By Julia Shrubb MA VetMB Cert(AVP)EM MRCVSAshbrook Equine Hospital. Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome Equine gastric ulcer syndrome, commonly called "stomach ulcers", is a syndrome where the stomach lining becomes damaged. Stomach ulcers can affect any horse but are very common in competing horses. Some reports suggest that 2 out of 3 performance horses and over 9 out of 10 … [Read more...]

By Roger Dixon MRCVS - Ashbrook Equine Hospital, Cheshire To the frustration of many owners, some mares appear to be constantly in season. This can make ridden work very difficult and may affect the horse’s performance at competitions. The behaviour may be due to completely normal physiological events related to the mare’s oestrus cycle, or may be a sign of a more serious … [Read more...]

By Kerry Comb BVMS CertEP MRCVS  www.ashbrookequinehospital.co.uk 01565 723030. First Aid and Equine Emergencies.  Dealing with first aid and equine emergencies relies on being able to recognise a problem. Taking note of your horse’s normal demeanour and monitoring drinking, eating and the passage of urine and faeces will allow you to detect problems early. The vital signs - … [Read more...]

Roger Dixon BVM&S MRCVS - Ashbrook Equine Hospital, Cheshire Introduction Throughout spring and summer we frequently take phone calls from owners who find that their mare’s behaviour has changed. The mare may suddenly become difficult to handle. Ridden work, especially at competitions, may be impossible! These behavioural changes may be associated with the mare’s oestrus … [Read more...]

By Vicky Rowlands BVM&S CertEP MRCVS, Ashbrook Equine Hospital. Hoof conformation is one of the most important factors in allowing a horse to live an athletic life free from lameness.  The adage ‘no foot, no horse’ is as true today as when it was first phrased.  Hoof conformation is a result of the horse’s genetics, conformation, job and the regularity and quality of … [Read more...]