Churchfield Equine Clinic

21/07/2026

🌟What is Sweet Itch?
Sweet-itch (Culicoides Hypersensitivity) is a common problem affecting horses and ponies, caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting midges. There is some evidence that sweet itch is genetic, with foals from an affected stallion or mare being more likely to develop the condition. Also, there are certain breeds that seem more likely to be affected by sweet itch, including Icelandic, Welsh and Shetland ponies. These midges like hot, humid climates and, in the UK, they tend to be active from February until late Autumn when temperatures drop.
Horses and ponies affected by this show signs of intense itching, especially of the mane and tail. Constant rubbing and scratching of these areas cause’s loss of hair and damages the skin, which becomes inflamed and infected, creating more itchiness and entering the horse into a vicious cycle. The best way to manage sweet itch is to break this cycle and then prevent it from starting again.

🌟What is used to help with wounds caused by this condition?
This depends on the individual horse, but medications used to help can be steroids, antihistamines, soothing shampoos washes and creams can all be used. Alongside medication to reduce the inflammation.

🌟What is "The sweet itch vaccine"?!
This product which can help to battle sweet Itch and other skin allergies. It does not directly vaccinate the horse against the midge saliva but was a vaccine originally developed to treat against ringworm, vaccinating horses before midge season seems to have been successful in many cases in preventing or reducing the signs of sweet Itch which for some horses is severe. Work is still ongoing on the exact mechanism of action but is has been used extensively "off license" to treat the hypersensitivity.

🌟What else can i do?
Management of sweet itch often requires multiple approaches, owners can also help by reducing exposure of their horse to the midges by using fly rugs, turning out in appropriate fields away from standing water and sheltered areas. Timing turnout to avoid dawn and dusk also helps reduce exposure.

🦟🦟For further information please speak to one of the equine team

06/07/2026

🎉 We're proud to be the veterinary team caring for the wonderful ponies at the National Coal Mining Museum, and we'd love to help spread the word about their upcoming Pony Party Day! 🐴💚

Not long to go until Saturday 11 July! Come along for a fantastic day of family fun as they celebrate their amazing ponies and shire yearling.

There'll be plenty to enjoy, including:
🐎 A live farrier demonstration (watch a pony pedicure!)
🎶 Music from Tingley Brass Band
🎂 A special birthday cake presentation
🏇 Hobby horse racing
🎨 Horse-themed crafts & face painting
🚂 Paddy Train rides

It's a brilliant day out for horse lovers of all ages, and we're delighted to play a part in keeping these wonderful horses happy and healthy.

🎟️ Free entry! Find out more here: www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/pony-party-day/

We hope to see lots of familiar faces there! 🐴💕

26/06/2026

Today’s veterinary dental clinic Churchfield Equine Clinic is in full swing.
A very hot day with everything in place to ensure horse and owner welfare is catered for.
Fans, water and post dental showers for the equines and drinks, fans and showers whilst showering the horses for the owners 🤣

21/06/2026

Zone Visits!​
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Why not take advantage of our zone visit scheme? ​
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For flat visit price of £30 you can have one of our Equine Vets come and visit your horse for around half the normal cost.​
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Zone visits happen every Tuesday to Friday depending on your location - please see the map for the day of your zone visit!​
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All you need to do to book your visit is call the clinic more than 24hrs in advance of your selected day. These days are extremely popular so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible!​
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Please call 01226 763542 to book on! ​
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Zone visits are provided for routine healthcare and minor ailments, examples of these include:​
Vaccination​
Routine dental care and floating​
Blood samples for wellness and medication checks​
General health concerns​
Sedation to clip ​
Sedation for paraprofessionals (timescales allowing) ​
Re-examinations of ongoing cases ​
Passport and Microchipping ​
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Only routine work may be booked in on yard visits, for more in-depth examinations and procedures an individual visit will be required, this is to ensure the treating vet has the time required to treat your horse effectively as well as ensuring we have the equipment to hand we may not normally carry or need an extra member of staff to assist.​
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Please also note, due to the nature of the workload on these days we are only able to offer AM and PM slots when bookings are taken but can give you a more precise one hour time slots on the day. You will ALWAYS get a phone call from the clinic or attending vet 30-60 minutes prior to arrival. We are also unable to stipulate which vet is available to attend your call.​
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Payment must be made at the time of booking or on the day with the vet, if you are not going to be present pre-payment is essential. Failure to do this will result in re-instatement of the full visit fee.

17/06/2026

🌾 Yard Visit Spotlight 🌾
Nothing beats a summer day spent caring for horses in the sunshine. Thank you to all our clients for trusting us with your horses’ health and wellbeing. 🐴

17/06/2026

Delighted to have also sponsored the Para Dressage Grade 3 class ! It was fantastic to support such talented riders and be part of such an inspiring event. 🐴👏

North and East show at Pickering Grange Equestrian

Churchfield Vets Para Grade 3 Championship

1st Vicky Nurcombe, Wallstreet Hit
2nd Vicky Nurcombe, Wallstreet Hit

Full results here 👉
https://livefeed.myridinglife.com/feed/times?e=550396&LocationID=2774

17/06/2026

We were delighted to also sponsor the Para Dressage Grade 5 competition. It’s an honour to be part of such an inspiring event. 🐴✨

North and East show at Pickering Grange Equestrian

Churchfield Vets Para Grade 5

1st Sophie Wells on Ontario HL

Full results here 👉
https://livefeed.myridinglife.com/feed/times?e=550396&LocationID=2774

17/06/2026

🏆✨ North & East Show 2026 ✨🏆

We were delighted to attend the North & East Show at Pickering Grange Equestrian over the weekend, where Clara had the pleasure of presenting the prizes for the Churchfield Vets Preliminary Championship. It’s always wonderful to support local equestrian events and celebrate the achievements of riders and their horses. 🐴💙 British Dressage - North & East Region

09/06/2026

Because They Deserve the Best, All Year Round​

The Equine Health Plan is more than just routine care. It’s peace of mind.​
We make caring for your horse easier with reminders, scheduled visits, and great savings.​
Preventative care without the stress—so you can enjoy the moments that matter.​

Your horse’s health, simplified.​
Plans renew annually, and you can cancel anytime (terms apply).​

Call to Action: 01226763542​
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🖤 Tailored with love for your horse.