Riverside Vets Equine

08/05/2026

Here are some steps you can take to minimise the risk of flu on your yard and limit the spread of disease.

06/05/2026

Do you know what’s normal when it comes to your horse? It might help you identify abnormal signs which may indicate health concerns such as flu.

04/05/2026

The aim of flu vaccination is to stimulate an immune response against the flu virus so that if your horse is exposed to flu in the future the immune system is already primed to quickly protect your horse.

01/05/2026

Your horse is not protected from flu until 14 days after the 2nd vaccination. Between the 2nd and 3rd vaccinations in the primary course your horse’s antibody levels decline*. The third vaccination is vital to ensure that your horse continues to be adequately protected**.

*Paillot, R. (2014) ‘A Systematic review of recent Advances in Equine Influenza Vaccination’, Vaccines, 2, pp. 797-831

**Cullinane, A., Gildea, S. and Weldone, E. (2014) ‘Comparison of primary vaccination regimes for equine influenza: working towards an evidence-based regime’, Equine Veterinary Journal, 46, pp. 669-673

30/04/2026

⚖️🐴 You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure 🐴⚖️

Small changes in weight can have a big impact on your horse’s health — especially for those prone to laminitis, metabolic issues, or joint strain.

Regular weighing and body condition monitoring help us:
• Spot trends early
• Adjust nutrition before problems develop
• Support long-term soundness and comfort

⚖️ That’s why we offer free weigh clinics with nurse Anna, bringing accurate, practical support straight to your yard.

Contact us today on ☎ 02380620605 or whatsapp message us on 07411509827

27/04/2026

While some horses are more vulnerable than others to equine flu, ALL horses are at risk of catching the disease. Even those who don’t leave the yard. Vaccination is essential to help stop the spread of flu.

24/04/2026

It’s not just through the air that the flu virus can spread, it can be transmitted on clothes, yard equipment, troughs and feed buckets. It can remain viable for up to three days* so make sure you’re taking the proper precautions to ensure it doesn’t spread.

*American Association of Equine Practitioners (2017) AAEP Equine Infectious Disease Guidelines: Equine Influenza [Online]. Available at: https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines/EQUINE INFLUENZA_Final.pdf. [Accessed 21st August 2019]

22/04/2026

**** 𝙐𝙆 𝙀𝙌𝙐𝙄𝙉𝙀 𝙁𝙇𝙐 𝙊𝙐𝙏𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆 2026 ****
Did you realise ALL horses are at risk of flu, even if they don’t leave the yard*? Once the flu virus is airborne, it can travel further than you think!

*Davis, J., Garner, M.G and East, I.J. (2009) ‘Analysis of Local Spread of Equine Influenza in the Park Ridge Region of Queensland’, Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 56, pp. 31-38

21/04/2026

⚠️ Equine Influenza Alert – UK (April 2026)

𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗟𝗨 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗦 𝗨𝗣 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘. 𝗜𝗙 𝗜𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗.

6 confirmed outbreaks of equine flu have been reported since the start of April across:
📍 Berkshire | Hampshire | Kent | Lincolnshire | North Yorkshire

⚠️ Please remain vigilant:
• Watch for symptoms (fever, cough, nasal discharge)
• Isolate new/returning horses
• Keep vaccinations up to date

📞 Call: 02380 620605
💬 WhatsApp: 07411 509827
📧 [email protected]

Let’s help reduce the spread and protect our horses 🐴

18/04/2026

📊🐴 Get Confident with Body Condition Scoring Your Horse 🐴📊

Understanding your horse’s body condition score (BCS) is one of the most useful tools you can use to manage their nutritional needs accurately — whether they need to gain weight, lose weight, or maintain a healthy condition.
BCS looks beyond how a horse looks to how their fat is distributed over key areas such as the neck, withers, ribs, and hindquarters. It helps you spot subtle changes before they become health problems like obesity or under-nourishment.
🎯 Why it matters:
• Helps you tailor feeding and grazing plans
• Supports early detection of weight-related health risks
• Works hand-in-hand with weight measurements and vet advice

📌 Learn how to body condition score your horse with these reliable guides:
🔗 World Horse Welfare – Weight & Body Condition Advice:
https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/weight-is-your-horse-the-right-weight 🔗 BHS – Fat Scoring & Body Condition Scoring Guidance:
https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/health-care-management/horse-health/fat-scoring-horses

💡 Quick tip: Combine BCS with regular weigh-taping and record changes over time to see trends — this gives you the best picture of your horse’s health.
Have questions or need help putting a feeding plan together? Pop them in the comments or ask us during your next yard visit 🐎✨

Do you know if your horse is a healthy weight? Are you struggling with a good doer? Learn how to assess your horse’s condition and find practical tips for weight management.