Our Services
How we can help your equine friend
At Cheltenham Equine Vets, we offer a wide range of services, from vaccinations and dentistry through to diagnostics and emergency treatment. As an ambulatory practice, we have a wide range of portable diagnostic equipment including an xray machine, respiratory endoscope, gastroscope, surgical laser and ultrasound scanner.
Why Us
The Equine Vet Practice with the personal touch.
At Cheltenham Equine Vets, we take the time to get to know our clients and their horses. Rest assured we will discuss the options available for your horse or pony with you. Continuity of care is extremely important to us, and thanks to our small team, where possible you will see the same vet.
Our friendly office staff are always on the end of the phone, they love putting faces to names so pop in and say hi.
We're Knowledgeable
We have the right equine knowledge required to give your horse the best care.
We Care
Our clients and their horses are at the heart of everything we do. We won't let you down.
We Will Travel
Our team will come to your yard, we cover Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire.
Emergencies
We know how distressing an emergency can be. We provide a 24/7 service for emergencies. In an emergency, please call 01242 806772.
The following numbers can also be used if you are unable to get hold of someone:
Emma: 07795 380009.
Anna: 07734 393496.
If your call isn’t urgent please send us an email to .
When requesting an emergency visit it is helpful if you provide the following details:-
The owner’s name, exact location of the horse, brief details of the emergency, full contact details.
If possible, please keep your telephone contact line free until the vet has contacted you.
Lameness
One of our aims is to provide a thorough, professional examination of your horse whilst stationary and throughout various phases of exercise.
Each horse and rider combination is unique and we take this into account as we look at how your horse is moving and performing.
We sometimes use nerve and joint blocks to help us be more certain of where the problem lies. In these procedures we desensitise or numb different parts of the leg and see whether the lameness improves following the block.
Lameness
One of our aims is to get as much information from looking at the horse at rest and moving before we leap in with all the equipment.
We are experts in clinical examination and in listening to you about your concerns. Each horse and rider combination is unique and we take this into account as we look at how your horse is moving and performing.
We sometimes use nerve and joint blocks to help us be more certain of where the problem lies. In these procedures we desensitize or numb different parts of the leg and see whether the lameness improves following the block.
Acupuncture
For over 10 years Lindsay Brazil has focussed solely on acupuncture in horses and also dogs.
Acupuncture is a fantastic adjunct to management of many conditions that we treat with conventional medicine. Lindsay’s caseload is predominately horses needing help with pain management for conditions such as osteoarthritis, and assistance with performance. She works closely alongside body workers such as physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths – it takes a team to keep a horse performing well.
Vettings
We offer two and five stage vettings for both clients and non-clients. For existing clients we will also travel out of area.
The standard 5 Stage Vetting (Pre Purchase Examination) is a thorough examination of the horse at rest, in hand and during and after strenuous exercise.
We also offer any diagnostic imaging at the vendors premises that may be required as part of your vetting. Please call us to discuss your specific requirements.
The Vetting doesn’t aim to pass or fail a horse but is more of a ‘risk assessment’ of horse’s current and likely future soundness by identifying pre-existing conditions, current health status and fitness for intended use. These risks are then discussed in full with you the purchaser.
The stages are as follows:
- Examination at Rest (Passport examined)
- Examination of the horse at in hand trot up possibly to include flexion tests
- Examination of the horse performing strenuous exercise
- Examination of the horse during recovery
- Final examination at rest and a further trot up with flexion tests and possibly lunge on hard circle.
A blood sample is routinely taken and sent away to be stored for 6 months. This can be tested at a cost if it is suspected that the horse had received any sedation or painkilling drugs at the time of the vetting.
Extra diagnostic tests such as endoscopy and x-rays may be carried out if the horse is being bought for a particular use or if certain areas for concern are highlighted. If the value of the horse is high an insurance company may request additional diagnostic tests such as x rays.
The 2 Stage Vetting encompasses the first two elements of the 5 Stage Vetting. It may also include lunging on a hard and/or soft surface and takes between half an hour to an hour to complete. If you decide to have a 2 stage vetting you must be aware that problems associated with exercise will not be detected.
It is important that the area where the vetting is to take place is suitable. In general for a 5 stage vetting the following is required:
- a dark stable is required to facilitate examination of the eyes
- a straight hard level area for in hand trot up
- an area where strenuous ridden exercise (that reflects the likely use of the horse) can occur
- areas for lunging on a hard level surface and on a soft surface
Vettings
The standard 5 Stage Vetting (Pre Purchase Examination) is a thorough examination of the horse at rest, in hand and during and after strenuous exercise.
The Vetting doesn’t aim to pass or fail a horse but is more of a ‘risk assessment’ of horse’s current and likely future soundness by identifying pre-existing conditions, current health status and fitness for intended use. These risks are then discussed in full with you the purchaser.
The stages are as follows:
- Examination at Rest (Passport examined)
- Examination of the horse at in hand trot up possibly to include flexion tests
- Examination of the horse performing strenuous exercise
- Examination of the horse during recovery
- Final examination at rest and a further trot up with flexion tests and possibly lunge on hard circle.
A blood sample is routinely taken and sent away to be stored for 6 months. This can be tested at a cost if it is suspected that the horse had received any sedation or painkilling drugs at the time of the vetting.
Extra diagnostic tests such as endoscopy and x-rays may be carried out if the horse is being bought for a particular use or if certain areas for concern are highlighted. If the value of the horse is high an insurance company may request additional diagnostic tests such as x rays.
The 2 Stage Vetting encompasses the first two elements of the 5 Stage Vetting. It may also include lunging on a hard and/or soft surface and takes between half an hour to an hour to complete. If you decide to have a 2 stage vetting you must be aware that problems associated with exercise will not be detected.
It is important that the area where the vetting is to take place is suitable. In general for a 5 stage vetting the following is required:
- a dark stable is required to facilitate examination of the eyes
- a straight hard level area for in hand trot up
- an area where strenuous ridden exercise (that reflects the likely use of the horse) can occur
- areas for lunging on a hard level surface and on a soft surface
Diagnostics
We have a full range of x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy equipment and an oroscope, all of which is fully portable so your horse can be examined in the familiar surroundings of its own yard.
If you do not have access to a suitable area for the work required, please let us know so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Insurance
Many owners now choose to insure their horses and ponies. The way we approach and treat your horse’s problem is not affected by the presence of an insurance policy.
However our recommendations do need to be guided somewhat by budget, and sometimes we may need to tactfully enquire.
Vets’ fees insurance is a great way of budgeting for the unexpected cost of your horse becoming injured or unwell. Vets fees cover up to £5000 is preferable as major procedures such as complicated lameness diagnostics and treatment or colic surgery can cost thousands. It is also worth checking the excess and whether you are responsible for a certain percentage of fees for all or certain procedures. Take time to ensure that the policy you choose covers everything you may require.
Insurance Policy Renewal and Exclusions
Do be honest when speaking to insurers and disclose to them any veterinary treatment no matter how insignificant, because this may prejudice any future claims you may have. Also check your new policy carefully for exclusions even if you haven’t changed your insurance company or made a claim. If you think the exclusions are unfair, then do get in touch with us and we will contact your insurer on your behalf, to ask for a reason.
We are not allowed legally to recommend insurance policies , but we can advise or help you in general terms so don’t hesitate to get in touch by phone or email!
How to make an insurance claim for your horse
1. As soon as you wish to make a claim, contact your Insurance Company to request a claim form.
2. Complete the Owner’s section in full and sign it. Include the start date of the condition. The claim will normally stay open for one year from this date.
3. Pass the form to Cheltenham Equine Vets for us to complete the Vet section and process the claim for you. We will send all the invoices and clinical notes to your insurance company.
4. Pay the excess on your policy direct to Cheltenham Equine Vets.
5. If you request that the Insurance Company pay us direct, then a one off £28 Direct Claim Admin Fee will be charged to your account and is payable up front. Otherwise, there is no admin fee if you just pay your Vet’s fees in the normal way and ask the Insurance Company to reimburse you.
6. Once the initial claim has been made, there may be continuation invoices for ongoing treatment. For direct claims – as soon as you receive these, please contact us to say that you wish this to be added to your claim and supply us with a continuation claim form if required.
