Seadown Equine

13/11/2025

Happy
We owe so much to our animals and to the people who care and love them. ❤️
On this we’d like to give a special shout out to all our wonderful patients, clients and supporters. And also to all our amazing vets, nurses and staff - too many to mention here.
Today, let’s celebrate the simple, powerful act of kindness that can transform lives, for both people and animals and help build stronger communities.
Every small gesture counts, whether it's a warm smile, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement.

11/11/2025

11th November, 2025

Today, we remember the animals who served beside soldiers — loyal, brave, and silent heroes 💜🐴 🐾🫏

I SPOKE TO YOU IN WHISPERS
by Neil Andrew

I spoke to you in whispers
As shells made the ground beneath us quake
We both trembled in that crater
A toxic muddy bloody lake
I spoke to you and pulled your ears
To try and quell your fearful eye
As bullets whizzed through the raindrops
And we watched the men around us die
I spoke to you in stable tones
A quiet tranquil voice
At least I volunteered to fight
You didn't get to make the choice
I spoke to you of old times
Perhaps you went before the plough
And pulled the haycart from the meadow
Far from where we're dying now
I spoke to you of grooming
Of when the ploughman made you shine
Not the shrapnel wounds and bleeding flanks
Mane filled with mud and wire and grime
I spoke to you of courage
As gas filled the Flanders air
Watched you struggle in the mud
Harness acting like a snare
I spoke to you of peaceful fields
Grazing beneath a setting sun
Time to rest your torn and tired body
Your working day is done
I spoke to you of promises
If from this maelstrom I survive
By pen and prose and poetry
I'll keep your sacrifice alive
I spoke to you of legacy
For when this hellish time is through
All those who hauled or charged or carried
Will be regarded heroes too
I spoke to you in dulcet tones
Your eye told me you understood
As I squeezed my trigger to bring you peace
The the only way I could
And I spoke to you in whispers.....

We will remember them 💜

07/11/2025

The following poem never fails to bring tears.
We know that for many soldiers, the bond they had with their horses, mules and donkeys was immeasurable and brought huge emotional comfort when far from home. It is impossible to imagine the pain and suffering that was endured by so very many.

Sharing it again now in memory of all lives, including all the horses and other animals, lost in ww1 and ww2 and in all the wars around the world since. ❤️💜

A Soldier's Kiss

Only a dying horse! pull off the gear, And slip the needless bit from frothing jaws, Drag it aside there, leaving the road way clear, The battery thunders on with scarce a pause.
Prone by the shell-swept highway there it lies With quivering limbs, as fast the life-tide fails, Dark films are closing o'er the faithful eyes That mutely plead for aid where none avails.

Onward the battery rolls, but one there speeds Heedlessly of comrades voice or bursting shell, Back to the wounded friend who lonely bleeds
Beside the stony highway where he fell.

Only a dying horse! he swiftly kneels,
Lifts the limp head and hears the shivering sigh
Kisses his friend, while down his cheek there steals Sweet pity's tear, "Goodbye old man, Goodbye"

No honours wait him, medal, badge or star,
Though scarce could war a kindlier deed unfold;
He bears within his breast, more precious far Beyond the gift of kings, a heart of gold.

by Henry Chappell

💜❤️We will remember them❤️💜

Veterinarian

06/11/2025

As looms, no words are necessary.
The amazing Charlie Mackesy’s pencil drawing says it all.
Remembering all those, human and animal that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Veterinarian

03/11/2025

As you know Autumn/winter worming advice has changed due to concerns over resistance and the effect on the environment.
We need to adopt a diagnostic-led, risk-based approach to worming.
Here our Laura gives advice and explains how easy it is to check your own horses worm count using our inhouse lab facility.
Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any queries about worming or targeted worming strategies.
Thank you
🙏

31/10/2025

Happy Halloween from all of us at Seadown Equine 🎃
We hope you have a great day and evening
But please take care as no doubt there will also be fireworks this weekend ahead of Bonfire Night.
We are always here if you are worried about the well-being of your horses and ponies.
Thank you 🙏

Cartoon credit to the legendary artist Norman Thelwell

29/10/2025

Every year, horses die or are severely injured in fireworks-related incidents. 🧨

Frightened horses are a danger to themselves, their companions and people. Horses escaping onto roads also present a real threat to the safety of road users.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary believe a review of current legislation around fireworks is essential. It’s a vital first step towards better controlling who can use these hazardous explosive devices, and under what conditions. They and others would like what constitutes breaking the law to be clearly defined and enforced

Please sign the Redwings government petition to reduce the volume of consumer fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/738192

There's still time to add your signature and help Redwings and all horse owners to hit the 100,000 signatures that are needed to enable it to be considered for debate in Parliament.

