The Equine Sports Medicine Clinic

17/05/2026

Message from BEF to say that there will be strict enforcement of vaccine records on the FEI app for horses at FEI classes from July 1st 2026.

🚨 Did you know? From 1 January 2026, your horse’s equine influenza vaccinations must be correctly recorded in the FEI HorseApp.

Before arriving at an FEI show…

✅ All FEI horses must have a valid equine influenza vaccination correctly registered in the FEI HorseApp

✅ Only one historic vaccination can be entered in the FEI HorseApp

✅ All new equine influenza vaccinations must be entered by a veterinarian on the day of vaccination and in the presence of the horse

⚠️ From 1 July 2026, each incorrect or missing vaccination records at horse inspection will result in a sanction of CHF 100. Warnings apply up until this date.

💉 To avoid a fine, make sure your horse’s most recent valid vaccination is uploaded in the FEI HorseApp before your next FEI event.

💻 To update your app, find more information regarding the vaccination module and guidance on how to use the FEI HorseApp, visit inside.fei.org.

📲 Check your horse’s vaccination record now and avoid any issues on arrival.

07/05/2026

Huge good luck to Holly Richardson with Louis and Butler at Badminton Horse Trials this week!! Everything crossed at home!!

02/05/2026

I’m getting multiple notifications daily of Equine Flu outbreaks all over the UK from Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance - - these are often in young, recently imported animals, but also because of that increased viral reservoir affecting older, in-contact, vaccinated horses, most often in the few months prior to their annual booster (when the initial high mucosal antibody levels following a booster have waned). These outbreaks coincide with many shows and societies relaxing their flu vaccination requirements after the more stringent requirements of the last few years.

Take home message is that, given the impending show season and inevitable mixing of the horse population, I would strongly advise - even if you are not competing under BHA, STAGBI, or FEI rules that require 6 monthly boosters - that clients consider an early flu booster if it is more than 6 months since the last.

17/04/2026

We have a few rare spots available for foaling livery this season. Bespoke packages. Contact us for more information ⭐️

16/04/2026

🐴 Small Change, Big Impact: What’s Under Your Roller Matters!

🔬New research led by Animalweb expert Prof. Roberta Blake has revealed that something as simple as the pad under your training roller can have a huge impact on your horse’s comfort.

🔍 Researchers found:
Purpose-made roller pads reduced pressure by up to 75–82%
Even a folded saddle cloth made a difference
Pad choice also affected how pressure is distributed across the back

💡 This could have important implications for comfort, movement, and long-term back health especially when using systems like the Pessoa.

👉 A small change in tack could make a big difference to your horse’s welfare.

Click the link below to explore the full findings and what they mean for your horse
🔗https://askanimalweb.com/new-study-highlights-impact-of-roller-pads-on-pressure-and-horse-comfort-during-lunging/

16/03/2026

⚠️ Warning Issued on Certain Equine Supplements ⚠️

The British Equestrian World Class Programme has advised riders, support staff and practitioners to review the supplements they are using following a notice from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Several products currently on the market have been found to contain substances that are prohibited under both the Rules of Racing and the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations.

Riders, trainers and horse owners are urged to exercise caution and contact manufacturers or distributors if they are using the products referenced.
With strict liability applied to prohibited substances found in competition horses, this serves as an important reminder to carefully assess all supplements being fed.

Read more below 👇
https://kntn.io/supplelmentwarning

12/01/2026

Spaces are still available for our bespoke, all-inclusive, foaling livery package for the 2026 season. Happy to take maiden and difficult mares for a range of boarding stays to suit your needs. Experienced Equine Vet resident on site. Calm and professionally ran yard that horses settle into quickly and well. Beautiful, purpose built yard of Monarch stables for those all important post-natal photos!

Take the worry and stress away from foaling - book in now!!

01/12/2025

Excellent advice from my first boss which, on the basis of the 200-odd vettings I perform each year, I would wholeheartedly endorse!!

21/08/2025

𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧

While on a clinic some time ago, and again at a competition yesterday, I noticed a rider carrying their phone in their rear (right) pocket while riding.

This should be avoided at all levels.

Placing a phone in the rear pocket is likely too:

1) Significantly affect the function of the rider’s seat
2) Compromise the effectiveness of the rider’s seat aid
3) Induce/create rider asymmetry
4) Lead to uneven loading of the saddle and horse
5) Compromise rider-horse interaction

Although carrying a phone while riding can be useful for safety and other purposes (apps), alternative locations should be considered.

Image of a rider sitting on a pressure mat with their phone in their right back pocket.

Note: sharing as an observation. We have not shown this experimentally (yet).

05/08/2025

🌟 Another Successful Foaling Season Wrapped Up! 🌟

We’re proud to celebrate another fantastic foaling season with 10 healthy foals safely on the ground! 🐣🐴

It's been a privilege to care for each one and witness the arrival of these special new lives. Thank you to all our wonderful clients for your trust and support this season.

Here’s to 10 strong starts and bright futures ahead for these gorgeous youngsters ✨

Very very limited availability for next season 🙈