Robinson Equine Vet & Dental Surgery

10/03/2026

An interesting client evening looking at all things related to bit and bridle fitting. All are welcome at what will be a very informative evening. Our very own vet Nicky Brooks will talk during the evening about dentistry and its role in bit and bridle fitting.
Leanne George (physiotherapist) and Sally O’Hara will look at bits and bridle fitting. Please register your interest through the link below.

How does your horse’s equipment affect their comfort, welfare and performance?

Join us to explore how bridles, saddles and bits can create pressure areas, what research tells us about equipment use and how your horse’s mouth and head anatomy may be affected.

This session will include expert talks and practical, hands-on demonstrations from:
• Leanne George - research findings
• Sally O'Hara Bit and Bridle Fitter
• Nicky Brooks of Robinson Equine Vet & Dental Surgery

📍 Venue: Forest Oaks Equestrian
📅 Date: Wednesday 25th March
⏰ Time: 7pm

📩 Book your place via email or WhatsApp.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how better equipment choices can support your horse’s comfort and performance.

22/02/2026

Today our team swapped waterproofs and wellies for teacups and treats as we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea together. 🍰 🫖

It was so nice to spend time away from the usual mud and stables! A perfect way to relax and recharge as a team.

21/02/2026

Good luck to everyone competing in the West Hants Pony Club charity Mounted Games today, we’re proud to support such a wonderful event! 🏆 🌟 🐴

Our last sponsor for the charity Mounted Games Competition today is Robinson Equine Vet & Dental Surgery. Thank you for your support

18/02/2026

We’re thrilled to share that our team has been featured in the Ringwood & Fordingbridge News this week! 📰🐴

The article highlights the importance of modern equine dentistry and how advances in techniques, equipment, training and education are helping to improve horse welfare, performance, and long-term health.

We’re passionate about providing evidence-based, up-to-date dental care for every horse we see, and we’re delighted to see this important topic being shared with the wider community.

A big thank you to the Ringwood & Fordingbridge News for helping raise awareness of equine dental health. 🦷✨

15/02/2026

Check out our Winter Newsletter, featuring new team members, a dentistry update, and worming advice. 🐴🦷🪱🌟

13/02/2026

🐴✨ Inspiring the Next Generation! ✨🐴

This week, Beth had the pleasure of giving pupils at The Mountbatten School a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of equine dentistry - all via Microsoft Teams!

Students were treated to an insight into the tools of the trade, the science behind equine dentistry, and why welfare-focused veterinary care is so important for our horses. 🦷💙

By showcasing real equipment and sharing real-world knowledge, these sessions are helping to spark curiosity and open young minds to the exciting possibilities within veterinary careers.

We’re thrilled to hear such positive feedback from teachers, who have praised the initiative for being both engaging and inspiring. 🌟

Here’s to encouraging the next generation of veterinary professionals! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️🩺

12/02/2026

🌟 A lovely post from Alice about Calyspo’s recent dental filling, performed by Nicky, stable-side! 🐴💫
We have state-of-the-art portable equipment so we can offer restorations (fillings), when appropriate, to horses in the comfort of their own stables - no travel stress, just great care where it’s needed most. 🦷✨

Watch the full video below!

05/02/2026

Big happy birthday to our super vet & dentist Nicky Brooks! 🥳🦷
She’s enjoying a very well-deserved day off after smashing a super busy January- completing over 100 dentals, from Shetlands to 5⭐ eventers, plus lots of advanced dental treatments too! 💪✨ 💪✨
We’re so lucky to have her on the team… enjoy your day of cake & relaxation! 🎂💙

🎉

02/02/2026

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Lesley Young to carry out a full cardiac assessment on Ruby. ❤️🐴

During a recent lameness examination, Beth detected a low-grade systolic heart murmur. Following a comprehensive cardiac work-up, Ruby was found to have a mild mitral valve prolapse. The reassuring news is that there has been no cardiac remodelling, and it is not expected to impact her athletic performance - which is fantastic news as, following hock medication, Ruby is now sound and moving beautifully. ✨

Ruby’s condition will be routinely monitored by Beth and her vet physio owner Poppy Roseanna Le Peuple going forward.

As an independent practice, we’re proud to be able to refer our patients to world-class specialists like Professor Young, who can assess and treat horses in their own environment, ensuring the highest standard of care, stable side. 🐴 🩺

13/01/2026

Sweet itch vaccination 💉

We had great outcomes with the majority of horses who received the vaccine last year. More info in our post below.

