A severe heatwave is forecast by the meteorological office. So now is the time to plan how you are going to keep your horse or pony cool in the exceptionally high temperatures this summer. Be aware of the early signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion in your horse or pony as, just like us,...Continue Reading
It is the time of year when we gear up to travel our horses and ponies to events, competitions, shows and even the beach. There always seems so much to remember and it is certainly best to be well prepared with a checklist when getting ready to transport your horse or pony. The following tips...Continue Reading
Our team is delighted to confirm that our first Artificial Insemination of the season is successful and has resulted in a single pregnancy. Pregnancy confirmed in ultrasound scan image The Ballinger Equine clinical team, lead by Clinical Director Dr Susanna Ballinger MRCVS is delighted to report that their first Artificial Insemination of the 2022 season...Continue Reading
Taking measures to prevent, or minimise the spread of, disease is an animal health and welfare priority. Invariably the costs and disruption of planned preventative measures are significantly less than those associated with treating the disease once it takes hold. The clinical signs of strangles and how it spreads are detailed in All About Strangles...Continue Reading
Strangles is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus equi. subspecies equi. It is a common, highly contagious infection of a horse’s upper respiratory tract. Strangles can cause large abscesses to form, make swallowing difficult, restricting breathing and is both painful and distressing for the infected horse or pony. Whilst the disease often causes considerable suffering...Continue Reading
The abundant bright yellow flowers of the common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) seem to be everywhere at the moment – certainly in Hertfordshire ragwort seems to be flourishing to a markedly greater extent than in recent years. Ragwort is toxic to horses and ponies and must be removed from pasture as a matter of priority. Ideally...Continue Reading
Bio-security – a term often associated with sci-fi movies, mysterious government laboratories, scientists in yellow protective suits and more recently, COVID-19. In reality these associations are anything but fictitious, with bio-security being something all of us should be thinking about daily. Increasing national herd density and movement raises likelihood of disease transmission Over time, an...Continue Reading
With COVID-19 lockdown restrictions starting to ease, competitions are opening up. Whether you’re competing at a local dressage show, at Pony Club camp, completing a 60cm clear round showjumping, or braving a cross-country course, you and your horse or pony will want to be ready to achieve to your full potential. Here are some quick...Continue Reading
The unusually mild and very wet winter has finally receded and with the arrival of warmth and sunshine, grass in paddocks is now growing rapidly. For horses and ponies the new growth is irresistible and they love the lush grazing. But, the plentiful availability of sugary grass is not suitable for all horses and ponies....Continue Reading
Later this summer we may expect to see the bright yellow flowers of the common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and, knowing how toxic it is to horses and ponies we will need to remove it from pasture. But waiting for ragwort to flower before getting rid of it is a mistake and it is much better...Continue Reading
