Frome Equine Vets

11/11/2024

I was pulled from my field, from my work, from my play
Ne're to see England in lands far away
Through death and destruction, through blood, sweat and tears
I carried my master, along with my peers
So I ask you to remember a while,
Along with the soldiers in smart rank and file,
Remember our beauty, the strength of our kind,
As we galloped through danger, without care to mind
For we were the horses thrust into war
And we gave up our lives for your peace evermore.

The War Horse 1914 - 1918

31/10/2024

Most horse owners will dread that time in early November (or New Year’s Eve) when fireworks seem to go on forever. This is especially as horses and fireworks can be a difficult combination to manage.
How to help your horse cope with fireworks
As bonfire night approaches make sure you take precautions to minimise the impact they have on your horse or pony.
💥 Find out if there are any displays/fireworks planned near to where your horse is kept. Local press and shop notice boards as well as local radio and Facebook groups are a good source of information.
📞 Contact organisers to explain your concerns. See if there are any measures they can take – for example, moving to the far end of a site and ask about timings so you can manage your horse appropriately.
🏘 It may be worth asking people living locally if they intend to have any private fireworks so that you can express your concerns and also be prepared.
⌚️ Stick to your horse’s normal routine wherever possible as sudden changes may make them more unsettled. If they are usually stabled, keep them stabled. If they are normally out in the field, keep them out there as long as it is safe, secure and not close to a firework display area.
⚠️ Wherever your horse is spending the night make sure it is safe and secure. If they are staying in check the stable for protruding nails or loose string they could get caught up on. If out in the field make sure your fencing is secure with no broken rails, no barbed wire and cleared of objects that could possible injure your horse, such as farm machinery.
🎼 Playing music outside the stable can mask bangs. However, make sure you introduce this before firework night to ensure the music itself does not worry them.
💡 Similarly leaving your stable lights on can help reduce the effect of sudden bright flashes in the night sky.
🫂 Make sure you are with your horse during the scheduled times for any local displays. If you can’t be there ensure you have someone experienced checking on them throughout the duration of any displays.
📱 Leave clear instructions for them as well as contact information for you and your vet should anything happen. If you know your horse gets very stressed around fireworks consider moving him for the night or talking to your vet about sedation.
🙂 Remain calm and be very aware of your own safety when your horse is stressed. An injured owner is no good to anyone, including your horse!
Whatever you do, do not ride when you know there are displays planned near-by.

21/10/2024

Sadly it's come to that time of year that makes horse owners lives that little bit trickier. As the days get shorter and mud is abundant we've got some tips to make sure you're well prepared for the winter months.
🦷 Check your horse's teeth aren't overdue for a rasp, particularly if your horse is prone to dropping condition through the winter, ensuring they are able to eat comfortably is a priority.
🧥 Make sure your winter turnout rugs are clean, waterproofed and rip free so they are ready when you need them.
🧼 Give your stables a deep clean, before the time comes when your horse needs to be kept stabled for longer periods of time it is a good idea to get rid of cobwebs and dust from the walls and to clean out under your rubber mats. All of which will help prevent respiratory problems.
💩 MOT your wheelbarrow! Trying to push a wheelbarrow through mud is not fun so be sure to oil your wheelbarrow's wheel and make sure the tyre is firm.
✂️Have your clippers serviced, nothing worse than trying to do your first clip of the winter and your clippers either won't work at all or leave you with a dodgy clip!
❄️Lag your water pipes, no one wants to be lugging water drums from home, so be sure to insulate your water pipes as well as possible.
❤️If you're worried about your horse at all going into winter book in a health check so you have peace of mind.

08/10/2024

🦷 Dental Clinic 🦷

Bring your horse into the clinic on Thursday 17th October for a routine dental (£94.92 including sedation or included in the HHP) and have a free oroscopic exam saving £179.41.

An oroscope is the gold standard of a dental exam and means that the vet can give your horses mouth a thorough investigation, it also means you will get a close up look at what the inside of your horses mouth looks like!
This is the perfect opportunity before winter hits to ensure that your horse's mouth is comfortable. Perfect for horses that may struggle to keep condition in the colder months, or if you have some niggling performance issues and would like to rule out any dental causes.

Spaces are limited, to book your horse in contact the office on 01373 310277, or email [email protected].

06/10/2024

We have had the most fantastic day! Thank you to all our lovely riders who came to support the event, we hope you had a great time, you were all wonderfully supportive and cheery 😊.
Also a huge thank you to the team and volunteers who gave up their time to organise the event and help the day run smoothly ⭐️
Once again a big thanks to the businesses who generously donated to our raffle which has helped to raise more money for our brilliant charities 🙌🏼
Lastly a massive thank you to our land owners, without whom it wouldn’t have been possible to run and a special mention to Barrow Farm Equestrian for allowing use of their spectacular cross country 😁
Don’t forget to look for your pictures taken by True To You Photography, we would love to see them, so please share them with us!!

We will have a final count up next week with how much was raised and will be in contact with the prize winners from the raffle.

