The Acorns Equine Clinic

The Acorns Equine Clinic The Acorns Equine Clinic is a first opinion equine veterinary practice located near to Chelmsford, E We run emergency clinics at all other times. CM3 1HU.

We originally set up the practice in 1992 and since that date it has continued to grow with each passing year. The main clinic is based in rural Essex, near the village of High Easter (between Chelmsford and Great Dunmow). We also have a branch practice based at Hastingwood House, Hastingwood, near Harlow. Despite our rural location we are ideally placed to be able to provide a local service to a

ll the horse owners in the Chelmsford, Braintree, Great Dunmow, Bishops Stortford, Harlow and the Epping areas. We take pride in the fact that our trained support staff are animal lovers who own their own horses. We offer a friendly and personal service and always try to treat both our clients and their horses as individuals. Additionally our clients find it reassuring that their horses will be attended by Veterinary surgeons they have come to know personally and who understand their needs, 24 hours a day, all year round. If you would like to discuss how we can help you and your horses, to meet our staff, or to view the practice facilities, please feel free to contact our receptionists on the telephone numbers below. Our COVID reduced office hours are currently between 09.00 to 17.00 (Mondays through to Fridays) and between 09.00 and 12.00 on Saturdays. Our addresses and telephone numbers are as follows. MAIN PRACTICE:
The Acorns Equine Clinic,
Pleshey,
CHELMSFORD, Essex. Telephone (01245) 231152

BRANCH PRACTICE:
Hastingwood House,
Hastingwood,
Near Harlow, Essex. CM17 9JX. Telephone (01279) 418694

Our out of hours/ EMERGENCY contact number is 07805 770726

Our website address is http://www.theacornsequineclinic.co.uk/

Another interesting case.Conor is always saying that he never ceases to be amazed by the sheer ingenuity of horses when ...
03/09/2026

Another interesting case.

Conor is always saying that he never ceases to be amazed by the sheer ingenuity of horses when it comes to injuring themselves.
This horse was found one morning with this cut over his throat. He was alone in a small paddock completely surrounded by electrified tape. We could find nothing that he could have possibly cut himself on!

The other horses in similar paddocks around him all said that they saw and heard nothing!

He was very pleased that the suture material at least matched his coat colour (Essex Orange!).

Conor came into the clinic recently and found that the practice book keeper was trying trying to log into the government...
27/08/2026

Conor came into the clinic recently and found that the practice book keeper was trying trying to log into the government digital tax system by impersonating him!

She didn't succeed. I wonder why?😊

Drought warning.Conor recently had a very interesting case of (suspected) Cherry tree leaves poisoning in a horse. As t...
24/08/2026

Drought warning.

Conor recently had a very interesting case of (suspected) Cherry tree leaves poisoning in a horse. As there is virtually no green grass anywhere in Essex, horses might now be inclined to consume forage that they would usually ignore. This particular horse ate leaf clippings from a cherry tree. The leaves twigs and pits can all cause cyanide poisoning. Fresh leaves are not usually eaten, but wilted leaves taste sweet and can release high amounts of cyanide when chewed. Luckily all was well in the end.

It just struck Conor that most horse owners have always been vigilant for poisonous plants in their paddocks (eg. Ragwort). However, many owners have not checked their hedges for poisonous trees. We occasionally see acorn poisoning (colic, diarrhoea) and Sycamore poisoning (atypical azoturia).

We recommend that everyone checks their hedges for potentially poisonous trees/shrubs. If in doubt, please take a photo and you can then google the picture. If in doubt try fencing off any suspect tree to prevent your horses eating it.

Managing horses during heatwaves.Many of our clients and friends have asked us for our advice in managing their horses ...
09/07/2026

Managing horses during heatwaves.

Many of our clients and friends have asked us for our advice in managing their horses during heatwaves.

Try to keep horses out of the direct sunlight especially during the middle of the day. Ideally this should be in well ventilated stables. Fans help the movement of the air and assist in keeping horses cool. Many owners now stable their horses during the day and only turn them out in the evening and at night. If horses have to live out during the day, try to use shady paddocks, /have access to field shelters, (/make temporary pergolas?).

All horses must have constant access to clean cold water. Check /clean field water troughs VERY REGULARLY (birds may be defecating into them). Try to ride horses early in the morning or later in the evenings (when the temperature is cooler). Shower them with cold water after exercise.

White skinned areas (muzzles /socks etc) need protection from the UV light, (Sun screen /Filtabac, /UV protecting face masks /gaiters).

It is an offence (under welfare regulations) to transport horses in a way that causes them unnecessary suffering. You should not transport horses in temperatures of 30C (or higher), unless your vehicle has a temperature control system. Try to plan your journeys so that horses are moved either in the early morning /evenings. Open all windows and air vents. (Remember that this type of ventilation only works when the vehicle is actually moving). Reduce the stocking density as much as possible. Do not rug up horses in lorries, consider wearing cooling boots. Battery powered clip on fans are now available and can help keep horses cool in lorries. Stop and offer water every two - three hours and check all horses for signs of hyperthermia. Try to stop /park loaded vehicles in shady areas whenever possible. Make contingency plans for being stuck in traffic jams.

Signs of hyperthermia include, lethargy, elevated respiratory and or heart rates, excessive sweating, increased body temperature, (normal is between 37 and 38.5C), inco-ordination, kicking out, and eventually collapse.

Treatment involves the continuous application of copious amounts of cold water all over the horses body (especially over the top line and hindquarters). The BHA recommends not to use water scrapers, (It slows down the application of cold water). Some horses may need veterinary attention.

We hope that this is helpful, please feel free to share this information.

If you need any further advice please contact our receptionists at the clinic on (01245) 231152.

Office closed tomorrow.We apologise for the short notice, but we regret to inform all our clients that unfortunately the...
03/07/2026

Office closed tomorrow.

We apologise for the short notice, but we regret to inform all our clients that unfortunately the clinic office will be closed tomorrow (Saturday the 4th of July). You can still contact the duty vet (Conor) by ringing EITHER the main practice number (01245 23152) or the emergency number (07805 770726).

This just means that you can't drop off faecal samples for worm testing or pick up drugs etc.

Again we apologise for any inconvenience that this might cause you.

BOGOFF!When Conor arrived on a farm the other day to give a recently purchased mare a routine vaccination, he was greete...
18/06/2026

BOGOFF!

When Conor arrived on a farm the other day to give a recently purchased mare a routine vaccination, he was greeted with a 'new arrival'. We are happy to announce that both Mum and daughter are doing just fine. From the (very proud) mare's point of view she now gets out of Pony Club this summer (and she gets to eat for two)!

Just a quick reminded to everyone that a PD test is not part of a standard vetting. (Just for the record we did not vet this mare). Enjoy!

Outbreak of Equine Flu in Essex!We have now received a report of an outbreak in Essex. This was in an unvaccinated TB s...
28/04/2026

Outbreak of Equine Flu in Essex!

We have now received a report of an outbreak in Essex. This was in an unvaccinated TB stallion and was confirmed on the 27th of April 2026.

We continue to advise that owners strictly isolate all new horses on the yard for 21 days. Do not travel with horses of unknown health status. When going to shows, do not share water buckets, /haynets and try to keep apart from other horses (or their handlers).

Given that post vaccination protection drops significantly after six months, many owners are now considering giving their horses six monthly boosters. This especially applies to horses 'staying over' at showgrounds.

For further information or for the latest information (including outbreaks of Strangles etc) please follow the following link.

https://equinesurveillance.org/landing/.

Equine Flu, UPDATE, We have now received reports of further outbreaks of Equine Influenza in Hampshire, Cambridgeshire a...
20/04/2026

Equine Flu, UPDATE,

We have now received reports of further outbreaks of Equine Influenza in Hampshire, Cambridgeshire and Gloucestershire (in addition to the outbreaks detailed below).

We repeat that when you go out to competitions (/shows), be very careful and keep to yourself. Do not transport or mix with horses of unknown vaccination status. Especially, do not share water buckets. Isolate all new arrivals on the yard for 21 days.

Given that the levels of immunity in vaccinated horses falls after six months. We recommend that competition horses (especially those who intend to stay overnight on showgrounds), have flu boosters, if they have not been vaccinated within the last six months.

Equine Influenza outbreaks.We have received reports of recent outbreaks of equine flu in Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Lin...
16/04/2026

Equine Influenza outbreaks.

We have received reports of recent outbreaks of equine flu in Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. (There are rumours of others). Five cases involved recently imported horses from the EU. Two cases were confirmed in vaccinated horses.

Equine flu is a viral infection and is spread via infected droplets. When going out to competitions, please keep your horses separated from others as much as possible, do NOT share water buckets and be very wary of travelling with horses of unknown veterinary histories. Isolate all new arrivals on the yard for up to 21 days.

No vaccine is ever 100% successful in preventing disease. However, vaccination can be expected to reduce the severity of symptoms and to a quicker recovery. There is a well documented drop off in protection against equine flu in vaccinated horses after six months. Many riders now routinely vaccinate their horses every six months, (rather than annually).

Happy Easter.We would like to wish all our lovely clients a Happy Easter. The office will be open today (Saturday) be...
04/04/2026

Happy Easter.

We would like to wish all our lovely clients a Happy Easter. The office will be open today (Saturday) between 09.00 and 12.00. It will be closed tomorrow (Sunday) and on bank holiday Monday. For any emergencies the 'On Call' /Duty vet can be contacted by ringing the office where the phone will be automatically redirected. We will be 'back to normal' office hours from Tuesday.

Address

Pleshey
Chelmsford
CM31HU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

01245 231152

Website

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