Rainbow Equine Hospital

13/06/2026

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13/06/2026

It’s cross country day at Defender Bramham Horse Trials and our vets are out on the course and in the stables supporting all of the competitors, though definitely hoping for an uneventful and maybe ☀️ day!
Rainbow Equine Hospital is also an event sponsor, including one of the XC fences and so please stop by and say hi to the team! Extra credit to the best photos of these amazing athletes getting over the Rainbow fence so feel free to post these below! 👇

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09/06/2026

08/06/2026

Ponies, particularly native breeds and those carrying excess weight, tend to respond
to consuming sugary/carbohydrate-rich feeds, including grass by producing higher levels of insulin than horses or normal conditioned ponies. When insulin levels become too high, this can be a trigger of laminitis.

This is why maintaining your horse or pony at a healthy body weight is so important. Keeping them in correct condition helps reduce the risk of excessive insulin responses and, in turn, can lower the likelihood of developing laminitis.

03/06/2026

Laminitis is a painful hoof condition with three main causes:

1. Endocrine (Hormonal)
Most common. Linked to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and PPID (Cushing’s”), causing insulin imbalance that damages the hoof.

2. Mechanical / Traumatic
Overload of one limb or excessive concussion, such as supporting limb laminitis or hard ground work.

3. Toxic / Inflammatory
Triggered by systemic illness like colitis, grain overload, infection, or retained placenta.

Signs can be variable, sometimes subtle, as well as developing at different rates. If you notice any signs of laminitis: heat in the feet, reluctance to move, or a shifting stance, contact the practice immediately.
Early intervention can make a significant difference to outcome and comfort.

25/05/2026

Metabolic disorders, like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), can quietly impact
your horse’s health and performance. Early detection is key!
Look out for these warning signs:
• Unexplained Weight Gain– Especially around the neck, shoulders, and rump
• Regional Adiposity– Fat deposits in unusual places, like above the eyes or behind the shoulder
• Laminitis Episodes– Recurrent hoof inflammation or sensitivity
• Insulin Resistance Indicators– Poor performance, lethargy, or abnormal fat distribution
• Changes in Coat or Appetite– Rough coat, lethargy, or irregular eating patterns

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get a professional assessment. Early management can prevent serious complications and help keep your horse happy, healthy, and performing at their best!

Contact us today to discuss metabolic screening and care.

18/05/2026

At Rainbow Equine Hospital, our goal is simple: to get your horse back to feeling their best, safely and quickly. Sometimes, that means using more than one diagnostic tool.
Every horse is unique, and so is every health issue. While a single test can give us part of the picture, combining tools like X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork and endoscopy helps us:
• Pinpoint the exact cause of a problem
• Understand how different systems are affected
• Plan the safest, most effective treatment

Think of it like detective work: one clue isn’t always enough to solve the mystery. By layering our diagnostics, we give your horse the best chance for a full recovery.

14/05/2026

1 week to go!
Veterinary Surgeon CPD day @ Rainbow Equine Hospital on 21st May.
Hosted by and Nextmune. Please see details and link to register below 👇

14/05/2026

Equine Influenza
With the current outbreak of Equine Influenza we thought we would repost this information we shared last month.

As we move into the competition season, your horse will come into contact with many others, increasing the risk of infection and illness. We would like to provide you with some key facts about equine influenza to help you stay informed and keep your horse healthy.

What is Equine Influenza?
Equine influenza (or equine flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that
spreads quickly between horses. While it’s rarely fatal, it can seriously affect your horse’s health, comfort and performance and outbreaks still happen every year in the UK.

Spot the Signs Early
Know the warning signs of equine flu:
• High temperature (often over 38.5°C/101.3°F)
• Persistent cough
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite

Equine flu spreads fast through:
• Coughing and sneezing
• Nose to nose contact
• Shared buckets and grooming kits
• Clothing, hands and equipment
• Poorly ventilated stables

Small Hygiene Steps, Big Impact-Simple actions make a huge difference:
• Clean and disinfect equipment
• Don’t share buckets or tack
• Wash hands between horses
• Change clothing if handling sick horses

Vaccinating Still Matters
Vaccinating is the single most effective tool we have to reduce the severity and spread of equine influenza.
Even vaccinated horses can be affected, but symptoms are usually milder and outbreaks are easier to control. Biosecurity isn’t overkill — it’s essential.
Many disciplines have strict flu vaccination rules and it’s always the owner’s responsibility to stay compliant. Check your dates before events to avoid disappointment (or worse, risk).

If You Suspect Equine Flu — 🚫 Stop and Isolate

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions on 01653 695743 or [email protected]

14/05/2026

🚨Appointments at Rainbow Equine Hospital 🚨
Due to the outbreak of Equine Influenza across the UK, affecting both vaccinated and unvaccinated horses, please can all owners check their horses' temperature prior to arriving at the Hospital for their appointments.
Any temperature of 38.6C and above should be considered elevated – please contact the hospital if your horse has a temperature of 38.6 or higher prior to setting off.
Should you have any questions please contact the office 01653 695743.