Pinkham Equine Veterinary Services

14/02/2025

𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞: 𝐅𝐄𝐈 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

From 3rd February 2025, all FEI registered horses are required to have their vaccinations recorded on the FEI HorseApp 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, as well as in the horse’s passport.

When you make your horse’s vaccination appointment, please let our office team know if your horse has an FEI passport/recognition card and allow a little extra time on the day, as the attending vet will need to ensure the vaccine is recorded both on the app and in the horse's passport at the same time.

Please ensure that the horse's FEI passport/recognition card and national passport is available on the day of your appointment.

The attending vet may need to photograph the FEI passport/ recognition card on the day of the vaccination.

𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬, 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬:

Please update your app to the most recent version and enter your horse's last vaccination into the FEI HorseApp prior to your horse's next vaccination date.

See below for more information. If you have any concerns, please contact a member of our team.

As of 3 February, all FEI-registered horses must now have equine influenza vaccinations recorded on the FEI HorseApp on the same day they're administered, in addition to their national passport 💉

We've provided comprehensive instructions and FAQs on our website for all riders, owners, grooms and vets 👉 https://bit.ly/FEIHorseAppFluVaccinations

14/02/2025

*** FANTASTIC FRIDAY!***

Many congratulations to Lily Draper and Cranford Fantastic (aka Zorro), who have won the first race at Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show as part of the team of ponies and riders who have made the long journey to take part in the Shetland Pony Grand National racing!

What an amazing experience for them all ! 👏👏🙌🐴🐴

07/02/2025

We’re very pleased to welcome Sally Bainton, who has recently joined our reproduction veterinary team. A highly experienced vet, she has a particular interest in problem broodmares, neonatology, medicine and ophthalmology.

Sally graduated from Liverpool University in 2004 with a distinction in equine studies, and during her final year she completed a stud medicine elective in New Zealand. After a short stint in mixed practice in South Africa, Sally completed an internship in Gloucestershire, covering all aspects of equine practice in a busy referral centre. She then spent a year in equine practice in Devon, where her duties included veterinary care for one of the donkey sanctuary farms.

She spent the 2007 Southern hemisphere stud season working for Scone Equine Hospital, Australia, as a resident vet on two large thoroughbred stud farms.

In 2008, Sally joined Greenwood, Ellis and Partners, which later became Newmarket Equine Hospital. Here she was responsible for the veterinary care for several large thoroughbred studs and led the foal medicine team. She also was involved with the horses in training, racecourse duties, bloodstock sales, and a busy shipping department. Whilst based in Newmarket, she worked further southern Hemisphere stud seasons at Hamilton Vet Services in New Zealand, where she was responsible for several large thoroughbred and standardbred studs, and she spent a further stint at Scone Equine Hospital based at the Clovelly Intensive Care Unit, gaining further neonatology and intensive care experience.

At the end of 2022 Sally joined the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) as a Veterinary Officer. She combined this with stud work at Newmarket Equine Hospital until July 2023.

Alongside her BHA duties, Sally spent the 2024 breeding season at Oakham Equine Hospital, where she was responsible for the veterinary care of both thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred clients, including the busy clinic-based assisted reproduction services.

Outside of work Sally enjoys exploring the countryside with her three children and her whippet, Ted.

27/01/2025

Last night we were thrilled to see James and Flynn of Wessex Working Horses featured on the BBC's Countryfile, showcasing horse logging at Pondhead Conservation Trust. Despite atrocious weather conditions, Flynn had a smile on his face and his ears pricked throughout as he made light work of his job in front a film crew - he really was a star!

This week's programme focused entirely on the New Forest and had a strong equestrian theme throughout the programme. If you didn't get to see it, you can watch the episode on BBC iPlayer.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0027f5x

20/01/2025

Congratulations to the connections of Douglas Longbottom, who won the Pinkham Equine Veterinary Services sponsored Hunt Members Race at the Royal Artillery Point-to-Point at Larkhill Racecourse on Saturday.

With a decent turn out of six going to post, trainer Bea Coward was delighted with a great win for Douglas Longbottom, who started the race as favourite. Ridden by Martin Mc Intyre, he won in style for his owners Catherine and John Mitchell. Bea also claimed third place with her other runner, the gallant 13 year old Gran Paradiso, ridden by Rob David.

Several members of our team enjoyed a great day out at Larkhill and our vet Rich Bristow, ably assisted by his children, presented the prizes to the winning jockey and owner.

20/01/2025

Clinic Day and Evening Talk on Horse Bit advice and fitting. Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January.

Contact [email protected] for booking details.

20/01/2025

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡!

Sweet itch is a frustrating condition caused by hypersensitivity to salivary proteins produced by culicoides midges. Affected horses typically are worst affected around the mane and tail regions, with hair loss, scabbing and sores forming. Some horses can display more generalised itching.

