Alnorthumbria Equine Vets

09/06/2026

🎉National SQP Week 🎉

This week we're celebrating National SQP Week and recognising the important role that Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) play in animal health and welfare.

SQPs are specially trained and qualified to provide advice on the safe and effective use of veterinary medicines, helping owners make informed decisions about the care of their animals. From parasite control to preventative healthcare, they are a valuable source of knowledge and support.

We're proud to have two SQP’s (Kim & most recently Evie who passed her exams!!🎉🎉) and the expertise they bring to helping keep your horses happy and healthy.

🪱 If you have any questions about worming, don't hesitate to speak to one of our SQPs 😁

29/05/2026

⚠️ Equine Influenza Update ⚠️

With an increase in reported cases of equine influenza across the UK, horse owners are being urged to remain extra vigilant to help prevent further spread of the disease.

Many competition venues, training centres, and clinics are now introducing additional biosecurity measures, including passport checks and stricter vaccination requirements. If you are attending any shows, clinics, camps, arena hires, or other equestrian events, please check the individual venue or governing body requirements before travelling.

We strongly recommend:
🐴 Ensuring your horse’s vaccinations are up to date
💉 Considering a booster within the last 6 months if attending events or mixing with other horses
🌡️ Monitoring your horse closely and taking temperatures regularly
🚫 Avoiding gatherings if your horse is showing any signs of illness

If you are bringing a new horse onto your yard, ensure they are vaccinated before arrival and quarantined appropriately before mixing with resident horses.

If you have any concerns that your horse may be showing signs of equine influenza, please call us for advice and avoid attending any events.

Together, we can help reduce the spread and keep our horses safe 🫶

19/05/2026

Due to the number equine flu cases in the UK the BHA have stopped all horses from non registered yards entering racecourses. This means hunter chases and ROR parades have been cancelled.

Please be vigilant for signs of equine flu. Raised temperature, nasal discharge, cough. Isolate new horses onto yards and keep vaccinations up to date.

6 monthly vaccines 💉 recommended for horses competing.

Please contact the clinic 01670 897597 if you have any questions which you would like to discuss with one of our vets.

17/05/2026

Team Alnorthumbria Equine ready to go for the final day at belsayhorsetrials ! 🐎🌸

A busy but enjoyable weekend for our team. Belsay has been incredibly well run, with great courses and excellent going making for fantastic competition. 🏆

CCI 1*, CCI 2*, national and pony classes on today, good luck to all competitors! 🍀

Belsay International Horse Trials

16/05/2026

We are delighted to have 4 vets on duty at the beautiful Belsay International Horse Trials this weekend. Lesley, Ed, Sarah and Ellie.
Good luck to all our clients.

12/05/2026

May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, and we want to take this opportunity to celebrate and thank our incredible REVNs (Registered Equine Veterinary Nurses) for everything they do. 🐴💚

We are lucky enough to have two qualified REVNs at Alnorthumbria Equine, Libby & Robyn, with two more, Nikki and Jasmine close to completing their training.

From supporting our vets during procedures and caring for patients in the clinic, to carrying out their own nurse visits (and generally just keeping our vets in check!!) - our nurses are an essential part of our practice.

Their knowledge, dedication, teamwork and care make a huge difference behind the scenes and in the field, and we are so grateful for all that they do for both our team and our patients. 💚

08/05/2026

🏇🏼A Big Day In The Northern Calendar 🏇🏼

Tomorrow sees the Heart Of All England held at Hexham Racecourse which is the culmination of the pointing season and what every northern amateur would like to win!

Good luck to Morag Herdman with Economic Editor and Jimmy Walton who has the well fancied Eastern Storm running.

Eastern Storm has accumulated four wins over the season and on the bounce including at Tranwell last time, he lines up under regular rider and Nick Orpwood.

Good Luck to all involved in this prestigious event. 🍀

Eastern Storm, the youngest of 11 runners in Saturday’s Heart Of All England Maiden Hunters’ Chase at Hexham (5.05), is bidding to fulfil a cherished victory for the racecourse’s chairman.

Read more on the website: https://gbpointing.co.uk/orpwood-hoping-storm-can-lift-the-heart-rate/

05/05/2026

⭐️ What is the BEST way to prevent strangles? ⭐️

See this great animation from Strangles Awareness Week, it shows the handy acronym ‘BEST’ to help us remember.

B = Boost - boost immunity by vaccinating against strangles 💉
E = Engage - It is important to be aware of strangles but try to engage with accurate information, speak to your vet if you are unsure or need any advice 📞
S = Separate - isolate new arrivals, strangles is not airbourne, but can be spread by nose to nose contact or shared equipment, isolating new arrivals helps to reduce risk 🐴
T = Temperature check - check your horse’s temperature regularly to know what is normal and spot any abnormal signs, as a high temperature can be the first sign of strangles! 🌡️

05/05/2026

Equine Influenza Cases Are Rising in the UK – Protect Your Horse!

Recent reports show an increase in equine influenza (flu) cases across the UK, and it spreads quickly between horses. Now is the time to stay vigilant.

How to protect your horse:

💉 Keep influenza vaccinations up to date – this is your best defence. If your horse has not been vaccinated within the last 6 months you can give a booster to increase immunity to the influenza virus
🐴 Avoid mixing with horses of unknown vaccination status
☣ Isolate any new arrivals
🥣 Don’t share equipment (buckets, tack, grooming kits)
🫱 Practice good hygiene – wash hands and disinfect regularly
🤒 Monitor for signs: cough, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy
⚠️ If you suspect flu: Contact your vet immediately and isolate the horse to prevent spread.

Equine flu is highly contagious, but with good biosecurity and vaccination, we can limit outbreaks and keep our horses safe 💙

04/05/2026

🐴 Strangles Awareness Week is here 🐴

Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing daily posts all about strangles; what it is, how it spreads, how to spot it early, and most importantly, how we can work together to prevent it.

Strangles is one of the most common infectious diseases in horses. While many cases resolve, it can spread quickly between horses and yards, causing significant disruption, welfare concerns, and in some cases serious complications. Outbreaks often lead to yard closures, cancelled events, and long periods of isolation.

Raising awareness is key. By understanding the signs, taking sensible biosecurity measures, and acting quickly if you’re concerned, we can all help reduce the impact of this disease. 🦠

Whether you own one horse or manage a whole yard, everyone has a role to play.

Stay tuned this week for practical advice, myth-busting, and tips to help keep your horses safe. ❤️‍🩹🩺