AnimalCrackers

31/05/2026

Holidays are over, had a jammed packed week (worked the first 3 days of the week off🙈).
Day 3 Davie and I actually managed to get away for a few hours and headed to Tarlair for lunch with the dogs, the cafe there is dog friendly and worth a visit.
Vet and horse dentist on day 4 and took advantage of a sleepy Cinny and clipped him and Fizzy, both were feeling the heat and were getting itchy (bath is on the cards for them this week).
Day 5 was dad’s taxi service and ran him to Aberdeen for an appointment and caught up with invoices while waiting, then coffee with a friend and back home to get things sorted out at home.
Day 6-9 was my wee trip away with 2 great friends leaving Davie at home to see to the gang at home, had a wonderful relaxing time, lots of giggles good food and some grape juice 😂a cruise trip on Loch Ness and chilling out in the hot tub.
Home this afternoon and back to reality of a very very dirty pony 🙄🤦‍♀️ so my lovely clean hands are back to normal again 😂 think Enya needs a bath this week too🤔

Anyway back to work tomorrow morning and due to a cancellation I still have some availability in July so please get in touch if you’re looking to get away for a few days ( highly recommended Kiltarlity for a weekend trip!

A few photos from my week off.

24/05/2026

I’m on holiday! Well from tomorrow morning my boss has made me work the weekend and tomorrow 🤣
I am going to try really hard and not do any work stuff (although I will have to do some invoices 🙄) so any messages will be answered next Monday when I’m back to work.

Speckles thinks she’s going to get a whole week of zoomies🙈

21/05/2026

I have a rare space 2-14 July for holiday cover.
Enya would love these dates to be booked up so she’s doesn’t get worked too hard😂

14/05/2026

Some useful information.

I think we are still clear up in our wee corner, but if you suspect your horse has any signs of infection, be it flu, strangles or anything else, and you have AnimalCrackers booked in to do work at your yard please please let me know asap so I can be ready as to what precautions I need to minimise the risk of spreading it.

The same goes for dogs with any signs of illness that could spread, ie kennel cough etc, let me know and i will take precautions and rejig my day so those who are infected are done last and that means I can go straight home and shower and change before handing any other dogs

🚨 Equine Influenza Update – Stay Vigilant 🚨

As of 7 May, there have been 44 confirmed equine influenza outbreaks across 28 counties in the UK, with further cases pending. A significant number of these cases are linked to recent horse movement, highlighting the increased risk when travelling during periods of heightened disease activity.

While unvaccinated horses make up the majority of cases, it’s important to note that even vaccinated horses can be affected, and the virus can spread through the air over several kilometres — meaning no yard is completely risk-free.

🌍 What this means for you:
Take a risk-based approach when moving horses
Ensure vaccinations are up to date
Isolate new or returning horses for at least two weeks
Maintain strict biosecurity measures on the yard
Stay alert for symptoms: cough, fever, nasal discharge, loss of appetite

⚠️ There is also increased influenza activity in France, so extra caution is advised when travelling internationally or purchasing horses.

If your horse shows any signs, isolate immediately and contact your vet.

📖 Read the full update and guidance here: https://news.britisheventing.com/call-for-increased-vigilance-as-number-of-reported-equine-influenza-outbreaks-in-uk-continues-to-rise/

🎥 Plus, British Equestrian are sharing helpful videos across their social channels — well worth a watch for practical advice and updates.

13/05/2026

Looking after other people’s animals, especially when they are on holiday is really stressful.
I know I sleep worse when I’m doing holiday covers due to constantly worrying that the clients animals are ok.
And some people make it 100 times worse by moving fields the day before they leave 🤦‍♀️ I would rather have to put hay out or move electric fences than have horses suddenly moved onto fresh grass!

TAKING ACTION ON...STRESS 🤯

Stress can build quickly in yard life, especially when long hours, pressure, and responsibility start to pile up.

1. Take five minutes between jobs to reset and breathe.
2. Focus on one task at a time instead of the whole day ahead.
3. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to ask for help.

Need more support? The BGA Grooms Minds Hub has resources, advice, and support designed specifically for grooms. britishgrooms.org.uk/member-services/grooms-minds

There are also some great resources available via the Mental Health Foundation

10/05/2026

SAVE THE DATE
5 July

A fun day out for the dogs.

Waulkmill shows are always great fun and very friendly.
Please come along and support it.

27/04/2026

I currently have a very rare space for either dog walking or mucking out stables on Monday and Friday each week.

Dog walks are lead only (insurance policy states this) and I don’t do group walks, happy to do multiple dogs from 1 household, this also means your dog/s gets my full attention and aren’t being driven around the shire in a van, I walk directly from the clients house.

Animal Crackers is fully insured, and was established in 2005 so loads of experience!

Please message me for more information.