Poplar Grove Stables

21/12/2025

Take a look at what scientists have recently learned about pain management in horses: https://thehorse.com/1133125/equine-pain-management-what-the-latest-studies-tell-us/

05/09/2025

21/06/2025

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the amount of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.

If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.

If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination while you wait for your appointment.

Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare. As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

18/06/2025

06/03/2025

You may have noticed our clinical teams wearing hard hats when treating your horses. This is a move being implemented by equine vets globally to help mitigate the risk of serious head injury.

Statistics show that out of the serious injuries sustained by vets and support staff, most injuries are not caused by the patient itself, but by environmental factors. Examples would be a sudden movement or a kick, either of which result in a loss of balance and then a fall. This can cause injury by colliding with a fence, stable wall, hard surface or equipment, which has the potential to result in a serious head injury.

We fully respect most of our patients are amenable and well-behaved. Yet as prey animals, horses are often at their most vulnerable when sick or injured. So, it is unsurprising that they may react out of character and then purely by accident create a scenario which could lead to a life changing injury.

When our teams wear helmets, it is by no means a reflection on the behaviour of your individual horse or pony, instead our aim is to make the working environment safer for all concerned.

20/02/2025

Is your kid new to the horse world? If you’re a mom who just had a kid begin riding, this is the place for you. Learn about the equitation basics so your no longer just paying the bills.

07/02/2025

In hand trail patterns for students to play with ponies during cold temperatures 😊

03/01/2025

This gender specific training is incorporated into our lesson program: