COVID-19 Protocols

It is important to us at Agnew Equine to find the right balance between caring for your horse or pony whilst doing our utmost to keep our clients, our team and, in turn, the wider community safe from the spread of COVID-19.  Clearly outlining procedures and expectations allows for all parties to be familiar with what is expected during a client visit and we request that they will be adhered to at all times. 

  • Please advise us if you or anyone in your household or yard is self-isolating or displaying symptoms of Covid-19 such as a high temperature, cough, or loss of taste or smell, or if you are considered in the high-risk category.  Additionally, please notify us if you have been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace scheme and been told that you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 2 weeks.
  • All clients are now asked to wear a facemask to all appointments and remain at least 2 metres apart from the vet at all times where possible.  In circumstances where this is agreed to not be appropriate due to safety and practicality, please take all available to steps to work as safely and quickly as possible.   
  • Please have your horse in from the field and ready when the vet arrives. Where possible, please allow for examination and treatment to take place in open, well-ventilated areas.   
  • Ensure all access gates are open for the vet to enter your yard and please open and close all gates for the vet whilst they are on the yard so they can avoid common touch points.
  • We ask that there is only one handler per horse at all times. If there are any other people at the yard during a visit, please ensure they are aware to stay at least 10 metres away from the vet at all times.
  • Please ensure there are no loose dogs on the yard as they can transfer the virus from one person to another.
  • All dental procedures will be done under sedation to allow social distancing to be maintained.  For other instances where examination or treatment is difficult to complete whilst maintaining social distancing, sedation may need to be used. If you are not in agreement with this at the time, we may need to postpone until COVID-19 is no longer a risk.
  • We are trying to minimise our vets taking on any additional tasks other than those already booked in.  We would appreciate clients doing their best to book in any additional requests through the office prior to the visit.
  • Card payment using WorldPay on our website is our preferred method of payment, or paying by card through the office.  Cash will be accepted by vets only if alternatives not possible.

You can download our COVID-19 Protocols PDF here.

If you have an appointment for vaccination, please note it is important that your horse or pony is clean and dry where they are to be injected. To facilitate this, you could consider keeping the horse stabled either overnight (for a morning visit) or through the day (if it is an afternoon visit) so they don’t become wet or dirty – or have them wear a rug to keep them clean and dry with a neck cover if this is where the vet will inject the vaccine. Otherwise, please allow adequate time prior to the visit to ensure the area the vet will inject is brushed clean.


Don’t Infect, Protect Handwashing Guide

Handwashing is still a key part of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. As we’re all aware now, singing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice whilst being thorough with our handwashing frequently is something we can all do to help stop the spread!

You can download a handwashing poster to hang in your stable or yard here.

Hand Washing Guide Poster


COVID-19 as compared to Strangles

While different, both COVID-19 and Strangles are highly infectious diseases, and below is a comparison of the two diseases for your reference. While we have heightened awareness of biosecurity protocols we need to put in place to prevent the spread of COVID, it is a good opportunity to review the same protocols which are also helpful to prevent the spread of Strangles in your yard.

COVID-19 compared to Strangles guide

Ambulatory
We always come to you! We have hospital-grade veterinary and diagnostic tools which are entirely mobile, which means you have the convenience of keeping your horse right where they are.
Independent
We are proud to be a local, family-run practice, and if your horse needs specialist treatment, we are free to refer them to the top experts in the country for their specific needs, not where a corporate dictates.
Experience
Over 20 years as a practice we have built an outstanding reputation for trustworthy care, treatment and professionalism - and our team of vets have devoted their careers exclusively to equine medicine.
Emergencies
We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so you always have our support and your peace of mind.

Our Services

Castrations

Castrations

Routine castration of colts can be performed at your home stables, ideally during the spring or autumn.
Dental Care

Dental Care

We provide expert routine dental care and examinations - as the condition of your horse’s mouth plays such an important role in their overall health and welfare.
Emergencies

Emergencies

We know that emergencies can happen any time of the day or night - and we offer the assurance that you always have the veterinary support you need standing by. We offer our own in-house emergency cover, meaning you will always see one of our vets in your time of need.
Equipment and Diagnostics

Equipment and Diagnostics

We are proud to be a fully ambulatory practice and welcome the fact that modern mobile technology allows us to effectively deliver treatment and diagnoses at the convenience of your stable.
Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

We are privileged in veterinary medicine to have the ability to end suffering, and have a responsibility to work with you to do so in a way that is painless and minimises stress for all involved.
Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy continues to be the only reliable method for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses. At Agnew, we offer this service using our mobile equipment at your home stables to avoid any additional stress caused by transporting your horse or pony.
Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

We examine horses for a wide range of medical problems including weight loss, diarrhoea, respiratory disease, urinary disorders and skin disease right at your stables.
Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

We have close links with a number of outstanding veterinary clinical laboratories in Newmarket and around the country - and we are able to choose the most appropriate and experienced lab depending on what we are testing for.
Lameness Investigations

Lameness Investigations

Our vets have a great reputation for their lameness investigations at the convenience of your own stables. Stuart is one of only 21 vets in the country who is an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Orthopaedics.
Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Vettings are very important and are one of the most consequential things you’ll ask your vet to do – because purchasing a horse is a big decision! On that basis, Robin, Arnie & Stuart carry out the majority of our vettings as we feel experience is key to delivering the best outcome for you and the horse.
Reproductive Services

Reproductive Services

We offer a variety of reproductive services for your mare including artificial insemination, ultrasound scanning and pregnancy diagnosis, twin pregnancy management, foal management and vaccinations to prevent abortion.
Routine Health Care

Routine Health Care

At Agnew Equine, we believe that keeping your horse happy and healthy starts with Routine Preventative Care; vaccinations, regular dentistry, parasite control are fundamental to the well-being of your horse and doing all you can to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
Surgery/Referral

Surgery/Referral

As an independent practice, our vets at Agnew Equine are able to review each case and, where necessary, recommend referral to the most appropriate hospital in the circumstances to help with the specialised care of your horse or pony.
“My best advice is register with Agnew Equine - they are the best!” Louisa Kelly
“Love these vets - wouldn’t go anywhere else! Fantastic.” Paulina Nicholls
“A great team of vets! Calm, caring, experts with a professional manner” Kelly Pope
“Best vets anyone could have. Fantastic in all ways.” Angela Frost
“By far the most attentive and polite practice I’ve come across”
Agnew EquineHot Lane Farm, Hot LaneBiddulph MoorStoke-on-TrentStaffordshireST8 7HP01782 510502find us
Map
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday
Closed
Sundays
Closed
In An Emergency

We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Simply call the practice on 01782 510502 to access our support.

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