10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Running 510 acres and worried youll need a tractor to keep UK paddocks tidy? This guide shows how a quad with a 1.21.5m flail topper handles topping and daily chores, which tyres and safety features to choose, and when to outsourceso you save money and protect your fields. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Choose Quad First What To Do: For 510 acres with 25 horses, start with a quad plus a 1.21.5 m flail topper. Keep a tractor optional for heavy lifting or larger acreages. Why It Matters: Delivers the jobs you do most without the cost and bulk of a tractor. Common Mistake: Overinvesting in a tractor that isnt needed for routine yard work. Area: Specify Flail Topper What To Do: Choose a 1.21.5 m, ~15 hp flail with electric start, openable rear flap, antiscalping roller, easy height adjust, fine grass flails, and a kill switch. Why It Matters: Gives clean, safe topping suited to UK paddocks and mixed growth. Common Mistake: Buying too wide/heavy a mower or using coarse flails on horse pasture. Area: Time Your Topping What To Do: Top before the late spring surge (MayJune). Use two passes on heavy growth: start high, then drop a notch. Why It Matters: Controls seed heads and avoids slow, punishing cuts later. Common Mistake: Waiting until grass is rank and cutting too low on the first pass. Area: Protect Wet Ground What To Do: Fit LGP tyres on the topper, use the rear roller and quick height adjust, and run an offset drawbar along fences. Why It Matters: Prevents poaching, rutting and scalping on soft, uneven paddocks. Common Mistake: Working soft fields with narrow tyres and a low cut height. Area: Operate Safely & Legally What To Do: Comply with PUWER: keep service logs, train operators, and complete a risk assessment. Use PPE, electric start and an accessible kill switch. Why It Matters: Reduces accidents and keeps your yard compliant. Common Mistake: Running unmaintained kit with untrained users and no documentation. Area: Daily Quad Tasks What To Do: Tow the flail, manure spreader and arena leveller; ferry feed, posts and water; do fast fence and water checks. Why It Matters: Boosts speed and manoeuvrability in tight gateways and around a manege. Common Mistake: Using a tractor where access is tight and ground is soft. Area: Outsource Heavy Work What To Do: Hire local contractors for hay and big jobs; use the quad for topping and daytoday chores. Why It Matters: Keeps capital costs low while maintaining field quality. Common Mistake: Buying specialist kit youll use only a few days a year. Area: Test Before Buying What To Do: Demo the flail on your softest field; confirm it fits gateways, handles slopes, reverses into corners, and matches your cut height. Why It Matters: Ensures the setup suits your layout, ground and workload. Common Mistake: Purchasing on spec without checking manoeuvrability and cut quality. In This Guide Quad or compact tractor for 510 acre UK horse yards? The right ATV flail mower spec for paddocks How much ground can a quad and flail manage? Tyres and attachments that protect wet UK pastures Safety and compliance: using ATVs legally on UK yards Daily jobs a quad replaces on small horse properties Cost, transport and when to outsource Buying checklist and mistakes to avoid You dont need a full tractor to keep 510 acres of UK horse pasture tidy, safe and productive. For most small yards, a quad bike (ATV/UTV) with the right flail topper and tyres will handle topping, ferrying and daytoday jobs with ease.Key takeaway: For 510 acre UK horse yards with 25 horses, a quad plus a 1.21.5m flail topper will manage paddock topping and daily chores; save the tractor for heavy lifting, larger acreages or commercial workloads.Quad or compact tractor for 510 acre UK horse yards?For noncommercial yards up to about 10 acres, a quad with a flail topper is sufficient for topping, levelling and ferrying; a tractor only becomes essential for heavy work or larger acreages. UK owners managing 78 acres consistently report that quads with toppers handle the workload effectively.On horse properties, ATVs shine for daily jobs: fence checking, hay field inspection and moving tools around pastures, especially where tractors struggle for access or would mark the ground (Stable Management). Forum consensus from UK smallholders managing 78 acres is clear: a quad with a topper/leveller is man enough for regular topping without the cost and bulk of a tractor (Horse & Hound Forum; The Farming Forum).We have quads and a tractor love them both. Quads are really useful for ferrying things around day to day, and would be man enough for topping that acreage.While the utility that a decent compact tractor far exceeds that of an ATV, owners starting with 10 acres and 34 horses find an ATV perfectly adequate for initial maintenance and topping, keeping tractor spend optional (Chronicle of the Horse Forum).For hay, most small UK yards sensibly outsource to local contractors and use the quad for topping and chores in between (PistonHeads Forum).The right ATV flail mower spec for paddocksChoose a 1.21.5m ATV flail topper with around 15hp, electric start, and an openable rear flap, plus antiscalping roller and height adjustment. This spec is purposebuilt for equestrian paddocks, verges and rush/bracken control in the UK.ATV flail mowers in the 1.21.5m range are designed for equestrian field maintenance, topping verges and paddocks, and coping with the mixed growth youll find on UK horse properties (Logic Manufacturing). Models like the FM Range are specified for weeds, rushes and bracken on paddocks and parkland, with robust builds suitable for yards up to about 10 acres (Chapman Machinery).For ease and safety in British conditions, look for:1.5m working width and ~15hp engine for efficient grassland toppingElectric start and an openable flap to clear wet grass safelyAntiscalping rear roller and easy height adjustment for uneven groundFine grass flails for clean, even topping in horse pasturesEngine kill switch for solo yard work safetyThese features are standard on quality UKmarket units (e.g. Kellfri; Logic), and they make topping faster and kinder on your paddocks.How much ground can a quad and flail manage?A quad with a 1.21.5m flail comfortably maintains 78 acres and is specified for general upkeep on horse yards up to about 10 acres. For heavier growth, plan two passes and top before the late spring surge.Realworld UK owners running 78 acre setups report quads with toppers do the job across the season (Horse & Hound Forum; The Farming Forum), while manufacturers specify these toppers for routine maintenance in that acreage band (Chapman Machinery). In practice, youll move quicker over fine ryegrass than you will through rushes and bracken, so allow extra time for those areas.Pro tip: In the UK, top paddocks before peak growth (usually MayJune) to stay ahead of seed heads and reduce the need for slow, heavy cuts later (Kellfri).Tyres and attachments that protect wet UK pasturesSpecify low ground pressure (LGP) tyres on the topper and an antiscalping roller with quick height adjustment to avoid poaching and sward damage. An offset drawbar helps you avoid wheelings while