7. If you are not making a direct claim then it is your responsibility to send off your continuation invoices for reimbursement from your Insurance Company.
8. All Insurance Policies vary on exact terms and conditions so please make sure you have read your policy thoroughly. Some policy excesses are fixed amounts and some may be a percentage of the claim amount. There will normally be a maximum amount payable per claim. Certain specific conditions may be excluded for your horse and often supplements or alternative treatments may be excluded too so please double check your policy. We will normally be required to send your horse’s full clinical history at the start of each claim.
9. If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Insurance
Many owners now choose to insure their horses and ponies. The way we approach and treat your horse’s problem is not affected by the presence of an insurance policy.
However our recommendations do need to be guided somewhat by budget, and sometimes we may need to tactfully enquire.
Vets’ fees insurance is a great way of budgeting for the unexpected cost of your horse becoming injured or unwell. Vets fees cover up to £5000 is preferable as major procedures such as complicated lameness diagnostics and treatment or colic surgery can cost thousands. It is also worth checking the excess and whether you are responsible for a certain percentage of fees for all or certain procedures. Take time to ensure that the policy you choose covers everything you may require.
Insurance Policy Renewal and Exclusions
Do be honest when speaking to insurers and disclose to them any veterinary treatment no matter how insignificant, because this may prejudice any future claims you may have. Also check your new policy carefully for exclusions even if you haven’t changed your insurance company or made a claim. If you think the exclusions are unfair, then do get in touch with us and we will contact your insurer on your behalf, to ask for a reason.
We are not allowed legally to recommend insurance policies , but we can advise or help you in general terms so don’t hesitate to get in touch by phone or email!
How to make an insurance claim for your horse
1. As soon as you wish to make a claim, contact your Insurance Company to request a claim form.
2. Complete the Owner’s section in full and sign it. Include the start date of the condition. The claim will normally stay open for one year from this date.
3. Pass the form to Cheltenham Equine Vets for us to complete the Vet section and process the claim for you. We will send all the invoices and clinical notes to your insurance company.
4. Pay the excess on your policy direct to Cheltenham Equine Vets.
5. If you request that the Insurance Company pay us direct, then a one off £28 Direct Claim Admin Fee will be charged to your account and is payable up front. Otherwise, there is no admin fee if you just pay your Vet’s fees in the normal way and ask the Insurance Company to reimburse you.
6. Once the initial claim has been made, there may be continuation invoices for ongoing treatment. For direct claims – as soon as you receive these, please contact us to say that you wish this to be added to your claim and supply us with a continuation claim form if required.
7. If you are not making a direct claim then it is your responsibility to send off your continuation invoices for reimbursement from your Insurance Company.
8. All Insurance Policies vary on exact terms and conditions so please make sure you have read your policy thoroughly. Some policy excesses are fixed amounts and some may be a percentage of the claim amount. There will normally be a maximum amount payable per claim. Certain specific conditions may be excluded for your horse and often supplements or alternative treatments may be excluded too so please double check your policy. We will normally be required to send your horse’s full clinical history at the start of each claim.
9. If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Zone Visits
On Wednesdays we run a Zone Visit system. We do not charge a visit fee on these days. We request you contact us to be added to the visit list by the Friday before your Zone.
We will then allocate you an appointment slot. Please be aware a Zone Visit may be any time between 9am and 5pm, with any of our vets.
- First Wednesday of the month: Zone 1 – Noverton, Southam, Cleeve Hill
- Second Wednesday of the month: Zone 2 – Tirley, Ashleworth, Apperley, Elmstone Hardwick
- Third Wednesday of the month: Zone 3 – Welling Hill, Charlton Kings, Andoversford, Foxcote
- Fourth Wednesday of the month: Zone 4 – Upton St. Leonards, Witcombe, Shurdington
- First Thursday of the month: Zone 5 – Newent, Gorsley, Dymock, Taynton, Tibberton, Huntley, Longhope
- First Tuesday of the month: Zone 6 – Pershore, Sedgeberrow, The Littletons, Evesham
Vaccinations
We pride ourselves in taking the opportunity at every vaccination to get to know you and your horse, pony or donkey and give you a chance to discuss any concerns you might have.
