South Moor Equine Vets

09/05/2025

Today we are looking at how you can SEPARATE horses when required to stop Strangles spreading. It might be easier than you think, especially as Strangles is not an airborne disease.

Check out the slides above to see just how straightforward it can be to separate horses as a temporary precaution. This may be a horse who has just arrived on the yard, one who has developed an unexplained snotty nose or has been in contact with a possible source of infection.

Taking precautions around infectious disease is easy, not taking steps to reduce the spread of Strangles freely on a yard can lead to big regrets.

Comment below with the steps your yard takes to prevent the spread of disease 👇

08/05/2025

How much do you actually know about Strangles?

Strangles is often subject to myths and misunderstanding. Cutting the confusion and getting to know the facts is the BEST way to protect your horse and to deal with an outbreak.

Accurate information from trusted sources can also help us recognize that Strangles can happen to any horse and all those dealing with the infection deserve understanding and support.

Don't forget we now offer the Strangles Vaccine, and currently have an offer running to make sure your horse is protected.

Take our quiz to test your knowledge, let us know how you get on in the comments 👇

01/05/2025

Knowing the normal stages of labour in the mare is crucial so you can recognise problems early.

Equine labour can be broken up into three stages.

⭐Stage One: The Start of Contractions

As uterine contractions start the mare may look uncomfortable or agitated. They may get up and down, paw the ground, sweat up and roll.

The duration of this stage can vary from mare to mare but is typically between 1 and 3 hours.

⭐Stage Two: Active Labour

⏳START YOUR TIMER⏳

This starts with the rupture of the chorioallantoic membranes, otherwise known as the waters breaking.

Normal delivery should occur within 20-30 minutes of the membranes rupturing. If labour is not progressing within 10 minutes (i.e. you cannot see the foals feet/nose or there is minimal movement despite pushing) CALL YOUR VET AS YOU MAY NEED TO INTERVENE.

⭐Stage Three: Delivery of the Placenta

This stage can often be forgotten in the excitement of the foal's arrival but it's hugely important. If the full placenta is not passed within 3 hours of foaling the mare can become very sick.

Once your mare has passed the placenta put it in a clean covered bucket, bin liner or feed bag for the vet to inspect at the foal check. They can ensure no small piece of placenta has been retained.

If the placenta is not passed within this time your vet should be called to ensure the full placenta is passed safely without tearing.

29/04/2025

Whilst most mares foal without any help it's vital to be prepared in case you do need to step in. 

Ensuring you have a 'foaling kit' with all your essentials together and close by will not only reduce your stress but could also help save your foal's life.

Below are some things we feel are essential for a foaling kit: 

⭐ Gloves - foals are born with no immune system so you should always wear gloves when handling a new foal. This helps prevent harmful bacteria spreading from you to them.

⭐ A bright torch - mares will often foal at night or early in the morning and stables can be dark places. 

⭐ Obstetric l**e - clean and unopened in   case the foal becomes stuck.

⭐ Dilute (0.5%) Chlorhexidine (hibbiscrub) - for dipping the umbilical cord/naval. This helps prevent bacterial infection.

⭐ Scissors - in case of a 'red bag' presentation these can be used to break the bag so the mare can foal safely.

⭐ Vetwrap - useful for keeping the mare's tail out of the way. A clean tail bandage will also do. 

⭐ Thermometer - a high temperature can be an early indicator something is wrong with either the mare of the foal. Always useful to have on hand. 

⭐ Your vet's phone number - having your vets' phone number written clearly with the kit means if you are assisting the mare anyone can call your vets for help

You may also find it useful to have: a clean container to collect collustrum, an e***a suitable for use in a foal and a bucket to put the placenta in. 

What essential items do you have in your foaling kit? 

Comment below 👇

28/04/2025

Foaling season is well and truly upon us!

Although for the most part this is an exciting time of year it can also be pretty nerve-wracking.

Whether you are an experienced brood mare owner, a first time breeder or just thinking about putting your mare in foal, the most important thing is to be prepared. That's where the team at South Moor Equine come in.

Keep an eye on our socials this week for top tips on everything from how to best care for the late-term pregnant mare all the way through to giving your foal the best start in life.

Where are you at in your foaling journey?

Comment below and let us know 😍

22/03/2025

Manny is such a lovely boy ♥️

14/03/2025

🗓️ Zone Days March 2025 - May 2025 🗓️

NOTE ON BANK HOLIDAYS THE ZONE DAYS WILL MOVE TO A WEDNESDAY

💸 £10 visit fee for:

💉 Vaccinations
🪥 Routine Dental Work (inc. Sedation if needed)
🩸 Blood Samples

📞 Call us on 01548 830210 or send us a message on to get booked in.

🗺️ Need help on which zone you're in? Check out our website or give one of our friendly reception team a ring.

14/03/2025

Well done to our vet Laura for helping the rescue team get Swift the shire horse out of the culvert and back on her feet

The Shire Horse Centre Farm in Yealmpton said Swift the shire horse mare "must have been spooked" before falling and becoming trapped in a ditch, but is now recuperating after the mishap.

More here: https://bbc.in/4iqhBx1

📸 Plymstock Fire Station

08/01/2025

🎉 Welcome Back Francesca! 🎉

We are really excited to have Francesca back from maternity leave.

She will be working Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and is back on the out of hours rota.

07/01/2025

As requested:

🗓️ Zone Days January 2025 - March 2025

💸 £10 visit fee for:

💉 Vaccinations
🪥 Routine Dental Work (inc. Sedation if needed)
🩸 Blood Samples

👆 Swipe to see the dates for Feb and March

📞 Call us on 01548 830210 or send us a message on to get booked in.

🗺️ Need help on which zone you're in? Check out our website or give one of our friendly reception team a ring.

06/01/2025

🗓️ January Zone Days - £10 visit fee

What's covered:

💉 Vaccines
🪥 Routine Dental Work (inc. sedation if needed)
🩸 Blood Samples

📞 Call 01548 830210 to get booked in on your zone day and save some money.

01/01/2025

🍾HAPPY NEW YEAR🍾

Wishing our clients old and new all the very best for 2025 🐎

It's been an exciting year for South Moor Equine, and we've got even more planned for 2025 👀

Comment below with your biggest horsey achievements of 2024, or your plans for the year ahead 👇