Thank you 🙏

27/10/2025

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCMENT

From midday Tuesday 4th November to 8.30am Wednesday 5th November Seadown Veterinary Group migrate onto a new IT system.

This effects all three of our sites, Hythe, Totton and Lymington.

There my well be some disruption to our services during this timeframe. To ensure as smooth as possible change over, we are running an emergency only service between midday tuesday 4th Nov and 8.30am Wednesday 5th Nov.

The weeks following the IT change will no doubt bring some challenges, we respectfully ask for your patience during this time.

Seadown vets

24/10/2025

Lovely, how many of us have a cat that loves horses ❤️

24/10/2025

ACUPUNCTURE TALK BY LAURA:
Please do come and watch our Laura give a talk on Equine Acupuncture at 10:00 AM 22nd November at The Flutterby Fund at Manor Equestrian.
Discover how acupuncture supports lameness, back issues, and elderly horses.
Tickets are selling fast so do book soon.
We look forward to seeing many of you there.
Thank you and wishing everyone a great weekend. 🙏

We’re nearly sold out — please book as soon as possible to secure your spot and avoid disappointment

🎄 Equestrian Seminar with a Christmas Twist 🎄

At Manor Equestrian – In Support of The Flutterby Fund Charity with very special guest Jennie Loriston-Clark MBE FBHS

It’s shaping up to be an incredible day at Manor Equestrian, packed with expert speakers, festive cheer, and equine inspiration — all in aid of a fantastic cause! 💜

📅 Date: Saturday, 22nd November
🕥 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30PM
📍 Location: Manor Equestrian
🎟️ Tickets: £25 per person
🍴 Christmas Food & Drinks: Available on-site
📞 To book: Message us or call Alex on 07803 290 450
💯 100% of ticket proceeds go directly to The Flutterby Fund Charity

🌟 Meet Our Incredible Line-Up of Speakers

🔹 10:00 AM – Laura Trigg (Seadown Vets)

Topic: Equine Acupuncture
Discover how acupuncture supports lameness, back issues, and elderly horses.

🔹 11:00 AM – Jackie Gallagher (Equine Coach)

Topic: Rider Training & Performance
Improve rider position, understand the training scales, and structure productive sessions.

🔹 12:00 PM – Hannah Makin (Equine EQ & Health Psychologist)

Topic: Rider Mindsets & Mental Health
Explore confidence, fear, anxiety, and how to overcome psychological barriers in riding.

🎄 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Festive Lunch & Drinks

Take a break, grab a mince pie, and enjoy the Christmas cheer!

🌟 1:30 PM – Special Guest Talk & Q&A with Jennie Loriston -Clarke

Don’t miss this highlight of the day – an inspiring and insightful session with Jennie!

🔹 2:30 PM – Alan Hough (Celtic Vets)

Topic: Modern Equine Dentistry
Learn about the latest approaches to dental care and horse comfort.

🔹 3:30 PM – Stuart Pink (SDP Farriery)

Demo: Live Shoe Removal & Limb Dissection
A rare opportunity to see farriery and anatomy up close!

🔹 4:30 PM – Poppy Le Peuple (FlexiPets Physiotherapy)

Demo: Painted Horse Demonstration
See how muscle groups interact with the skeletal system during movement.

🎁 Whether you’re a rider, owner, or equine enthusiast – this is your chance to learn, connect, and celebrate the season while supporting a wonderful cause.

Let’s come together to learn, give back, and enjoy a magical equestrian day out!
🐴✨🎅

This Event is Selling Fast so book your ticket ASAP to avoid disappointment!!!

24/10/2025

A shout out today to our lovely equine veterinary surgeon Louisa.
Louisa has recently passed her synoptic exam for her certificate. 👏
It’s a great achievement and we are so proud of her. ❤️

For info: An equine synoptic exam is a comprehensive assessment used for advanced veterinary qualifications, such as the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP), or for some technical diplomas in equine management.
It evaluates a candidate's ability to integrate and apply knowledge gained from their studies through a combination of oral examinations and practical assessments, based on case studies or scenarios.
Well done Louisa!

20/10/2025

Just sharing this post because we know how many of our lovely equine clients also have dogs 🐾🐾