Understanding Sweet Itch in Horses and the Role of Vaccination 🐴💉

Sweet itch, also known as insect bite hypersensitivity, is a common allergic reaction in horses caused by bites from midges, particularly those of the Culicoides species. This condition leads to intense itching and discomfort, primarily affecting areas such as the mane, tail, and belly. Affected horses may exhibit persistent rubbing, hair loss, and inflamed or scabbed skin. Beyond physical symptoms, sweet itch can significantly impact a horse’s overall well-being and behaviour.

Innovative Vaccination Approach 💉

In recent years, a vaccine originally developed to combat ringworm has shown promise in reducing the symptoms of sweet itch. This vaccine is used off-license in the UK for this purpose. The vaccination protocol involves administering two intramuscular injections, approximately two weeks apart, ideally before the start of the midge season. For ongoing protection, the vaccine can be repeated every nine months or restarted annually before the midge season. 

Comprehensive Management Strategies 🛡️

To effectively manage and prevent sweet itch, consider implementing the following strategies:
• Insect Control: Regular application of insect repellents, use of fly sheets or sweet itch-specific rugs, and stabling during peak midge activity periods (dusk to dawn) can help reduce exposure.
• Environmental Management: Keeping horses in open, breezy fields can deter midges, as they are weak fliers. Avoiding pastures near woodlands or standing water, which are common midge breeding grounds, is also beneficial. Regular cleaning of water troughs can prevent midge larvae development.
• Stable Modifications: Installing insect-proof mesh on stable windows and doors, and using fans to create air movement, can discourage midges from entering stables.
• Nutritional Support: There is some evidence that feed supplements designed to support skin health, such as Cavelesse and Brewer’s Yeast, may help alleviate symptoms.

Take Action Now! 📅

As the midge season approaches, it’s crucial to implement preventive measures early. If you’re considering the vaccination for your horse, please get in touch with us to discuss the best approach and schedule an appointment. Together, we can ensure your horse enjoys a comfortable and itch-free season.

12/01/2026

You can find us on NFED Equestrian! ☺️🐴 🦷

Exceptional, personalised veterinary and dental care in the New Forest and surrounding areas of Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset.

06/01/2026

🐴 Case Study: Choke in a Golden Oldie 🐴

On Sunday, Beth was called out to one of her longest-standing patients and one of her dearest boys, Basil, at the grand old age of 34! 💛

Basil holds a very special place in Beth’s heart as he was one of the first horses she treated nearly 18 years ago when she first qualified as a vet, and she has been his vet ever since. What an honour 🥹

Due to his age, Basil’s teeth are now almost completely worn down. Horses’ teeth erupt throughout life, but they only have a finite amount, meaning Basil can no longer eat hay. Instead, he thrives on grass, frequent mash feeds as a hay replacer, and an awful lot of love and TLC from his wonderful, dedicated owner Jane Barter.

Over the weekend, Jane was away celebrating a big birthday 🎉 and Basil was being lovingly cared for by Caireen. Unfortunately, possibly due to the cold weather and not drinking quite as much as usual, Basil developed choke while eating his mash.

Most cases of choke will resolve within an hour, so Basil was carefully monitored but when the obstruction didn’t clear, Beth headed out to help. Basil had managed to create a fairly impressive blockage involving much of his oesophagus.

He was given:
• Light sedation
• Pain relief
• A smooth muscle relaxant to reduce oesophageal spasm

This allowed Beth to carefully pass a stomach tube and lavage the obstruction. Most of the blockage was siphoned back out through the tube (as seen in the photo 📸), with the remainder gently encouraged into the stomach. Water and electrolytes were then administered via the tube to rehydrate him.

Due to the small but possible risk of aspiration pneumonia, Basil was also given intravenous antibiotics as a precaution.

✨ We are delighted to report that Basil has made a good recovery ✨
Jane sent us a lovely update today and was very happy to be home with her boy. Basil is back to happily grazing in his paddock, with a normal temperature and no cough or nasal discharge - all signs we ask owners to monitor closely following choke.

Well done Basil, and huge thanks to Jane and Caireen for his excellent care 💙
A wonderful reminder that even our golden oldies can do brilliantly with attentive management and prompt veterinary care. 🥰🐴