Gillivervet

09/10/2026

💜💛 A massive congratulations to Mark Gilliver Awcf for winning the best shod middle weight hunter award this morning at Horse of the Year Show with Raine Harthern's 'BallyKelly Casanova'. 💜💛

02/10/2026

🎆Firework season can be a worrying time for horse owners. Taking a few simple steps in advance can help reduce stress and keep your horse safe and comfortable.

Here are a few simple steps you can take now:

💥Check fences, gates and stable doors for any repairs that need doing.
💥Consider how your horse has responded to fireworks before. Would they be happier stabled or turned out.
💥Keep to your horse's normal routine as much as possible.
💥Ensure your horse is microchipped and wearing identification, if appropriate.
💥Speak to your vet early if your horse has struggled with fireworks before - there are management strategies and where appropriate, medications that may help.

Remember, it's always easier to prepare before the fireworks begin than to react once they're underway.

If you're concerned about how your horse may cope this firework season, contact our team for advice. We're here to help keep your horse safe, calm and comfortable.

28/09/2026

At Gillivervet we believe every horse, pony and donkey deserves individualised care designed around their unique needs.

From playful foals and much loved ponies to competition horses, stallions, Shires and donkeys, our team provides expert support at every stage of life.

Whether your equine needs routine preventative care, urgent veterinary attention or specialist treatment, we’re here to help keep them healthy, comfortable and performing at their best.

Have questions about your horse’s health? Get in touch with our team or book an appointment today ☎📞

26/09/2026

💜💛 HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW 2026 !!! 💜💛 (7th-11th October)

WISHING ALL OF OUR CLIENTS THE BEST OF LUCK 🤞🤞especially to our Anne Leaver (Gilliver) and Whitegate Bouncer (aka Henry) competing in the Heavyweight Cob Class on the Saturday morning. Henry is owned by Sue Benson. Sue Benson Anne Leaver

💜💛

25/09/2026

🍂🚨 Autumn Colic Prevention 🍂🚨

As the seasons change, many horses experience changes to their forage. From summer grazing to hay, haylage or different pasture, sudden changes in diet can upset the digestive system and increase the risk of colic.

To help keep your horse’s gut healthy:
• Introduce new forage gradually over 7–14 days
• Mix old and new forage together during the transition period
• Avoid sudden changes in turnout or feeding routines
• Ensure your horse has access to fresh water, at all times

A slow, steady transition gives your horse’s digestive system time to adapt and helps reduce the risk of colic this autumn.

If you have concerns about your horse’s diet, weight or digestive health, speak to us for advice tailored to your horse.

23/09/2026

🍂🍁🌰Happy first day of Autumn! 🍂🍁🌰

Autumn has officially arrived, bringing golden landscapes, crisp mornings and some of the best riding days of the year.

Whether you're out exploring the bridlepaths or enjoying a peaceful moment at the yard, we hope you and your horse make the most of everything this beautiful season has to offer.

21/09/2026

Arthritis Care: Keeping Horses Comfortable

As the weather cools, some horses, especially older ones, may start to show signs of stiffness or discomfort. Colder temperatures, reduced turnout and changes in routine can all affect horses living with arthritis.

Every horse is different and early intervention can make a real difference to maintaining mobility and quality of life.

If your horse seems less comfortable, speak to us for advice on a tailored arthritis management plan.

18/09/2026

CHECK YOUR DATES IF YOU ARE ATTENDING STARS ⭐ STARS Champion of Champions! 💉📆

STARS - Vaccinations

🏇 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 – 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴:
All horses 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 at Aintree Equestrian Centre must:
• Have received a booster vaccination against Equine Influenza within the 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀
• Be 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 of any vaccination
• Have a 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 record in line with 𝗕𝗛𝗔 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

🏇 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 – 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲:
In accordance with Aintree Equestrian Centre’s terms and conditions for this event, all horses 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻-𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 must:
• Have received a booster vaccination against Equine Influenza within the 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 prior to arrival
• Be 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 of any vaccination
• Have a 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 record in line with 𝗕𝗛𝗔 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
• ⁠The last vaccination must have been between the 18th May 2026 and the 12th November 2026.

✅ All passports will be checked on arrival.
❌ Horses that do not meet these requirements will 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 at Aintree Equestrian Centre.

If you are unsure, please check with your vet! 🐴

🐴 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️

14/09/2026

Could your horse be showing signs of Cushing's Disease (PPID)?

PPID is a common condition in older horses and early testing can help identify the condition and support long-term health and wellbeing.

The ACTH blood test is the main way to diagnose PPID. A blood sample is analysed for ACTH levels, with raised levels indicating the possibility of the condition.

When should you test?
ACTH levels naturally fluctuate throughout the year, especially in summer and autumn. While autumn is often the recommended time for testing, horses showing signs of PPID or health changes can be tested year round.

DID YOU KNOW 💡❓

Free ACTH Testing scheme is running until the 31st October 2026 for all untreated horses over 10 years of age with compatible clinical signs, and aged horses are entitled to one complimentary diagnostic ACTH test per year during Cushing's awareness months (autumn and spring).

Please contact the practice for more information. 📞☎️

01/09/2026

🌎🌈🐎 Today, during World Animal Remembrance Month, we pause to honour the horses and cherished companions who are no longer with us.

As equine vets, we know the bond between a horse and their owner is unlike any other. Every horse leaves a lasting mark and saying goodbye is never easy.

We feel privileged to have been part of so many horses' lives, supporting them through every stage, from their first steps to their final moments. To everyone remembering a much loved horse today, please know you're not alone. Their memories, their personalities and the joy they brought will never be forgotten.

If you'd like to remember a special horse, we'd love for you to share their name and a favourite photo in the comments. Together, we can celebrate the incredible animals who have touched our lives.