The Acorns Equine Clinic

The Acorns Equine Clinic The Acorns Equine Clinic is a first opinion equine veterinary practice located near to Chelmsford, E We run emergency clinics at all other times. CM3 1HU.

We originally set up the practice in 1992 and since that date it has continued to grow with each passing year. The main clinic is based in rural Essex, near the village of High Easter (between Chelmsford and Great Dunmow). We also have a branch practice based at Hastingwood House, Hastingwood, near Harlow. Despite our rural location we are ideally placed to be able to provide a local service to a

ll the horse owners in the Chelmsford, Braintree, Great Dunmow, Bishops Stortford, Harlow and the Epping areas. We take pride in the fact that our trained support staff are animal lovers who own their own horses. We offer a friendly and personal service and always try to treat both our clients and their horses as individuals. Additionally our clients find it reassuring that their horses will be attended by Veterinary surgeons they have come to know personally and who understand their needs, 24 hours a day, all year round. If you would like to discuss how we can help you and your horses, to meet our staff, or to view the practice facilities, please feel free to contact our receptionists on the telephone numbers below. Our COVID reduced office hours are currently between 09.00 to 17.00 (Mondays through to Fridays) and between 09.00 and 12.00 on Saturdays. Our addresses and telephone numbers are as follows. MAIN PRACTICE:
The Acorns Equine Clinic,
Pleshey,
CHELMSFORD, Essex. Telephone (01245) 231152

BRANCH PRACTICE:
Hastingwood House,
Hastingwood,
Near Harlow, Essex. CM17 9JX. Telephone (01279) 418694

Our out of hours/ EMERGENCY contact number is 07805 770726

Our website address is http://www.theacornsequineclinic.co.uk/

Outbreak of Equine Flu in Essex!We have now received a report of an outbreak in Essex. This was in an unvaccinated TB s...
28/04/2026

Outbreak of Equine Flu in Essex!

We have now received a report of an outbreak in Essex. This was in an unvaccinated TB stallion and was confirmed on the 27th of April 2026.

We continue to advise that owners strictly isolate all new horses on the yard for 21 days. Do not travel with horses of unknown health status. When going to shows, do not share water buckets, /haynets and try to keep apart from other horses (or their handlers).

Given that post vaccination protection drops significantly after six months, many owners are now considering giving their horses six monthly boosters. This especially applies to horses 'staying over' at showgrounds.

For further information or for the latest information (including outbreaks of Strangles etc) please follow the following link.

https://equinesurveillance.org/landing/.

Equine Flu, UPDATE, We have now received reports of further outbreaks of Equine Influenza in Hampshire, Cambridgeshire a...
20/04/2026

Equine Flu, UPDATE,

We have now received reports of further outbreaks of Equine Influenza in Hampshire, Cambridgeshire and Gloucestershire (in addition to the outbreaks detailed below).

We repeat that when you go out to competitions (/shows), be very careful and keep to yourself. Do not transport or mix with horses of unknown vaccination status. Especially, do not share water buckets. Isolate all new arrivals on the yard for 21 days.

Given that the levels of immunity in vaccinated horses falls after six months. We recommend that competition horses (especially those who intend to stay overnight on showgrounds), have flu boosters, if they have not been vaccinated within the last six months.

Equine Influenza outbreaks.We have received reports of recent outbreaks of equine flu in Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Lin...
16/04/2026

Equine Influenza outbreaks.

We have received reports of recent outbreaks of equine flu in Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. (There are rumours of others). Five cases involved recently imported horses from the EU. Two cases were confirmed in vaccinated horses.

Equine flu is a viral infection and is spread via infected droplets. When going out to competitions, please keep your horses separated from others as much as possible, do NOT share water buckets and be very wary of travelling with horses of unknown veterinary histories. Isolate all new arrivals on the yard for up to 21 days.

No vaccine is ever 100% successful in preventing disease. However, vaccination can be expected to reduce the severity of symptoms and to a quicker recovery. There is a well documented drop off in protection against equine flu in vaccinated horses after six months. Many riders now routinely vaccinate their horses every six months, (rather than annually).

Happy Easter.We would like to wish all our lovely clients a Happy Easter. The office will be open today (Saturday) be...
04/04/2026

Happy Easter.

We would like to wish all our lovely clients a Happy Easter. The office will be open today (Saturday) between 09.00 and 12.00. It will be closed tomorrow (Sunday) and on bank holiday Monday. For any emergencies the 'On Call' /Duty vet can be contacted by ringing the office where the phone will be automatically redirected. We will be 'back to normal' office hours from Tuesday.

You can't keep a good team down!Despite Chelmsford City Racing having their Racing licence suspended, they managed to ha...
04/04/2026

You can't keep a good team down!

Despite Chelmsford City Racing having their Racing licence suspended, they managed to have their Good Friday funday yesterday. This even included some (Very competitive) racing. Enjoy!

PS. As far as we are aware no jockey was injured by any of the shetlands ducking under the rails for a quick 'snack attack'.

02/02/2026

Party time!

This little chap has just heard that Conor will be away for a couple of weeks, no more laminitis check ups, needles or blood tests!

Come on every body 'let’s party' -enjoy!

It shouldn't happen to a vet, (but it usually does, -sooner or later!). Conor is convinced that they will write on his g...
29/01/2026

It shouldn't happen to a vet, (but it usually does, -sooner or later!).

Conor is convinced that they will write on his gravestone his often repeated observation, 'I never cease to be amazed by the sheer ingenuity of horses to injure themselves'!

For whatever reason (best known to herself), this little mare decided to go for a swim in a septic tank! Fortunately, she waited calmly and was eventually recovered safe and sound to be reunited with her daughter, (who had waited patiently nearby).

We would like to thank the Herts Fire and Animal Rescue Services and the local farmer (who supplied and operated the tele-handler). 'Teamwork makes the dreamwork' (as they say).

We have to say, (although Conor would never admit it), on this occasion he did not come out of this, 'Smelling of Roses'!☺️

(Holiday) Heads up!Just to let all our lovely clients that Conor will be away on holiday between the 9th and the 23rd of...
26/01/2026

(Holiday) Heads up!

Just to let all our lovely clients that Conor will be away on holiday between the 9th and the 23rd of February. Please be assured that we have arranged cover for any veterinary emergencies during this period. The office will be open during the week (Monday to Friday) to make bookings (for when he returns), to take payments, answer any account queries etc.

Please check that you have enough medication to treat your much loved steeds over this period. If any vaccinations need boosting during this period, please arrange them for before Conor leaves. Similarly, please be aware that the staff will not be able to provide any written prescriptions over these two weeks.

We expect that 'some' of our patients might actually enjoy two 'vet free' weeks!

We apologise for any inconvenience that this might cause you.

We would like to apologise to anybody who thought that just because we are called the Acorns 'Equine' Clinic, we only tr...
21/01/2026

We would like to apologise to anybody who thought that just because we are called the Acorns 'Equine' Clinic, we only treated horses. Occasionally, we also get to treat donkeys!

This lovely little lady (Lilly) came into the clinic earlier today to be X-Rayed. She was an absolute princess. Enjoy!

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and New Year✨❤️🎄 The office will be open tomorrow 9am-12pm
26/12/2025

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and New Year✨❤️🎄
The office will be open tomorrow 9am-12pm

Address

Pleshey
Chelmsford
CM31HU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

01245 231152

Website

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