topping close to fences and verges.Wet British winters and soft shoulder seasons are unforgiving on small paddocks. LGP tyres on your topper reduce rutting and let you access softer ground, while the rear roller and height adjusters stop the flails digging in on undulations (Logic Manufacturing). An offset drawbar is invaluable along fence lines, giving you fullwidth cut without running the quad on the same line as the blades.Quick tip: Set cutting height higher for the first spring pass; drop it a notch once the bulk is off. This prevents scalping and protects root crowns.When working around horses, wear visible PPE and keep the worksite obvious. Highvisibility outerwear reduces surprises when you pass gateways or trackssee our curated hivis gear for riders and yard work.Safety and compliance: using ATVs legally on UK yardsATVs and flail toppers used on UK yards must comply with PUWER 1998, which means maintained equipment, risk assessment, and competent operators with documented training. Fit safety features such as an engine kill switch and follow the manufacturers servicing intervals.PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) applies to livery and working yards. UK suppliers emphasise compliant operation, including maintenance logs and trained operators (Logic Manufacturing). Build a simple folder holding:Service/inspection records for the quad and topperOperator training notes/inductions and a brief SOP for toppingRisk assessment (access, bystanders, gates, slopes, debris)Use appropriate PPE for machine operation and the environment: sturdy boots with grip, gloves, hearing/eye protection where needed, and highly visible outer layers for field edges and shared tracks. If youre hopping on a horse straight after fieldwork, keep a BSstandard hat ready; our range of yardready riding boots pairs well with wet, uneven ground.Pro tip: Fit/choose an electric start and an easily accessible kill switch if you often work alonethese details matter when conditions turn and visibility drops.Daily jobs a quad replaces on small horse propertiesA quad covers the jobs you do most often: ferrying feed and fencing kit, towing small implements like manure spreaders, checking water, levelling an arena, and topping paddocks. Its manoeuvrability beats a compact tractor in tight gateways and around a manege.Owners managing 78 acres specifically highlight the quads agility and speed between small paddocks, stable blocks and arenas (Horse & Hound Forum). A few common, timesaving uses include:Towing a flail topper for routine toppingPulling a small manure spreader for regular turnoverDragging an arena leveller or light grader for an even surfaceShuttling posts, tools and water to distant paddocksChecking fences and gateways quickly after stormsBecause quads are light and narrow, they slip through typical UK gateways and cause less ground pressure than tractorskey on horse pasture that sees a lot of hoof traffic.After topping brambles or rushy corners, check manes and tails for burrs and thistles before turnout; a few minutes with the right kit from our grooming collection saves a lot of detangling later.Cost, transport and when to outsourceStart with a quad and flail for topping, levelling and transport; outsource hay to local contractors and consider a tractor later only if your workload outgrows the ATV. Quads can be trailered or carried in/behind a pickup, making them useful beyond the yard.ATVs are a lowercost, lighterfootprint way to get essential jobs done. They can be moved on a small trailer or in a pickup for hedge checks, hunt days or helping a neighbouradding value you wont get from a fixed, heavier machine (Stable Management).Quad bike and attachments will do [8 acres of pasture] a pragmatic choice over a full tractor investment for small equestrian operations.Keep your horses comfortable while you focus on fieldwork: in winter, pick proven, weatherproof protection from our turnout rugs (we stock trusted brands such as WeatherBeeta), and in summer, reduce irritation posttopping with breathable fly rugs that deter midges on fresh growth days.Buying checklist and mistakes to avoidPick a 1.21.5m flail with electric start, fine grass flails and an antiscalping roller; add LGP tyres and a quick offset drawbar for wet, uneven paddocks. Test manoeuvrability in tight gateways and your manege before you buy.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend you tick off the following:Width and power: 1.21.5m cut; around 15hp; enginedriven topper suits most quads (Kellfri)Cut quality: fine grass flails for horse pastures; openable rear flap for clearing wet growth (Logic)Ground care: antiscalping roller; quick height adjustment; LGP tyres for soft ground (Logic Manufacturing)Reach and safety: offset drawbar; kill switch; good guarding on belts and bladesFit and feel: try tight turns, slopes and reversing into corners on your yard layoutAvoid these common mistakes:Overinvesting in a tractor for under 10 acres when a quad covers 95% of your jobs (Horse & Hound Forum)Buying too wide a mower for your gateways or too heavy for soft groundRunning a low cut height on first passes in spring, which scalps crowns and invites weedsSkipping PPE and visibilityour hivis layers make you easy to spot at field edgesWhen grass is thin after topping or during a dry spell, support condition with targeted nutrition; our horse supplements range includes trusted options from NAF to keep coats and hooves in top form. And if youre kitting out on a budget, check our rotating deals in The Secret Tack Room clearance.Pro tip: Try before you buy. Many UK dealers will demo a flail on your paddockask to test with your usual cut height on your softest field.With summer flies peaking right when topping is in full swing, dont forget to protect sensitive types with breathable, wellcut fly rugs and keep spare lightweight layers from favourites like LeMieux and Shires ready when the forecast turns.Ready to get more done, faster? Sort your PPE and yard footwear firstour durable riding boots for yard and saddle keep your footing secure around machinery and on wet turf.FAQsIs a quad bike with a flail topper enough for topping 8 acres with 25 horses?Yes. UK owners running 78 acre yards report quads with toppers handle topping, ferrying and light levelling effectively; outsource hay to local contractors if needed (Horse & Hound Forum).Which cutting width should I choose for horse paddocks?Pick a 1.21.5m flail width for general field topping, verges and rush/bracken patches on UK horse properties (Logic Manufacturing).Quad or tractor for a new manege and tight gateways on 7 acres?Choose the quad. Its more agile in arenas and small paddocks, while tractors excel at heavy lifting or large field work (Horse & Hound Forum).When should I top horse paddocks in the UK?Top before the late spring growth peak (typically MayJune) to keep on top of seed heads and reduce the need for slow, heavy cuts later (Kellfri).What attachments and tyres work best on wet ground?Use low ground pressure tyres on the topper, pair with an antiscalping roller and quick height adjustment, and add a quick offset drawbar to protect swards on soft, uneven paddocks (Chapman Machinery; Logic Manufacturing).Can an ATV replace a tractor entirely on small horse farms?For 510 acres with low horse numbers, yes for most tasks like topping and daily transport; tractors still win for heavy duties or larger acreages (Chronicle of the Horse Forum).Do I need to meet any legal requirements to use an ATV/flail on a yard?Yes. Ensure compliance with PUWER 1998: maintain equipment, record inspections, and ensure competent operator training. Choose safety features like an engine kill switch and follow the manufacturers manual (Logic Manufacturing).At Just Horse Riders, were here to help you work smarter around your yard. Sort your PPE and yardwear, plan your topping window, and equip your quad with the right flailthen enjoy tidy, healthy paddocks without the tractor price tag. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding BootsShop Fly RugsShop Turnout RugsShop Grooming Kit