Most treatments available are only partially effective and good management of sweet itch-prone horses generally relies on the use of a multi-modal approach.

Management often includes:

▶ Avoidance techniques (rugging, insect repellents, stabling at high risk times)
▶ Skin barrier support (some oils and nutritional supplements, shampoos and topical emollients)
▶ Immune modulation (Immunotherapy, Dermatophyton vaccine)
▶ Anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids, antihistamines)

Many of these treatments are most effective when instigated before the midges become active, so if you have a horse that suffers from sweet itch, now is the time to get in touch with your vet to discuss how to manage your horse for an itch-free summer!

Contact our office now on 01722 741188 for help and advice.

13/01/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭 - "𝐍𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞"

There is a popular old adage among horsemen “no foot no horse”, which is still as relevant today. The importance of carefully maintained, healthy equine feet cannot be overstated as part of your horse's regular routine to keep your horse sound and in good overall health.

The equine foot is made up of complex external and internal structures designed to adapt to varying terrains and environmental conditions whilst withstanding tremendous forces.

Our vet Rebekah McFarling has put together a useful article explaining why it is vital that the horse’s feet are kept in good condition and balance, with correct care, regular trimming and, if required, shoeing. Read her article here: https://pinkhamequine.com/the-equine-foot/

The radiograph below shows an example of a horse that has a long toe and needs immediate attention by the farrier to correct poor foot balance.

31/12/2024

As 2024 comes to an end, we’ve been celebrating 10 years of Pinkham Equine Veterinary Services – but how did we get here?

Our founder Charlie Pinkham started his own practice in Hampshire in 2014 with a small professional client base focused on thoroughbred breeding and racing. His vision “to provide excellence in clinical care for our equine patients and an outstanding level of service to all our clients” is carried through in everything we do today.

As the business grew and Charlie was joined by other experienced vets and a skilled support team, in 2019 it was necessary for the practice to relocate to larger premises – our current base in Wilton, Salisbury.

Today the practice is still proudly independent and our veterinary team has broad expertise across a wide variety of equestrian disciplines. As well as our thoroughbred work, we look after showjumpers, dressage horses and eventers, as well as having a significant leisure horse client base.

We are grateful to all our loyal clients who entrust the veterinary care of their horses, ponies and donkeys to our team – we thank you all and look forward to the next 10 years!

We wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.

24/12/2024

We wish all our clients and their horses and ponies a very happy and healthy Christmas!

Our offices will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Wednesday, 25th and Thursday, 26th December 2024) and on New Year's Day (Wednesday, 1st January 2025), when the vet on call will be available for emergencies only.

Should you need to contact one of vets over the festive period, our services will be available 24 hours a day for all emergencies, as usual, by calling us on 01722 741188.

Normal office opening hours will operate on days other than those above.

Merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2025 from all the team at Pinkham Equine.

18/12/2024

🎄We hope Lily and Zorro (Cranford Fantastic) have a magical time taking part in the Shetland Pony Grand National at The London International Horse Show! Wishing you luck, from all the team at Pinkham Equine!🎄

It’s finally here - 1 day to go

London International Horse Show!

Today’s countdown comes from Lily & Zorro

🌟 Fun Fact: Zorro is an escape artist and has meet the queen.

The excitement is building! Stay tuned for more updates as we head to the show in only 2 days .

18/12/2024

Mandy Shepherd's fabulous Shetland Cranford Fantastic (known to his friends as Zorro) heads to The London International Horse Show again this week with his 11 year-old jockey Lily Draper.

This will be 19 year-old Zorro's 9th trip to London International and we can't wait to see them in action!

🌟 Meet the stars of the Shetland Pony Grand National at The London International Horse Show 🌟

Lily Draper is 11 years old and lives in Poole, Dorset, this is Lily’s second season racing with Shetland Pony Grand National and this will be Lily’s first time racing at London International Horse Show.

Cranford Fantastic aka Zorro is a 19 years old Gelding, Zorro has been racing for 9 Years and this will be his 9th time to London International Horse Show. Having Previously raced with Digby Shepherd, Alice Robinson, Daisy Harrop, Lucas Murphy , Eleanora Ljungman, Elsie Coppins and Myla Coppins. Zorro is owned and trained by Mandy Shepherd.

Lily’s favourite thing about Zorro is that he’s a total pro. He’s a school master with such an amazing drive to race. He’s cheeky and is an escape artist, yet the calmest pony you’ve ever met. He can be really relaxed at home but when he gets out with the Shetland Pony Grand National he goes out all guns blazing.

Lily’s favourite venue was the first outing this year at The Royal Windsor show. It was an electric atmosphere, really picturesque (apart from the mud!) and it was her 1st major show & she was thrilled to win the first race. She also loved the Burghley horse trials as we got to watch the cross country pros up close and the Royal Cornwall Show as it was one big holiday by the sea with her friends.