Fingers crossed we will be back with another fun ride next year 🤞🏼

24/09/2024

✨🐎 Our fun ride is just around the corner! 🐎✨
Entries are filling up and are limited so if you are planning on joining us make sure you get your entry in soon!
If you have already entered do join and follow the events page to keep updated.

We have some fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs including:
⭐️Water treadmill sessions courtesy of Pepperdrum Aquatherapy
⭐️£100 voucher for arena hire at Midway Manor Equestrian
⭐️£100 voucher for GTR Keen
⭐️Treatment voucher from Alice Frampton Veterinary Physiotherapist
Tickets will be sold on the day so even if you aren't able to ride please do pop up for some refreshments and enter the raffle!

If any of our wonderful clients would like to help with stewarding on the day please do let us know, we would love for you to be involved and will make sure you are fed and watered well!

16/09/2024

‼🐎 Exciting News 🐎‼

We are holding a fun ride in aid of Willberry Wonder Pony and The Brooke charities.
The route is approximately 7 miles with a shorter route available, walkers and cyclists are welcome to come along too for a reduced rate.
£20 riders
£5 non riders

Set off between 9-11am from Quarry Hill Farm, BA11 5HD
What 3 Words are lifeboats.enjoy.crab

✨Raffle prizes to win ✨
Refreshments will be available to purchase and there are toilets onsite.
Entries via Equo https://www.equoevents.co.uk/ViewEvent/ViewEventDetails/49766, numbers will be limited so make sure to get your entries in quickly!

A huge thank you to Barrow Farm and our generous land owners for allowing us access to their land for this event.

All profits from the event will be split between the two charities so please do come along and support our event!

16/09/2024

Come and enjoy an evening kindly organised by the SMS Equestrian team. Alasdair will be discussing what to expect at a pre-purchase examination, and common findings to keep an eye out for when looking at a potential new horse.
We hope to see you there!

Come and join us for an insightful evening to understand what happens during a vetting looking from a buyer and seller point of view with helpful tips for when you are involved in this exchange of a horse 🐎
Our guest speaker is Alasdair Graham from
Email [email protected] to book on.

09/09/2024

Meet The Team - ✨Sophie Avery ✨

❓Why did you become a vet?
💬 I became a vet because I missed living and working with horses. When I went to Oxford for my first degrees my horses stayed at home in Sussex, and seeing them only at the weekends wasn't enough!

❓What is the most interesting case you've seen recently?
💬 Recently I saw a high level competition horse with an unusual swelling on a hind limb. On palpation and ultrasound examination the swelling was actually a thrombus (blood clot) in a vein in the hind leg, which is very unusual. We are treating him successfully.

❓ What cases are you most interested in?
💬 I find all medical cases particularly interesting. This summer I have seen a number of horses and ponies with equine metabolic syndrome, which massively increases the risk of laminitis. There are lots of ways we can help you manage a horse with this condition, and I really enjoy the continuity of care in speaking to owners regularly to hear how you are getting on.

❓ What is an essential piece of 1st aid kit that every horse owner should have to hand?
💬 A list of emergency contact numbers should the need arise - your vet, horse transport (if you don't have your own), farrier, and fallen stock person. When you are stressed and your horse is in trouble you don't have time to start googling numbers!

❓ What can horse owners do to make vet visits as efficient as possible?
💬It is much easier for us if you could get your horse in from the field before we arrive please.

❓ What is your equine background?
💬 My mother had her horses at home so I have always been around them. When I was old enough for my first pony, she bought me a New Forest called Korky who I did pony club and dressage with. I then had a super Welsh pony who was selected for the GB dressage pony squad, so I spent a lot of time competing in FEI shows. After him I had a lovely Dutch Warmblood called Louis who was working at Inter I, and then sadly sustained a sacroiliac injury by getting cast in the stable. He had good veterinary care and a long time off but never came back into work properly - that also made me want to become a vet.

❓ What are your hobbies outside of work?
💬 I sing in two choirs in Bath. One is a choral chamber choir that sings classical music, and the other is a much larger choir that sings classical music and some special commissions. I also love my family’s miniature poodle Klara and regularly go running with her.

02/09/2024

🐴 Introducing the Horse Health Programme! 🐴

Designed to keep your equine friends in top condition all year round! 🌟 Whether you own a single horse or manage a whole stable, our comprehensive care plan offers everything you need to ensure your horse stays happy, healthy, and saving you money along the way.

🔍 What’s Included?
Annual health checks and vaccinations 🩺
Annual Dental to keep those smiles bright 🦷
4 faecal worm egg counts within the year, autumn/winter wormer, tape worm saliva test - ensuring a worming plan that is tailored to your horse’s needs 🐛
Exclusive discounts on treatments and services 💸

📞 How to Join?
Get in touch with our team to discuss how the Horse Health Programme can benefit you and your horse. Together, we’ll create a plan that’s as unique as your equine companion!

Let’s work together to keep your horses at their best! 🐴❤️

26/08/2024

✨ Meet The Team Monday ✨

We thought we would do a little series on the team here at Frome Equine Vets, kicking things off is Harriet!
Harriet is a veterinary technician and is responsible for assisting the vets with procedures such as diagnostic imaging, keeping our pharmacy well stocked, helping with your insurance claims, processing faecal worm egg counts and general admin.

