The Stables Equine Practice

24/08/2026

🐎Our office opening times will vary during the bank holiday weekend

🚨However, if you have an emergency our vet team are still here for you 24/7.
Call us on : 01749 830 666.

Please check that you have enough medication for the bank holiday. The last date for ordering is:
🗓Tuesday 25th August for collection by Thursday 27th August

Stables Equine Practice Bank Holiday hours:
⭐Saturday 29th August office closed emergencies only.
⭐Sunday 30th August office closed emergencies only.
⭐Monday 31st August office closed emergencies only.

23/08/2026

Sending in a worm egg count sample?

Please avoid posting or dropping off samples on a Thursday or Friday where possible.

Samples received late in the week may miss the laboratory processing window before the weekend, which can affect sample quality and may mean a fresh sample is required.

For the best chance of successful testing, please send or drop off samples Monday to Wednesday.

14/08/2026

🐴 We're looking forward to attending the Mid-Somerset Show this Sunday 16th August in Shepton Mallet as the Equine Duty Vets.

If you're at the show, be sure to stop by our stand to say hello and meet the team.

We can't wait to see you there.

13/08/2026

🏇A huge thank you to the Weston Harriers Pony Club for joining us for an Equine First Aid Evening with our vets, Sophie and Penny, alongside Practice Manager Darcey.

It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic young riders eager to learn essential first aid skills and gain confidence in caring for their ponies. The evening covered practical first aid knowledge, helping young equestrians build confidence in recognising and responding to common equine emergencies. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it such an engaging and enjoyable event.

16/07/2026

Dental Clinics with Karen Moore - New Dates Added for 2026

We will be running a series of dental clinics at £50 per horse (including vat) for a basic dental with sedation, more complex cases are welcome but may come at an additional cost to the standard fee. Clients can call to book these in now.

Available Dates:
📅 Thurs 13th August
📅 Fri 4th September
📅 Thurs 1st October
📅 Weds 4th November
📅 Thurs 26th November

Reserve your slot today
📞 Call 01749 830 666 See less

30/06/2026

Langford Vets are excited to be continuing our relationship with Somerset County Cricket Club, now as their official veterinary partner.

https://somersetcountycc.co.uk/news/club-news/langford-vets-named-official-veterinary-partner

Somerset county Cricket Club are pleased to be able to announce that Langford Vets are now our Official Veterinary Partner....

25/06/2026

Fédération Equestre Internationale have shared some useful information on how to beat the heat to support horse and athlete welfare in hot and humid conditions.

Check out their post to find out more.

04/06/2026

With cases of equine influenza (EI) being reported around the UK at increased levels it’s an important time to be vigilant for suspicious symptoms and at least as importantly to consider measures to minimise your horse’s risk of contracting infectious diseases more generally.

Sensible precautions to avoid exposure to and spread of infection are widely applicable to contagious diseases such as EI, equine herpes virus (EHV), and Strep. equi (“strangles”)… and, of course, routine vaccination of horses against these diseases can play a big part in prevention too.

Check out these links for useful information on biosecurity and disease incidence.

https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/equine/health-biosecurity/biosecurity
https://equinesurveillance.org/landing/

29/05/2026

Healthy joint vs osteoarthritis

These images show how a healthy joint compares to one affected by osteoarthritis.

A healthy joint allows smooth, comfortable movement — with cartilage and joint fluid reducing friction and absorbing shock.

A healthy joint includes:

• Bone – supports weight and forms the joint
• Cartilage – a smooth surface that allows bones to glide
• Synovium – the joint lining that produces fluid
• Synovial fluid – lubricates and cushions the joint
• Joint capsule – surrounds and protects the joint

As osteoarthritis develops, cartilage wears down and inflammation occurs. Other changes may include

• Thickened capsule – due to inflammation
• Inflamed synovium – the joint lining becomes irritated
• Reduced fluid quality – less effective lubrication and cushioning
• Bony changes (osteophytes) – small bone growths develop
• Narrowed joint space – reduced between the bones as cartilage is lost

Because these changes develop over time, early signs can be subtle. Monitoring how your horse moves can help detect issues earlier and support long-term health.

We can help assess your horse’s movement and track changes over time — feel free to get in touch! - 01749 830 666

29/05/2026

The Power of Transparency: What Vets and Owners Really Think

Researchers from the University of Bristol are carrying out a new study with a view to helping optimise the relationship between vets and clients, ensuring every pet receives the best possible care.

The study, “The Power of Transparency: What Vets and Owners Really Think" is being run by the University of Bristol with support from Langford Vets, with the researchers asking pet owners to share their perspectives through a quick, anonymous online survey.

“We are living in a century defined by rapid and abundant communication, yet there is surprisingly no data on how veterinary professionals and pet owners actually communicate with one another,” said project lead Dr Latifa Khenissi, Senior Clinician in Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

“By sharing your views, you’ll be helping to build a more transparent, supportive and effective environment for pets, owners and veterinarians alike,” Dr Khenissi explained.

The aim is to find out how pet owners would prefer vets communicate with them, particularly around complex topics such as care decisions, expectations, and emotional impact.

The study comprises two questionnaires: one for pet owners and another for vets to explore the importance of transparency in their communication with pet owners, with a view to making them more clearly aligned in the future.

Follow the link to complete the questionnaire.

The survey will be open for six months.

The Power of Transparency: What Vets and Owners Really Think. Have your say here.