10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Worried equine piroplasmosis could slip into your yard via healthylooking imports or breeding mares? Learn UKready, vetbacked steps to protect horses and avoid costly disruptionscreen atrisk horses using cELISA + PCR within 15 daysplus clear tactics for ticks, isolation, and safer handling. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: UK EP Status What To Do: Add EP to your yard risk plan and speak to your vet about local risk. Assume carriers may be present even if horses look healthy. Why It Matters: Silent carriers can seed outbreaks with major welfare and economic impacts. Common Mistake: Assuming theres no risk because EP isnt notifiable or horses appear well. Area: Targeted Testing What To Do: Use cELISA plus PCR within 15 days before travel, sale for export, or breeding, and test horses with credible exposure histories. Keep the horse tickfree after sampling. Why It Matters: Combined testing catches carriers and prevents travel or breeding setbacks. Common Mistake: Relying on serology alone or testing too far in advance of departure. Area: PreTravel Prep What To Do: Book approved lab slots early, complete cELISA/PCR 15 days predeparture, and stable in a tickcontrolled environment until you leave. Document treatments and dates. Why It Matters: Prevents new exposures that could flip results and derail plans. Common Mistake: Leaving testing and tick control to the last minute. Area: Import/Export Rules What To Do: For US export, secure a negative EP cELISA 3090 days preentry and plan for quarantine retesting on arrival. Seek vet certification that horses are ectoparasitefree. Why It Matters: Meeting partnercountry rules avoids refusals, delays and extra costs. Common Mistake: Assuming UK import standards match US or other countries requirements. Area: Breeding Risk Control What To Do: Screen mares and stallions before breeding and do not breed EPpositive horses. Prioritise testing for imports and those with overseas exposure. Why It Matters: Transplacental transmission risk is very high from infected mares. Common Mistake: Breeding unscreened imported or travelled mares. Area: Tick Control What To Do: Perform daily tick checks in spring/autumn (and mild winters), use vetapproved acaricides, and use suitable coverage during turnout. Manage pasture and hedgerows to reduce tick habitat. Why It Matters: UK tick species are established and can transmit EP when active. Common Mistake: Stopping tick control after the first frost or during mild winters. Area: Yard Biosecurity What To Do: Use one needle/one syringe per horse, disinfect bloodcontaminated kit, and isolate all new arrivals pending vetagreed testing. Keep a sharps container and clear protocols accessible. Why It Matters: Simple routines block iatrogenic and contactbased spread. Common Mistake: Reusing needles or sharing clippers without proper disinfection. Area: Isolation & Management What To Do: If EPpositive, isolate immediately with dedicated tools/PPE, enforce strict tick control, and consult your vet on management and treatment options. Do not breed infected mares. Why It Matters: Isolation limits onward transmission while allowing safe daytoday care. Common Mistake: Mixing positive horses back into the herd because they look well. In This Guide What is equine piroplasmosis and is it in the UK? How does EP spread to and within the UK? Should you test your horse for EP and when? Importing or exporting: what UK owners need to know Recognising, isolating and managing EP-positive horses Practical yard-level prevention that works in the UK Policy, industry guidance and what we recommend Equine piroplasmosis (EP) isnt front-page news in the UK, but it should be on your radar if you import, breed, compete internationally, or share a yard with horses that travel. Quiet, subclinical carrier horses are already in Britain and the consequences of establishment would be severe for the UK equine industry.Main takeaway: The chance of EP entering the UK via obvious, sick horses is very low, but its medium via subclinical carriers and transplacental (mare-to-foal) spread is very high. Test risk horses, control ticks, dont share needles, and isolate positives.What is equine piroplasmosis and is it in the UK?EP is a tick-borne blood disease of horses caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, and EP-positive carriers are present in the UK. It is not currently notifiable and imports are not routinely screened, leaving gaps in control.UK status matters because carriers can look healthy yet harbour parasites for years, enabling silent spread. A British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA)-published risk assessment in the Equine Veterinary Journal concluded the risk of entry via acutely ill horses is very low, but the risk via subclinical carriers is medium, with potentially high social, economic and welfare impacts if EP establishes in the native herd (EVJ risk assessment; readable summary via Mad Barn).UK surveillance reports have noted the presence of EP-positive equidae in Britain and highlighted conditions that could enable forward transmission (Animal Health Surveillance: EP status in the UK).This risk assessment highlights that EP positive animals are able to enter and are currently present in the UK, and that conditions do exist that could allow forward transmission of the disease. Dr Faith Burden et al., BEVA-published study (summary)How does EP spread to and within the UK?EP spread in the UK is most likely via transplacental (mare-to-foal) transmission, while exposure via ticks, contaminated needles, or blood is low but not zero. Importation of subclinical carriers poses the primary entry risk.An EPIC Scotland qualitative assessment aligned with BEVAs findings: tick bites, needle reuse and blood contact are low-risk pathways at present UK prevalence, but vertical transmission from mare to foal is very high risk when the mare is infected (EPIC Scotland policy brief). That makes breeding decisions critical.UK conditions matter too. Ticks that can transmit EP are established and expanding; while cooler months reduce their activity, mild, wet British autumns and winters can still support ticks in sheltered pasture and hedgerows. This makes robust tick control sensible throughout spring and autumn and, in milder regions, into