We routinely vaccinate for influenza and tetanus.
Equine Influenza is a virus that can travel long distances through the air making it highly contagious.
It constantly changes and adapts to avoid the immune system. Veterinary drug companies are constantly developing vaccines that best reflect the current live strains that threaten your horses. We take great care in selecting the most appropriate vaccine for protection against influenza. There are new outbreaks of influenza all the time, and we are kept informed of these as they emerge.
Equine Influenza Primary course Protocol (consisting of 3 vaccinations)
1st 2 doses 21-60 days apart
Third dose: 150-180 days later
Booster dose within 365 days
It is important that the above date ranges are adhered to, both for vaccine efficacy and to comply with current rules for competitions and equestrian venues.
It is important that your horse has its booster vaccination within 365 days of its’ previous booster otherwise the whole course will need to be re-started. Please note that horses competing under FEI rules may require more frequent booster vaccinations.
It is your responsibility to check the horse’s passport and arrange the required vaccine(s). We send text reminders to help you with this, however they should not be relied upon. Please look at your horse’s passport and ensure that the vaccination record is up to date. If you are unsure we are happy to advise you over the phone or when we are visiting you.
Although the primary course consists of 3 vaccinations, horses are considered safe to take part in competitions 7 days following the second vaccine dose.
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium (Clostridium Tetanii) which is found in the soil. Bacteria invade the body through any cuts or wounds. Toxins from the bacteria affect the nervous system and cause rigid paralysis and often death. Treatment is possible but frequently unsuccessful.
Protocol:
Tetanus protocol: 2 doses 2-4 weeks apart. Annual booster within 1 year.
Vaccinations
We pride ourselves in taking the opportunity at every vaccination to get to know you and your horse, pony or donkey and give you a chance to discuss any concerns you might have.
We routinely vaccinate for influenza and tetanus.
Equine Influenza is a virus that can travel long distances through the air making it highly contagious.
It constantly changes and adapts to avoid the immune system. Veterinary drug companies are constantly developing vaccines that best reflect the current live strains that threaten your horses. We take great care in selecting the most appropriate vaccine for protection against influenza. There are new outbreaks of influenza all the time, and we are kept informed of these as they emerge.
Equine Influenza Primary course Protocol (consisting of 3 vaccinations)
1st 2 doses 21-60 days apart
Third dose: 150-180 days later
Booster dose within 365 days
It is important that the above date ranges are adhered to, both for vaccine efficacy and to comply with current rules for competitions and equestrian venues.
It is important that your horse has its booster vaccination within 365 days of its’ previous booster otherwise the whole course will need to be re-started. Please note that horses competing under FEI rules may require more frequent booster vaccinations.
It is your responsibility to check the horse’s passport and arrange the required vaccine(s). We send text reminders to help you with this, however they should not be relied upon. Please look at your horse’s passport and ensure that the vaccination record is up to date. If you are unsure we are happy to advise you over the phone or when we are visiting you.
Although the primary course consists of 3 vaccinations, horses are considered safe to take part in competitions 7 days following the second vaccine dose.
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium (Clostridium Tetanii) which is found in the soil. Bacteria invade the body through any cuts or wounds. Toxins from the bacteria affect the nervous system and cause rigid paralysis and often death. Treatment is possible but frequently unsuccessful.
Protocol:
Tetanus protocol: 2 doses 2-4 weeks apart. Annual booster within 1 year.
Dentistry
As equine vets we fully understand the importance of regular meticulous dental care. All of our vets have completed advanced dentistry courses to ensure your equines are getting the most up-to-date dental care.
Our service ranges from providing routine rasping every 6-12 months to more complicated and specialised procedures such as reduction of hooks (also called overgrowths) and widening, flushing and packing of gaps (diastema) that accumulate food material and lead to gum disease and dental decay.
Over the last 20 years the face of equine dentistry has changed out of all recognition. There is an increasing array of equipment and techniques available and new things come into and out of fashion.
At Cheltenham Equine Vets we understand the significance of the healthy and unhealthy mouth and that preventative care is paramount. We continually keep up to date with new research and as vets we critically evaluate new things so that only the most appropriate procedures and equipment are used.
