Just a reminder that appointments today (22/12/23) are extremely limited due to an early closing time! Please call ASAP after 8.30am if you think your horse may need a visit!
Our office hours over the festive period are:
Friday 22/12/23 8.30-12.30pm (Limited appointments available)
Saturday 23/12/23 Emergencies only
Sunday 24/12/23 Emergencies only
Monday 25/12/23 Emergencies only
Tuesday 26/12/23 Emergencies only
Wednesday 27/12/23 8.30am-5pm
Thursday 28/12/23 8.30am-5pm
Friday 29/12/23 8.30am-5pm
Saturday 30/12/23 Emergencies only
Sunday 31/12/23 Emergencies only
Monday 01/01/24 Emergencies only
Tuesday 02/01/24 - Resume normal office hours! (8.30am-5pm)
Mobile radiography: information for owners
We understand that Diagnostic Imaging is often essential to provide us with the answers we need to deliver a correct diagnosis. Whilst we offer mobile state of the art radiography, we need to ensure that we keep our clients as safe as possible.
Radiography can be harmful if HSE rules are not adhered to. Therefore, we must always follow guidelines and regulations set out by the Health & Safety Executive. These points will hopefully help you to understand these.
The Healing Power of Horses
Growing evidence suggests that the connection between a horse and human improves mental health.
1. Increases your physical activity
2. Provides companionship
3. Helps create a daily routine
4. Helps you to meet new people
5. Reduces anxiety
Are you ready for the competition season?
Now is the time to check!
Please watchthis video for a few Equine Money Saving Tips to help out during the cost of living crisis.
Equine Welfare Awareness Month – Retiring your horse
When it is time to retire your horse, it is important to plan the best of care for them, in their slower pace of life.
Please watch the video which is about options to consider which keep your horse’s needs and yours in mind.
If retirement is not the best option for you and your horse, then putting the horse to sleep may be the kindest option. Please speak you your vet for advice with this decision.
Equine Welfare Awareness Month – Travelling
10 tips to help you and your horse have a safer journey.
Sustainable horse ownership ideas
Here is a video with some sustainable horse ownership ideas.
Is your horse losing weight?
If your horse suddenly loses weight, even when on a good diet and appropriate management regime, you should make an appointment for your vet to perform a thorough physical examination on your horse.
This video can help to determine the cause of the weight loss and minimise potential problems.
Many conditions can cause weight loss, including dental problems, conditions affecting the stomach and intestines and other severe illnesses. Many conditions can be ruled out by your vet following an examination and blood sampling.
How do I know if my horse is in good health?
Any changes in your horse’s behaviour or temperament, altered appetite or water consumption, or the presence of signs such as lameness, nasal discharge, coughing, colic or diarrhoea should alert you to the fact that there may be a problem with your horse.
Please consult with your veterinary surgeon if you feel that your horse is unwell.
The horse’s hooves
Watch this video so see why horse’s hooves are amazing!
World Environment Day was created to raise awareness and action to protect our environment.
Here is a video with some sustainable horse ownership ideas.
Care of the new-born foal
The equine species has adapted to move as soon as possible after birth and to exhibit few outward signs of disease to cope with life surrounded by potential predators. This makes close monitoring of foals essential for the first 24 hours of life and early veterinary intervention important if there is any concern.
Here is a video with some points to remember with a new-born foal.
World Donkey Day - May 8th
Today we are celebrating our wonderful donkey friends!
Here is a video on facts about donkeys
6 tips on keeping your horse fit
Please get in touch with us if you would like any guidance for your horse’s fitness plan.
Spring is here (we hope)!
This means the start of the competition season and more hours of sunlight to enjoy riding our horses.
Here is a video on some points to consider now Spring has arrived.
Equine Weight Management Support
Nutrition/ Diet - Forage
- Weigh your hay! In order to achieve weight loss, most horses should receive at least 1.5% dry matter of their body weight as forage per day, this includes grass and hay/haylage. In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to reduce the amount fed but this should only be done in consultation with a vet or nutritionist. It is preferable to use more of a lower energy forage than reduce the total amount of forage as this is important for maintaining normal digestive health and function
- Soaking hay for 1 to 12 hours (depending on ambient temperature) will reduce its sugar content, although the magnitude of the effect is variable between hay batches
- Swap for well made and well stored lower nutritional value forage. It is acceptable to use straw to replace up to 1/3 of the total forage ration assuming the horse has no dental issues or previous colic problems
- Have your conserved forage analysed:
dengie.com/news-articles/feed-advice/forage-analysis/
Dengie Horse Feeds
How to prevent colic
Sadly, there is no sure way of ensuring your horse does not get colic, but here are some preventative measures you can take.