winter.Other, preventable yard-level routes include re-using needles or sharing blood-contaminated equipment. Good biosecurity sharply reduces those risks.Should you test your horse for EP and when?Yes test with cELISA plus PCR within 15 days before any international travel, sale for export, or breeding, and test any horse with credible EP exposure history. Carriers exist in the UK, so targeted screening is prudent.The recommended testing approach is a combined serology and molecular strategy: cELISA detects antibodies and PCR detects parasite DNA. A recent veterinary review advises testing no longer than 15 days pre-travel and then keeping the horse tick-free until departure to avoid new exposures that could confound results (diagnosis review).Who should test?Imported horses or those returning from endemic regionsMares intended for breeding (especially if imported or exposed overseas)Yard newcomers from high-risk histories (e.g., unscreened imports)Horses headed for US importation (the US requires a negative EP cELISA)Practicalities: Keep horses stabled or in a tick-controlled environment after sampling; apply an acaricide and perform thorough tick checks. A fly sheet or hybrid mesh rug can reduce bites during turnout; see our breathable fly rugs and sheets and tick-aware designs from LeMieux and Shires.Importing or exporting: what UK owners need to knowThe UK does not mandate pre-import EP testing or ectoparasite-free certification, but the USA requires a negative EP cELISA 3090 days before entry plus quarantine testing on arrival. Plan accordingly to avoid costly delays or refusal.BEVAs risk assessment identified a policy gap: the UK falls behind World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recommendations by lacking compulsory pre-import serology and ectoparasite certification (BEVA summary).For export to the United States, follow USDA APHIS rules:Obtain a negative cELISA for EP 3090 days pre-entry at an approved labExpect a standard 3-day USDA quarantine with retesting for EP, dourine, glanders, and EIAIf any EP test is non-negative, quarantine may be extended up to 28 days for repeat testing at 14-day intervals (up to two cycles) (USDA testing overview)Pre-export best practice from peer-reviewed guidance: if EP status confirmation is needed, test within 15 days of travel using cELISA and PCR and keep the horse in a tick-free environment until departure (diagnosis review). Treat the horse with an acaricide and have your vet certify absence of ectoparasites to meet stricter partner-country expectations and reduce fail risk at the border.Quick tip: For the journey window, stable the horse and use full-neck coverage where turnout is unavoidable. Our weatherproof winter turnout rugs with neck covers from WeatherBeeta help reduce tick attachment in hedged fields during mild UK winters.Recognising, isolating and managing EP-positive horsesIf a horse tests EP-positive, isolate immediately from other equidae, avoid breeding due to very high transplacental risk, and consult your vet on management and treatment. Many positives are subclinical carriers that can be ridden with strict biosecurity.Clinical EP (fever, anaemia, jaundice, lethargy) is uncommon in the UK; subclinical carriage is more likely. However, any positive horse can transmit infection under the right conditions. Yard steps:Immediate isolation in a separate stable and paddock; use dedicated tools and PPENo shared needles, syringes, clippers, or dental equipmentStrict tick control for the positive horse and neighbours; daily tick checksDo not breed infected mares due to the very high risk of transplacental transmission (EPIC Scotland)Practical kit that helps: dedicated stable bandages and boots for the isolation box, a yard grooming kit reserved for the positive horse, and a sharps container as part of a comprehensive first aid setup to prevent any contaminated needle transmission. If isolation extends into colder months, fit an easy-clean stable rug to keep your horse comfortable without sharing gear.Treatment considerations: While drugs such as imidocarb dipropionate are used, courses can be painful and carry risks of colic, toxicity, and even death. For US import, treatment and re-testing can demand 1+ years quarantine and repeated drug protocols, which many owners find impractical (treatment overview). In these cases, rehoming within the UK or sourcing an EP-negative horse for export is often the kinder, safer path.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend building a yard biosecurity plan that includes an EP response protocol, a dedicated isolation area, and labelled equipment to prevent cross-use.Practical yard-level prevention that works in the UKTo keep EP risk low, control ticks, never share needles, and screen high-risk imports before mixing with the herd. These simple measures directly target the known UK transmission routes.Tick control for UK seasons:Daily post-grazing tick checks in spring and autumn; continue during mild, wet wintersUse acaricide sprays or shampoos per veterinary advice and reapply as directedTurn out in lightweight, breathable mesh with belly and neck coverage where appropriate; see our protective fly rugs and sheetsFor wet, chilly days below 810C, swap to a rug that balances warmth and coverage; explore our neck-cover options in turnout rugsBiosecurity on the yard:One needle/one syringe per horse alwaysDisinfect tack and yard tools if blood-contaminated; keep an equine first aid and sharps disposal setup accessibleIsolate all new arrivals for a minimum period agreed with your vet; add EP testing for imports, high-risk histories, and breeding stockQuick tip: Mark and store isolation-area kit separately. Colour-coded bandages and labelled grooming tools make it obvious they belong to a single horse. Shop dedicated grooming essentials and robust bandages and boots for your biosecurity cupboard.Support the basics: Good nutrition and low stress wont prevent EP, but they help horses handle any health challenge better. Consider targeted supplements and horse care if your vet recommends them during isolation or recovery.Policy, industry guidance and what we recommendLeading UK assessments recommend making EP notifiable and mandating pre-import serology plus ectoparasite-free certification to align with OIE guidance and protect the national herd. Yard-level vigilance remains essential meanwhile.The EPIC Scotland team summarised priority actions for the UK:Major recommendations included: Escalation of EP to a notifiable disease status compulsory serology testing of equidae 30 days prior to importation and veterinary certification of equidae as free from ectoparasites. EPIC Scotland policy briefUntil policy catches up, UK owners can protect their horses and yards by adopting those very steps voluntarily: test at-risk horses, insist on tick-free certification for imports, and keep breeding mares screened. As BEVAs authors note, conditions exist in Britain that could allow forward transmission if carriers slip through (EVJ risk assessment).At Just Horse Riders, we recommend a simple three-point plan:Screen: cELISA + PCR within 15 days pre-travel/breeding for at-risk horsesShield: combine acaricides with coverage from