offer FREE OF CHARGE!
Booster vaccinations every 6 months maintain protection.

If you'd like to book a Strangles vaccination for your horse, or a vaccination clinic for your yard, them please call the office on 01342 823011.

17/04/2025

Have you met Katya?

Katya graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022 and has since gained valuable experience within the veterinary field. She began her veterinary career as an equine intern in Shropshire, before moving to a busy, mixed practice in Suffolk working with farm and companion animals as well as horses. She then travelled to Australia to undertake a hospital-based equine internship with a strong focus on reproduction, which gave her a solid foundation in equine surgery, medicine and reproduction.

Upon returning to the UK, she locumed in small animal practice before joining the Priors Farm team in November 2024. Katya is committed to continuing to pursue her interests in internal medicine and reproduction. Outside of work, she enjoys playing (very amateur!) polo, training for triathlons and trying to keep up with her spaniel, Ringo, on long walks.

15/04/2025

Proudly Independent, owned and run by vets

At Priors Farm Equine Vets, we’re proud to be an independent veterinary practice, not owned by a corporate group. What does that mean for you? It means everything we do is driven by what’s best for our patients – not shareholders.

Being independent gives us the freedom to provide personalised, consistent care, where your horse isn’t just a case number – they’re part of our extended family. Our team is made up of passionate equine vets who build genuine, long-term relationships with clients and horses alike.

We’re local, approachable, and deeply rooted in our community. Decisions about our services, pricing, and how we operate are made right here at Priors Farm – with your needs at heart, not dictated from a head office miles away.

You’ll always see familiar faces, receive honest advice, and know we’re here when you need us, 24/7. We believe in continuity, compassion, and care tailored to you and your horse.

Thank you for supporting a truly independent practice. We’re here for the long ride – with you every hoofbeat of the way.

10/04/2025

Easter Weekend Closure Notice

Please note, our equine veterinary practice will be closed over the Easter weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Monday. We’ll be unavailable for routine appointments during this period, reopening on Tuesday morning as usual. However, emergency veterinary cover remains available as always so please contact our office on 01342823011 if assistance is required.

Wishing all our clients (and their horses!) a safe and enjoyable Easter weekend. Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Happy Easter!

08/04/2025

As the weather warms up, your horse's water intake naturally increases — they can drink over 40 litres a day in summer!

Staying hydrated is essential for their health, especially during exercise or hot weather. Don’t forget to provide access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Salt licks are also important — they help replenish essential electrolytes lost through sweat and encourage your horse to drink more water.

Check your horse's water daily and make sure a salt lick is always available in the stable or field. Knowing their “normal” intake helps you to spot changes sooner so always get in touch if their drinking patterns change unexpectedly.

Address

Forest Row

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 5:30pm

Website

http://www.priorsfarm.co.uk/

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