The best thing about the Shetland Grand National is the incredible opportunities, the community and the social life - Lily’s making lifelong friends and memories all whilst raising money for a great charity.

Lily & Zorro are supported by:
Yarrells Prep School
Tequitrack.com

We wish Lily & Zorro good luck at The London International Horse Show.

13/12/2024

𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤?

Dental care is an essential element of your horse or pony’s healthcare and primarily should be about preventing future problems. All of our vets are qualified to carry out routine dental appointments and they have access to a full range of modern dentistry equipment.

Whilst it is important that all horses, ponies and donkeys have dental checks at least annually, dental disease is more common in older horses and they may require checking at 6 monthly intervals. Signs of dental issues may include weight loss, quidding (dropping food), food packing in cheeks, favouring one side of the mouth when chewing and foul smelling nasal discharge.

Our vet Emma Hill has a particular interest in equine dentistry and earlier this year she completed a 3 day CPD Course in Advanced Dentistry for the General Practitioner. She said: “It’s essential that your horse’s mouth is examined by your vet or a qualified BAEDT at regular intervals. Rasping allows us to carefully reduce sharp points and overgrowths and balance the dental arcades. Our dental examination fee includes routine rasping and sedation, which allows us to carry out a thorough oral examination safely. Where dental disease is identified, we can perform dental examinations using a digital oroscope. We are also able to perform dental X-rays to help assist our diagnosis.”

Please call us if you would like to book a dental examination for your horse or pony and let us know if you would like to be included on our dental reminder service.

12/12/2024

We're very pleased to welcome Amber Segre, who has recenty joined our veterinary team.

Amber graduated from St George’s University, Grenada in 2017, after which she completed an internship and then spent two years working in ambulatory practice in Kent.

She has a keen interest in stud medicine and spent the 2021 stud season working at Twemlows Stud Farm, Shropshire. Since then, she has gained experience in both Thoroughbred and non-Thoroughbred stud medicine. She also enjoys all aspects of internal medicine (particularly neonatal medicine) and has completed internal medicine fellowships at Fethard Equine Hospital, Ireland and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Kentucky, USA. She is currently working towards her certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice.

When she's not working, Amber enjoys travelling and spending time with friends and family.

11/12/2024

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐃𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟒 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The Pembroke Centre, Home Farm Road, Wilton, Salisbury SP2 8PJ

Service starts at 11.00 am. Event finishes 2pm

Nativity includes some of Riding for the Disabled - Wilton Group riders and ponies. Visiting children welcome to dress up (or not) as Angels or Shepherds and join in the walk and tableau.

🎄Father Christmas visit with Moneypenny the Shetland
🎄Tombola
🎄 Merchandise
🎄 Christmas Cards
🎄 Raffle
🎄 Gifts for sale
🎄 Nibbles, soft drinks and mulled wine

Please come early to join in and take part.

For more information, email: [email protected] or call 01722 744822

Please join us at the nativity and carol service on Saturday 14th December.

You could win a £50 voucher kindly donated by Allium Restaurant when you enter the Raffle.

06/12/2024

In the autumn we heard that Becky Carter and her ex-racehorse Postman had qualified for the RoR National Championships at Aintree in 2025.

Postman’s progress is a shining example of the successful careers that ex-racehorses can go on to have after racing - in Postman’s case, this has included hunting and dressage, two very different sports.

It also highlights some of the challenges that can arise from horse ownership, as unfortunately Postman sustained an injury whilst out hunting earlier in the year. Happily, our vet Rich Bristow was able to attend, investigate the injury using mobile ultrasound and radiography on the yard, and assist with Postman's diagnosis and rehabilitation.

Becky is doing a great job retraining Postman – he has since won again at Dressage and we very much looking forward to continuing to follow their progress.

Retraining of Racehorses

15/11/2024

The current issue of British Breeder Magazine features an article by our stud vet Lucy Brock on Lawsonia, a disease that affects older foals and weanlings and is often seen at this time of the year.

Lawsonia has become an increasing problem in the equine youngstock population of the UK. Knowledge of the disease has been slow to spread, especially amongst non-Thoroughbred breeders, where it is often having a foal affected by Lawsonia that first brings this life-threatening disease to a breeder’s attention.

Lucy explains how the disease affects foals, how it is diagnosed and what the treatment is, as well as advising protocols for prevention of the disease. You can read her article on our website. https://tinyurl.com/y63k7s6c

By coincidence, the magazine cover for this issue also features our client Ben James and the filly Beaujolais Nouveau (‘Boujie’), who was awarded an Elite premium at the British Breeding Futurity Grading at Hartpury in July. Boujie is out of Mathew James’ mare Honesty, who foaled this lovely Nico x Johnson filly back in May of this year.

British Breeding Futurity