well-fitted fly rugs or weather-savvy turnout rugs with necksSeparate: isolate positives and new arrivals with dedicated kit; stock up via our curated Shires and WeatherBeeta yard essentials in the Secret Tack Room clearance when availableFAQsIs EP present in the UK, and should I test my horse?Yes. EP-positive carriers are present in Britain and EP is not notifiable or routinely screened on import, so targeted testing makes sense for imports, breeding mares, and horses with relevant travel histories. See the UK status summary (Animal Health Surveillance).Whats the main EP transmission risk on UK yards?Transplacental transmission from an infected mare to her foal is very high risk. Ticks, contaminated needles, and blood are low-risk pathways at current UK levels, but still warrant control (EPIC Scotland).What EP tests are accepted for travel and how close to departure should I do them?Use cELISA serology with PCR and test within 15 days of travel, then keep the horse in a tick-free environment until departure (diagnosis review). For US entry, a negative EP cELISA 3090 days pre-arrival is required, with retesting in US quarantine (USDA APHIS).What happens if my horse has a non-negative EP test for US import?USDA may extend quarantine up to 28 days, with up to two retests at 14-day intervals. Persistent positives typically cannot enter; treatment and prolonged quarantine can extend beyond a year and carry welfare risks (USDA; treatment overview).Can I ride or train an EP-positive horse in the UK?Often yes if the horse is a subclinical carrier without acute signs, but isolate from nave horses, prevent tick exposure, and never share needles or blood-contaminated equipment (BEVA summary).How can I reduce tick exposure during UK turnout?Use acaricides, daily tick checks, and appropriate coverage such as fly rugs with necks in springautumn, switching to weather-appropriate turnout rugs in cool, wet spells. Keep hedgerows trimmed and avoid long grass where ticks quest.What yard kit helps with EP biosecurity?Maintain a dedicated isolation grooming kit, separate bandages and boots, a sharps container as part of first aid, and washable stable rugs for isolated horses. Check our value picks in the Secret Tack Room clearance when in stock.Pro tip: If youre importing or preparing for high-risk events, build a simple checklist that covers cELISA/PCR testing dates, tick treatment schedules, isolation arrangements, and rug choices for the current UK weather pattern. It keeps everyone and every horse safer. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Fly RugsShop Turnout RugsShop Grooming KitShop Boots & BandagesShop Stable Rugs

HM The Queen visited the MARS Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire today in her role as Patron of the Ebony Horse Club, which is the events designated charity.The Ebony Horse Club is a riding stables based in Brixton which enables young people from disadvantaged backgrounds both to experience the comfort of being with animals and to train for potential careers: Tom, one of the riders performing a display in the main arena at Badminton in front of The Queen, is planning to become a riding instructor and, in 2019, Khadija Mellah, a graduate of the Ebony Horse Club, won a charity flat race at Goodwood.I first came across the Ebony Horse Club a few years ago in Brixton and I was so moved and humbled by the whole thing that I felt now was the time to get it going with a riding school, Her Majesty explained.I remember it as just a patch of ground with no stables, so it is huge thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard. I am thrilled to be its patron.British Olympic eventer Pippa Funnell, a triple winner of Badminton, is now an ambassador for the Ebony Horse Club, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. I have been so touched by seeing the joy that ponies bring to these young people. I know from my own life experiences the therapeutic effect that horses can have, she said.Linda Mars representing MARS, Badmintons title sponsor, presented a years supply of horse feed to the Ebony Horse Club.The Queen explained that she has been visiting the Horse Trials for many years. I never cease to be impressed by the riders, she said. I hope it will go on forever.Her Majesty arrived at Badminton Horse Trials just as the defending champion and Olympic gold medallist Rosalind Canter was performing her dressage test on Lordships Graffalo, which was good enough to put her in the lead at this stage.Tomorrow is cross-country day, the central pivot of the competition, and Sunday will see the thrilling show jumping finale.

Defending champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo established a clear lead in the dressage phase of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with a mark of 23.7, 4.4 penalties clear of yesterdays leader, Tiana Coudray on Cancaras Girl.The pair, European champions in 2023 and Olympic team gold medallists in Paris, has already made history as the only combination to win two Badmintons (2023 and 2025) and two Burghleys (2024 and 2025). In January, Ros gave birth to a second daughter, Seneh.Its been a funny few weeks, having just bad a baby, Ros admitted. Focus is a very different thing now for me so I have had to work hard to make sure Im in the right frame of mind. I was possibly a little stressed this morning, so I had to have a word with myself and spend some time on my own.When asked how she always managed to look so calm and collected, she replied: Anyone riding Walter would feel confident.By the lunch break, the sole Brazilian rider, Marcio Carvalho Jorge, a doctor, had gone into third place on Royal Encounter with a score of 29.2 and Scottish rider Wills Oakden is now in fifth place on Keep It Cooley.This afternoon sees a clutch of tests from five-star winners Lara de Liedekerke-Meier from Belgium on the home-bred Hooney dArville, Felix Vogg from Switzerland on Cartania and Tim Price with Falco, plus the 2024 Badminton winners Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier.

Swiss rider Nadja Minder had a great start to her Badminton debut, scoring three nines in her dressage test, across her first and last halts for a final mark of 30.3.Its unreal to be here, she said. Badminton has been my dream since childhood.Her horse, Toblerone, is the only 19-year-old in the field and looked wonderfully fresh and supple. He is a legend, she said. He was lively in the warm-up but is such a professional. He feels better now than when I got him six years ago.He hasnt had the mileage of other 19-year-old horses and we just go from show to show. Hes a machine.Toblerone is by the British-bred Yarlands Summer Song, a stallion that was eighth at Badminton in 1995 with French team rider Marie-Christine Duroy. He and Nadja were cross-country pathfinders at the European championships last year and members of the fourth-placed Swiss team.Nadja, whose mother is acting as her groom this weekend, has had training from two former Badminton winners, Piggy French (2019) and Swiss team trainer Andrew Nicholson (2017).She lives on the family farm in the Swiss Oberland. Among her hobbies is acting as groom to Swiss World Cup carriage driver Jerome Voutaz.