Sedation? Why is it sometimes necessary?
A dental examination and any work carried out inside a horse’s mouth is a precise procedure that requires the horse to wear a gag to enable examination and treatment. Many horses do have the temperament to stand still enough and accept what’s happening. However in some circumstances anxiety and discomfort may mean that use of sedation is necessary to allow a thorough and safe examination and treatment of your horse. Sedatives reduce anxiety, relax muscles and relieve pain.
Remember that a horse that has always been good to have routine rasping without sedation may become fractious due to something painful in the mouth that has not been there before.
Where should the dental be performed?
It is important to carry out the dental in a dark, quiet environment. Light outside or in a stable actually works against the vet as it prevents the vet’s head torch highlighting your horse’s mouth.
Leah joined the team as a part time Vet Tech in 2024. When she isn’t in work, she is studying to be an Equine Vet Nurse at Hartpury University. Fortunately for us, she has decided to stay in Gloucestershire for the long term.
Frew had a long and successful career as a dentist, firstly within the military and then the NHS. After taking some time out, she joined Cheltenham Equine as part of our office team. She quickly learnt that she was unable to reduce the high levels of sugary foods we consume and is taking the lead with making our business more sustainable.
Millie completed EMS placement with us whilst at Nottingham Vet School. When she had completed her exams she contacted us to ask if she could join us! She started helping the vets on the road and supporting the office, but swiftly moved on to clinical work once she graduated. Her initial role helping with administration gave her a great start in getting to know our clients.
Alice is on sabbatical until April 2025. Alice helped us out on a locum basis in the Autumn of 2022 and we all got on with her so well that she joined us full time in January 2023. Following an internship at Towcester, where she gained valuable first opinion and referral skills, she relocated to Gloucestershire in order to work at Cheltenham Equine. Alice has quickly become an integral and forward thinking part of our team, she particularly enjoys poor performance work and diagnostic imaging.
Anna graduated in 2013 from the University of Liverpool, she spent a couple of years in mixed practice before undertaking an equine internship at Three Counties Equine Hospital. Anna joined the practice in 2016, she loves all aspects of equine veterinary medicine, but what drives her most is getting to know the individual horse/pony and owner and working with them to do the best thing for the horse.
Nicola joined the office team in April 2019 having worked in a variety of human healthcare settings. She is our Practice Manager and embraces all the challenges of life at Cheltenham Equine. She enjoys meals out with her family and walks with her Spaniel (who joins her in the office a couple of days a week where she enjoys meeting clients) Nicola has also recently joined the training section of Cheltenham Silver Band.
Lindsay graduated from Edinburgh in 1998 and has mainly spent her career as an equine vet working in first and second opinion equine practices. In the last 10 years she has become increasingly interested in subtle poor performance in the athletic horse. “I consider every ridden or driven horse to be an athlete on some level, even the happy hacker needs to be thought of as having an important job to do” Lindsay regularly incorporates acupuncture into her treatment regime and enjoys working along side experienced physiotherapists to get the best treatment for the horse. In her spare time Lindsay juggles a menagerie of animals and children.
Becky graduated from Nottingham Vet School in 2023, she visited us as a student twice and we were so impressed with her that we offered her a position after she graduated. Becky has a keen interest in dentistry and since graduating has completed an advanced dentistry course.
Paola is our Business and Finance Manager. She sheds light on those sums which some of us struggle to understand. Out of work, she is discovering the joys of not cleaning up after her boys who are now both at University. Of course, this also gives her much more time to spend with her horse Joey.
Kay joined our administration team in September 2021. After many years of working in small animal practice, she is very happy to be part of our equine world now. Joining Cheltenham Equine has given her an insight into the world of horse medicine which is great for Mosco her beloved cob.
Jess qualified from Edinburgh University in 2003, and began her career working at Three Counties Equine Hospital, initially as a house surgeon then an assistant. A job in equine practice in Yorkshire followed, then she joined us in 2008. Jess enjoys all aspects of equine work, seeing clients and building relationships with them and their horses. Out of work she enjoys riding her own horse Charlie, and has a busy family life on the farm with 2 young sons and a collection of ponies, horses, dogs, chickens & sheep!