23/08/2024

❗Don't forget, Monday is a bank holiday, so the office will be closed❗ If you do require a visit, we are on hand for emergency call-outs as usual. Just call the office number - 01373 310277, to be directed to the out-of-hours team.
We will be back open on Tuesday, August 27th, as normal, at 8.30 a.m.

We hope you all have a great long weekend, and do share any pictures of what you and your equine pals get up to ☺️!

21/08/2024

🐴 Zone Visits! 🐎

Don't forget we offer zone visits for routine care at a reduced visit fee of £10❗️️❗️

✨ What's Covered?
Annual/ routine dental exams
Vaccinations
Annual health checks
Routine blood tests
Repeat injections
Removal of sutures

🔍 How to Qualify:
Schedule at least 7 days in advance
Be flexible with time
Pay at the time of booking or within 24 hours of your appointment

Your horse’s well-being is our top priority, and we’re committed to making high-quality care accessible to everyone.

📅 Book your routine visit today! Call us or visit our website to secure your spot.



Feel free to contact us with any questions or to learn more about this special offer. We look forward to keeping your horses in tip-top shape! 🐴💙

06/08/2024

What can we offer at Frome Equine Vets?

🐴 Top quality care for both you and your equines
🐴 Highly experienced vets who will strive to ensure your equine receives the very best care
🐴 24/7 emergency cover
🐴 Reduced visit fees on our zone visit days for routine treatments
🐴 Radiography, ultrasonography, gastroscopy and endoscopy using high quality, portable diagnostic equipment
🐴 Lameness and poor performance investigations
🐴 Fantastic in-patient facilities
🐴 Friendly and welcoming reception team happy to assist you in booking appointments, getting repeat medications and general enquiries
🐴 Stud packages
🐴 Minor surgeries for example castrations, sarcoid and melanoma removal, advanced dentistry cases including infundibular restorations and extractions
🐴 The Horse Health Programme scheme, spreading the cost of routine preventative healthcare such as vaccines and dentals, but also discounts on all drugs and services

We pride ourselves on having a super team to give you the best experience possible right from your initial phone call. If you would like to know more about what we can offer you please feel free to call on 01373 310277 or email [email protected].

30/07/2024

International Day Of Friendship 🫶

For many of us horse owners, our horses, ponies or donkeys become our best friends. Nothing beats that little whicker in the morning to greet you as you arrive on the yard, the nuzzle when you're feeling down, or the glorious feeling of cantering through a field.
Not only are we lucky enough to build these bonds with our equine companions but lets also take a moment today to appreciate the human friends that horses have brought into your life ⭐️

Share a picture below of your best equine pal, whether they are horse or human!

29/07/2024

☀️🔥It’s set to be warm for the next few days so make sure you’re mindful of the weather when making the decision to stable or turnout and when riding. Try and reduce workload where at all possible and keep an extra eye on individuals that may be more susceptible to heat stress such as those who are carrying extra weight or with respiratory issues.

If you are at all worried about your horse, pony or donkey in the heat, please do give the office a call to have a chat with one of the vets on 01373310277

Pumpkin was extremely sensible on his evening ride, not only cooling himself down but Harriet too 😂.

22/07/2024

☀️ As the weather heats up, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for heat stress in your horses. Here are some signs and tips to keep them cool and safe! 🐴💧

Signs of Heat Stress:
💦 Unusual sweating (more or less than usual)
😤 Rapid breathing
❤️ Fast heart rate that doesn’t slow down with rest
🌡️ Increased body temperature
💪 Muscle weakness
🤕 Stumbling
💧 Dehydration (tacky gums, sunken eyes, less skin elasticity, not urinating)

How to Prevent Heat Stress:
🥤 Always provide fresh water
🌳 Ensure they have access to shade
🕒 Ride during cooler times (morning/evening)
🚶‍♂️ Keep rides short and less intense in hot and humid days
🧂 Ask your vet about electrolytes during heavy exercise
🌬️ Use fans if there’s no airflow in the stable
✂️ Consider clipping horses with thick coats
🚚 Transport them during cooler parts of the day

Keep your horses happy and healthy this summer! 🐴❤️

12/07/2024

🏄‍♀️🏖 As we head into the summer holiday season, we know many of you will be taking some well-deserved time away. To ensure your horses receive the best possible care in your absence, it's crucial to keep us informed about your arrangements.

📋 Please Remember:
📆Inform us of the dates of your holiday.
🙋🏼Let us know who will be looking after your horses while you’re away.
📱Provide the contact details of the person responsible.
✅Ensure they are authorised to request treatment if necessary.
Having this information allows us to respond promptly to any health concerns and ensures continuous, top-notch care for your equine friends.

Thank you for your cooperation and trust in our services. Enjoy your holidays with peace of mind, knowing your horses are in good hands! 🌞🐎



📞 Feel free to contact us with any questions or to provide the necessary information.

Happy holidays! 🌟