10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Feeling the pinch of rising equine vet bills but determined not to cut corners? This guide shows how fees are built and how to halve your share with smart bookingweekday call-outs are typically 5060 (out-of-hours adds ~150) but shared visits can drop your cost to 1020 per horse. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Break Down Fees What To Do: Ask for an itemised estimate separating call-out (travel) from exam, sedation, diagnostics and meds. Expect 5060 weekday call-out and ~150 extra out-of-hours. Why It Matters: Clear pricing prevents bill shocks and helps you plan timing. Common Mistake: Assuming the call-out includes the examination and treatment. Area: Share Yard Visits What To Do: Coordinate with yard mates or use Area Days to split the per-yard call-out. Be flexible on timing and book early so visits can be clustered. Why It Matters: Sharing can cut your per-horse call-out to roughly 1020. Common Mistake: Booking solo nonurgent visits that waste travel time and money. Area: Use Phone Triage What To Do: Ring for advice on borderline issues and ask if safe overnight monitoring is suitable. Reserve out-of-hours visits for red flags like severe pain, colic or eye injuries. Why It Matters: Sensible triage helps you avoid ~150 out-of-hours surcharges. Common Mistake: Calling a van before gathering basic observations. Area: Winterproof Care What To Do: Rug appropriately with breathable, waterproof turnout; stable at night to dry legs; protect legs and manage hooves in mud. Keep spare dry layers and clean skin after work. Why It Matters: Prevents mud fever, chills and slips that trigger vet call-outs. Common Mistake: Turning out in a damp rug or leaving muddy legs wet. Area: Choose Value Practices What To Do: Ask who owns the practice (independent vs corporate) and compare like-for-like fees. Request written prescriptions for long-term meds and buy online when appropriate. Why It Matters: Corporate clinics average 16.6% higher fees; prescriptions can cut medicine costs. Common Mistake: Assuming loyalty guarantees the best value without checking options. Area: Plan a Vet Budget What To Do: Budget for 24 shared routine visits, one unplanned daytime call-out, and an out-of-hours buffer. Ringfence 100200 for prevention consumables. Why It Matters: Prepared funding avoids delaying care and reduces stress. Common Mistake: Skipping an emergency fund and being caught short. Area: Know Your Vitals What To Do: Learn and record your horses normal temperature, pulse and respiration. Keep a thermometer, watch and notebook to track changes during minor issues. Why It Matters: Baselines improve phone triage and decision-making. Common Mistake: Phoning without recent TPR readings or any baseline. Area: Stock Yard Essentials What To Do: Keep saline, sterile dressings, cohesive bandage and monitoring tools on hand. Coordinate group orders to hit free-delivery thresholds and maintain spares. Why It Matters: Early yard care prevents escalation and avoids emergency visits. Common Mistake: Running out of basics and defaulting to out-of-hours call-outs. In This Guide What does an equine vet visit really cost? Why do small animal consultations look pricier than equine call-outs? How to halve your call-out fees at the yard When to call now vs monitor Beat the winter spike in vet bills Get value from your practice: ownership, prescriptions and transparency What to budget for a typical year How Just Horse Riders helps you spend less without cutting care Vets bills are rising, and yard chat often turns to who paid what and why. If you understand how equine fees are built and use a few smart booking tactics you can keep standards high while spending less.Bottom line: a weekday equine call-out typically costs 5060 before any exam or treatment, and out-of-hours adds around 150; you can slash this by sharing visits and planning ahead.What does an equine vet visit really cost?A typical weekday equine vet call-out in the UK costs about 5060 before any examination or treatment, and an out-of-hours visit usually adds 150 on top. For example, one practice lists an equine nurse call-out at 60, nursing time at 70/hour, and a 150 surcharge for 6pm10pm visits (excludes usual fees) (Park Hall Vets).Its vital to separate call-out from care. The call-out is the travel and attendance; the exam, sedation, procedures, scans, dressings and medications are additional. This is different from small animal clinics, where the average UK consultation is 61.99 and usually includes the exam at the surgery (ManyPets UK Research, Jan 2026).For emergencies, costs rise fast in both sectors. Small animal out-of-hours consults typically start at 200300 before medication (ManyPets). On the equine side, add the 150+ out-of-hours surcharge to the standard call-out and then the clinical fees. In wet, muddy UK winters when colic and lameness spikes are common, smart scheduling and prevention become even more valuable.Why do small animal consultations look pricier than equine call-outs?Small animal consults look pricier because they bundle the exam with no travel, while an equine call-out fee covers travel only and the exam is charged separately. The average small animal consult is 61.99, whereas a common equine call-out is ~52 before examination (ManyPets; Horse & Hound Forum).Equine practice has higher field-service overheads: time on the road, vehicles, kit, consumables and the reality that your vet brings the clinic to the yard. As the directors at independently owned Hambleton Equine Clinic note, corporate ownership also influences pricing structure.Equine care cannot be simplified into standard price lists. Hambleton Equine Clinic (Horse & Hound)Corporate-owned practices charge on average 16.6% more than independent clinics, reflecting wider changes in the profession. Hambleton Equine Clinic Directors (Your Horse)Professional time is a major driver of fees. Activity-based pricing models used in equine practice convert all fixed and variable costs into a minimum hourly rate to remain viable:Activity-based pricing considers overhead as an hourly cost... e.g., minimum 245.21/hour for professional time after fixed/variable costs (admin, facilities, COPS). EquiManagementMeanwhile, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reports a 63% rise in small animal prices from 20162023 and confirms owners pay on average 16.6% more at corporate-owned practices (Horse & Hound citing CMA). This broader market pressure feeds into equine care too, especially where practices are part of larger groups.How to halve your call-out fees at the yardYou can typically halve your per-horse call-out by sharing the per-yard fee on the same visit. Book on Area Days and coordinate early so your vet can group clients and reduce travel time (Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic).Call-out fees are charged per yard, not per horse. If four owners share a 52 call-out, your share is just 13 before any exam or treatment. Bell Equine advises:Share non-urgent visits with yard mates to split the per-yard fee.Book routine work on your practices Area Days.Be flexible with timing and book in advance so your vet can cluster visits.Phone for free advice for minor issues to avoid unnecessary especially out-of-hours visits.Quick tip: Create a monthly vet rota on your yard noticeboard or WhatsApp group. List worming checks, vaccinations, microchips, dentistry checks, and saddle-fit rechecks you can cluster. Fewer vans, smaller bills.At Just Horse Riders, we also see customers coordinate routine kit purchases together to hit free-delivery thresholds and keep essentials on-hand. Stocking a well-equipped first-aid kit and basic monitoring tools often prevents