CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS
Tuesday 24 December 8.30 am - 4.30 pm (closing early)
Wednesday 25 December CLOSED
Thursday 26 December CLOSED
Friday 27 December 8.30 am -5.30pm
Monday 30 December 8.30 am - 5.30pm
Tuesday 31 December 8.30 am - 4.30pm (closing early)
Wednesday 1 January CLOSED
Thursday 2 January 8.30 am -5.30pm
We are of course always available should you need us. Our on call vets will be on hand throughout the Christmas period, just call us on 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600.
We wish you and your horses a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
🐴 MY HORSE IS LAME – WHAT SHOULD I DO? 🐴
Having a lame horse can be very worrying, and it’s normal to have lots of questions; Why are they lame? When will they be better?
Sometimes the cause of lameness can be immediately or quickly apparent, for example a foot abscess or laminitis. Other times, often with more subtle lameness, a further investigation known as a lameness work up (LWU), is required to reach a diagnosis.
🚨 What should I do when I first notice my horse is lame?
In all cases of lameness, no matter how sudden the onset, it is advised to seek veterinary attention. If the cause of lameness is easily located, treatment can begin immediately, or referral made into one of our clinics for a LWU.
💊 Should I give bute?
It is advisable to wait until the initial veterinary assessment has taken place before giving a horse pain relief, unless otherwise advised by the vet over the phone. The vet may recommend a 10-14 day period of rest (usually box rest) and bute in the first instance, as some minor causes of lameness can be resolved in this way. If the lameness persists, or recurs, then often a LWU is advised, and bute should be stopped 48 hours prior to attending the clinic.
🩺 LWU at NWEV – where to take my horse?
NWEV offer LWU at all three of our clinics, providing an excellent local service, and saving our clients time and stress in travelling. We have a team of vets with a keen interest in lameness diagnostics and imaging, with a breadth and depth of experience in this area. We pride ourselves on offering a very personal experience, with the vet dedicated to your horse for most or all of the day. We also offer ridden assessment of lameness or poor performance. We offer digital radiography and ultrasonography, and if advanced imaging is required (MRI/CT) we are best placed to refer your horse and signpost you in the direction of trusted imaging teams. We work closely with our referral centers to provide a continuation of care.
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR BONFIRE NIGHT?
Many people enjoy bonfire night but for horse owners it can be a worrying time. Horses are often upset by both the sight and sound of fireworks due to their sensitive hearing and natural flight response. Here are some suggestions to help you and your horse have a less stressful night. Please share and let’s keep our horses, ponies and donkeys safe.
• Stable the horse: Keep them in their stable, where they feel secure.
• Close windows and doors: This helps muffle the noise and block out bright flashes.
• Lights: leave the stable or barn lights on, they can lessen the effects of bright lights and flashes outside.
• Companions: Horses feel more secure when they are with others. If possible, keep them with a trusted companion.
• Have someone stay with them: A familiar, calm human presence can be reassuring.
• Playing music: Put the radio on or white noise to drown out the sound of the fireworks.
• Feed or haynet: Offer plenty of forage to keep the horse distracted during the fireworks.
• Toys or boredom busters: Provide horse-safe toys to keep their mind occupied.
• Sedation (with vet supervision): For extremely anxious horses, your vet might recommend a mild sedative.
• Avoid sudden changes: Changing environments can add to the stress, so keep things as normal as possible.
• Ensure secure fencing: If the horse is turned out, make sure the area is secure to prevent them from bolting if startled.
• Check for hazards: Remove any objects or hazards in their stable or paddock that could cause injury if they panic.
• Security: Make sure the yard gates and fences are secure so that if a horse does manage to break out of the stable or field it cannot get onto the road.
• Stay Calm and confident: Horses pick up on your emotions, so remain calm and confident around them to reassure.
WINTER TURNOUT – Pro’s & Con’s, What should you consider for your horse?
In the UK, where winters are often wet and mild rather than harshly cold, turning horses out during the winter presents a mix of advantages and challenges. While turnout is beneficial for horses, the UK's climate, with its frequent rain, mud, and fluctuating temperatures, adds some unique considerations during winter.
Advantages of Winter Turnout
1. Natural Exercise and Physical Health: Horses benefit from regular movement, which turnout allows. In the UK, where rain is more common than snow, horses can still move about freely, helping to keep their joints flexible and maintain muscle tone. This movement also promotes better circulation and digestion, reducing the risk of health problems like colic and stiffness and lymphatic drainage.
2. Mental Well-Being: UK winters can be long and grey, and keeping horses confined to a stable for extended periods can lead to boredom and stress. Regular turnout gives them access to fresh air, visual stimulation, and the chance to interact with other horses, expressing normal behaviours.
3. Respiratory Health: Stabling horses throughout the winter can expose them to dust and ammonia from bedding, which can irritate their respiratory systems. Turnout, even in wet conditions, ensures horses have access to fresh, moist air, which is better for their lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory problems such as Equine Asthma.
4. Digestive and Metabolic Health: Access to grazing, even limited during the winter, can help keep a horse’s digestive system active, reducing the risk of colic. Horses that are turned out will usually need additional forage like hay or haylage, which is important for maintaining their body condition, warmth, and gut health.
Disadvantages of Winter Turnout
1. Mud-Related Risks: One of the biggest challenges of winter turnout is the abundance of mud, which is common due to the UK’s wet climate. Muddy conditions can lead to hea
IN OR OUT? - How to Best Care for Your Horse in Winter
Winter can be a tough season for horse owners, and deciding the best way to care for your horse during this time depends on a variety of factors, including:
• Your horse's age
• Breed/type of horse
• Medical needs
• The level of work expected
• Land type and drainage
• Yard setup
• Type and number of stables
• Number of horses you’re managing
• Availability of forage
• Your age, ability, and physical condition
• Your work/life schedule
I've written two posts that explore this topic in more depth - one covers the pros and cons of horses living out during winter, while the other discusses the benefits and drawbacks of keeping them stabled.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every horse and situation are unique. While it’s easy to form opinions, it’s important not to judge without considering individual circumstances. Ultimately, the horse’s physical and mental well-being should be at the heart of any decision you make.
🐴 Important Reminder 🐴 Emergency veterinary authorisation 🐴
Your horse's health and well-being are our top priorities, and sometimes decisions need to be made quickly, especially in emergency situations. To ensure that your horse receives prompt and proper care, it is advisable that someone you trust is authorized to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unavailable.
This could be:
🔹 When you are on holiday
🔹 When your horse is at another yard or in the care of someone else temporarily, for example backing, training, production, sales, rehab
🔹 If you are un-contactable, for example poor phone signal area or at work.
Here’s why this is so important:
🔹 Emergencies, in urgent situations, time is of the essence. If we can't reach you, having a designated person who can authorize veterinary care means your horse can be treated without delay.
🔹 Peace of mind, whether you’re traveling, busy, or simply out of reach, you know your horse’s needs will be met by someone you trust in such a situation.
Take a moment to contact our office team to review or update your account with us. Let us know when you will be unavailable and who to contact during this time. This information can be added to your account details. Having someone authorized for veterinary care is one simple step that ensures your horse will always be in good hands, and that we can act swiftly and efficiently if a situation arises where we cannot contact you. 🐎💙
0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600