a late-night call-out for a minor scrape that simply needs cleaning, protecting and watching.When to call now vs monitorCall your vet immediately for severe pain, signs of colic, a horse that wont bear weight, deep or contaminated wounds, or any eye injury; monitor minor issues under phone advice. Many practices offer free telephone triage for borderline cases (Bell Equine).Out-of-hours surcharges of around 150 (e.g., 6pm10pm) are significant (Park Hall Vets). If your vet advises safe overnight monitoring with checks every 23 hours and youre equipped to do so you can often transition to a routine, shared yard visit the next morning instead.What to keep ready on the yard so you can monitor properly:Digital thermometer and a notebook to record temperature, pulse, respiration and gut sounds at regular intervals.Clean saline, sterile dressings and cohesive bandage for minor wounds; clean, dry legs help you spot changes early.A soft headcollar and safe tie-up point for examinations or quick bandage changes.Browse our practical yard staples in grooming and first-aid essentials so you can clean, protect and monitor minor issues with confidence before you phone the vet.Pro tip: Learn your horses normal vitals (temperature, heart rate, respiration) when well. Having a baseline makes it obvious when somethings off and helps your vet triage accurately over the phone.Beat the winter spike in vet billsPrevent mud fever, slips and cold stress to avoid many winter call-outs. Use fit-for-purpose turnout rugs, leg protection in muddy conditions, careful hoof management, and targeted joint support.NEWC reports 80% of UK horse owners have seen fee increases, with welfare concerns rising in wet winters (Vet Times/NEWC). Reducing avoidable issues is the most reliable way to control your spend:Rug wisely: For UK winters, most horses need a medium-weight rug when temperatures drop and coats are clipped or horses are poor doers. Choose breathable, waterproof winter turnout rugs to keep skin dry and reduce mud scald and chills. Trusted brands like WeatherBeeta turnout rugs are popular with our customers for durability.Stable at night: A warm, dry bed and an appropriate stable rug help skin and hooves dry thoroughly, minimising skin infections that trigger vet visits.Protect legs: In deep mud or for horses prone to brushing, use horse boots and bandages for turnout or exercise and hose off promptly after work to prevent dermatitis.Support joints and soft tissue: Consistent use of targeted joint supplements can reduce flare-ups in older or harder-working horses and with them, some exam call-outs.Quick tip: Keep spare, fast-drying layers for wet spells so youre never tempted to turn out in a damp rug. Damp equals cold skin, scald, and vet bills later.Get value from your practice: ownership, prescriptions and transparencyIndependent clinics are on average 16.6% cheaper than corporate groups, and you can ask for written prescriptions to buy some medicines online at lower prices. Expect clearer fee information as the CMAs transparency reforms roll out.The UK Government has announced major reforms for small animal practices price lists, ownership disclosure and clearer advice on prescriptions/online pharmacies as the biggest changes in 60 years (UK Government). While equine care resists one-size price lists due to the variety of field work, the profession (under RCVS standards) is moving towards better transparency.Given the CMAs finding that owners pay 16.6% more at large groups (Horse & Hound on CMA), its reasonable to:Ask who owns the practice corporate or independent and compare value on like-for-like services.Request a written prescription for long-term meds and buy them online when appropriate (your vet may charge a fair prescription fee).Ask for estimates before work begins, and keep communication open if the plan needs to change on the day.Equine directors point out that full price lists can be misleading because complex field services cant be standardised:Equine care cannot be simplified into standard price lists. Hambleton Equine Clinic (Horse & Hound)Still, you can and should expect clarity on call-out, examination, sedation, diagnostics and medication pricing bands and whether sharing a visit changes your per-horse fee.What to budget for a typical yearPlan for at least two routine yard visits and one unplanned call-out per year, plus a contingency for an out-of-hours emergency. Use shared visits wherever possible and ring for advice before booking a van for non-urgent issues.Heres a practical framework to build your budget:Routine yard visits: Two to four times yearly (e.g., vaccinations, dental, checks). Share the call-out (5060 base) among all horses seen to bring your share down to 1020 per visit, then add exam/procedure fees.Unplanned daytime visit: Allow for one standard call-out at 5060, plus exam and any treatment.Emergency buffer: Ring-fence funds for an out-of-hours surcharge of around 150 (6pm10pm example) in addition to the normal fees hope not to use it, but plan for it.Prevention pot: Keep 100200 earmarked for consumables (dressings, antiseptics, hoof care, fly control) so you never delay early interventions that prevent bigger bills.Quick tip: Track veterinary spend per quarter. If Q1 runs high, double down on prevention and shared bookings in Q2 to even the curve. For kit, check our rotating deals in the Secret Tack Room clearance to stay stocked without overspending.How Just Horse Riders helps you spend less without cutting careWe keep essentials in stock that prevent problems and keep your horse comfortable between vet visits with fast shipping and helpful sizing advice. Thoughtful, consistent care costs less than crisis management.Start with prevention and monitoring:Keep skin dry and warm with reliable turnout rugs and breathable stable rugs for the British winter.Protect legs in mud and during schooling with boots and bandages.Support soundness and recovery with targeted supplements from leading brands.Top up your first-aid and grooming drawer so you can clean and dress small issues before they escalate.If youre upgrading rugs this season, our customers rate WeatherBeeta for robust waterpoofing and fit in UK conditions.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend building a seasonal plan: pre-winter rug check, hoof and skin routine through the wet months, and spring reassessment as temperatures rise. Steady, simple habits reduce the need for urgent call-outs and they make every shared routine visit go further.FAQsWhy are small animal consultations more expensive than an equine call-out?Because small animal consultations (average 61.99) include the examination at the clinic with no travel, while equine call-outs (~52) cover travel only and the exam/treatment are extra. Equine vets also absorb travel and field-service overheads (ManyPets; Horse & Hound Forum).How can I cut equine vet call-out costs at my livery yard?Share the per-yard call-out among owners, book routine work on your practices Area Days and be flexible so the vet can cluster visits. Phone for free advice first on minor issues to avoid unnecessary or out-of-hours attendance (Bell Equine).Are corporate vets pricier for horses too?Yes. UK data show corporate-owned practices charge on average 16.6% more than independents, a trend reflected across the profession (Your Horse; Horse & Hound on CMA).What does an emergency equine visit cost out-of-hours?Expect an additional out-of-hours surcharge of around 150 for early-evening visits (e.g., 6pm10pm), on top of the normal call-out, exam and treatment fees (Park Hall Vets). Phone triage can help determine if safe monitoring until morning is appropriate.Will the CMAs new transparency rules apply to horse vets?The reforms target small animal practices first (price lists, ownership disclosure, online prescription advice) (UK Government). Equine clinics argue services are too variable for simple lists, but RCVS standards still encourage clear, upfront communication on fees.How can I prevent winter vet bills from spiralling?Keep your horse warm and dry with appropriate turnout rugs, protect legs with boots and bandages, maintain consistent hoof care and consider joint supplements if needed. Stable at night to dry legs and skin, and address mud-related issues early.What if rising costs are affecting my horses welfare?Youre not alone 80% of owners report higher fees, and 5% have considered euthanasia due to rising costs (Vet Times/NEWC). Speak to your vet about prioritising care, share visits, and invest in prevention. Budget-friendly essentials are often available in our Secret Tack Room clearance to help you keep standards high. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Boots & BandagesShop Grooming KitShop Supplements

The Irish are poised to make an assault on the Badminton leaderboard ahead of the weekends cross country and jumping phases, with a number of combinations within striking distance of the medal positions.Georgie Goss is best of the Irish, with her mare Feloupe scoring 30.8 penalties after an excellent test.Goss said: I was delighted with the horse, shes always so consistent and relaxed in the arena. We had one slight mistake in a change but otherwise a really pleasing test and Im looking forward to the rest of the competition.Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint, runners-up here in 2024, are next best on 31.9 penalties, and she was very happy with her mounts test.Latta said: Im delighted. The horse gave me everything he had and was really rideable. He can get worried in the atmosphere, but this is his third five-star and hes getting used to the big stadiums. He had some lovely flying changes and a good canter. I have taken a career break because the horse is now 15 and I want to enjoy him a bit at five-star level.Lucy Latta riding RCA Patron Saint During the MARS Badminton Horse Trials May 2026. Pic: Badminton Paris Olympian Sarah Ennis is looking forward to tomorrows cross county phase with Grantstown Jackson, especially with the course setup appearing to be configured in her favour. She will enter phase two on 34.5 penalties.Ennis said: Im so proud of him, it isnt easy for him and its been a long road with him but Im very proud, he just had one little moment.He was trending third after the flat work, which I was thrilled with because a lot of work has been done on that.Its not going to be a dressage competition, Im sure the leaderboard will turn upside down. Im looking forward to it.Last year we didnt have the best cross country but the year before that he was amazing and were going back that direction again and maybe it will suit him to go left handed.Austin OConnor and Sixmilewater are next best, just one place behind on 34.8 penalties, followed by Padraig McCarthy with 38.2 and Sam Watson follows him with Ballyneety Rocketman finishing on 39.6 penalties.HSI High Performance Eventing Manager Sam Griffiths was pleased overall with the Irish combinations and is looking forward to the weekend.He said: On the whole Im very happy with how the dressage phase has gone, we did some really solid tests and its going in the right direction.The good thing about the cross country this year at Badminton is that the going is perfect and it will make for a great day of sport.Its typical Badminton big and bold a lot of intensity and it will be big fence after big fence so weve got some good horses and were hoping for some good performances tomorrow. So far so good!The post Irish poised for weekend medal hunt at Badminton appeared first on .

Avoid high-NSC diets for horses with metabolic problems such as EMS or PPID. | Adobe StockQ:I have a 20-year-old former easy keeper that has just been diagnosed withpituitary pars intermedia dysfunction(PPID,once calledequine Cushings disease). My vetadvisedI switch him to a low-nonstructural-carbohydrate(NSC)feed to helpmanage the condition,butmy horsehas started going off his grain and is beginning to lose weight. How do I balance his need for a low-NSC dietwhilekeeping him eating and at a healthybody condition score (BCS)?A:This is an increasingly common scenario faced by owners of horses that have historically been diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS),a condition in which easy keepers often become less responsive toinsulin,that then go on to age into PPID. Your vet has given you some good advice about minimizing the NSC content of your horses diet.Thatsa foundational part of managingequine insulin dysregulation (ID),meaning the horse produces or responds to insulin abnormally.Insulin dysregulationis certainly associated with an easy keeper phenotype(physical traits)but can also be associated with PPID.Becauseolder horses (with or without PPID) mightexperienceloss of body condition and muscle wastingandcouldbenefit from supplemental calories,concurrent ID might make some commercially available calorie-dense diets less safe forhorses who need to gainweight (andpotentially risk causing or exacerbating laminitis).Generally,youshould avoidhigh-NSC diets(over20%NSCon adrymatter basis) for horses with ID, especiallywhenfeeding themin quantities meant to encourage weight gain. Someadditionaltesting for ID (such asan oral sugar test and insulin tolerance test) might be helpfultodeterminethe degree ofyour horses ID.Safer caloriesources for horses with ID that need to gain weightincludefat and fiber, so consider one or more of the following strategies to encourage a normal body condition in a horseon the thin side:1.Ensure PPID is well-managedwithappropriatemedicationsprescribed by your veterinarian.2.Gradually increase the amount of fermentable fiber inyour horsesdiet.Ifhisdentition is stillreasonably normal,givehimad libitum access to low-NSC grass hay (and potentially judicious access to pasture if the horseisntseverely ID). Consider gradually adding legume forage (alfalfaandclover), cubes, or pellets to the diet as well. Alfalfa often gets a bit of a bad rap for horses with metabolicproblems, but it canhavea lower NSC content than many grass hays. Horses often find it highly palatable,so it mighthelp with yourhorsesfeed refusal issues. You can alsoconsider gradually adding meals ofnonmolassedbeet pulp. Ifhesnotable to chew properlydue to the condition of histeeth, adding meals ofsoaked andmashedalfalfacubes or pellets or aforage-basedcomplete pelleted dietmight be helpful.3.Add supplemental fat to the diet,along with a little extra vitamin E. Adult horses can tolerate a surprising amount of fat(up to 20% or more on a dry matter basis),which you canuseto encourage weight gain inindividualswith ID. Gradually adda fat supplement, such as corn oil, vegetable oil, flaxseed oil,stabilized ground flaxseed, or a commercially available combination product,to increase the caloric density ofyour horsesdiet. Some fat supplements,such asricebran, can have arelatively highNSC content as well (20-30%), so carefully consider if this isappropriate beforeaddingitto yourhorsesdiet.As always, fostering a good working relationship with yourprimary care veterinarianhelpsensureyoureceiveaccurate, practical guidanceformanagingyour metabolic horsesdiet and supporting his health over the long term. Claim your promo code to receive 20% off any product in Equithrive's Easy Keeper collection: MetaCare, Metabarol, Vitamin E or Hoof. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) By clicking submit I consent to Equine NetworksPrivacy Policy and Terms of Serviceand I represent that I am over 16 years old.