Rainbow Equine Hospital

19/06/2026

Heat stress in horses: signs every owner should watch for:

If you notice any of these signs, stop exercise immediately, move your horse to a shaded, cool area, and begin cooling with applications of copious quantities of water, while seeking veterinary advice.

Severe heat stress can escalate quickly and early action makes a significant difference.

18/06/2026

5 Ways to Help Prevent Heat Stress in Horses
As temperatures rise, it's important to keep horses cool, comfortable and safe. Heat stress can develop quickly so close monitoring and good management is key.

Horses are less efficient at regulating their body temperature, particularly under
exertion or stress. Prevention is always better than managing heat-related illness once it develops.

Keep a close eye on your horse during hot spells and act early if you notice any changes in behaviour, breathing, or energy levels.

17/06/2026

Heat Stress in Horses – Advice from Your Veterinary Team

As temperatures rise in the UK, horses can quickly become vulnerable to heat stress, especially during exercise, travel, or turnout with limited shade.
Unlike humans, horses generate a lot of internal heat when working and rely heavily on sweating to cool down. When conditions are hot and/or humid, that cooling system can become less effective.
Remember: humidity, lack of breeze, travel stress and workload can make even “mild” UK temperatures dangerous

16/06/2026

👏🐎👏
On Saturday, our receptionist Sabrina Coultas took part in the MacMillan 'Ride Of Their Lives' at York Racecourse and many of the staff were there to cheer her on. Not only did she produce a fantastic performance, she has raised a huge amount of money for such an amazing cause. The Rainbow Team are extremely proud of you.

Sabrina has reflected on this once in a lifetime experience “It was quite a rollercoaster of a day, the chaos to begin with was quite nerve racking however 'Kiss Me My Love' certainly looked after me and got me to the front most of the way then over the line in 5th place. The adrenaline was incredible especially coming down the home straight hearing the crowd roar was something I'll never forget. With my total fundraising smashing my target over £6000 it was certainly worth the hard work and determination knowing how much that helps MacMillan Cancer Support.”

13/06/2026

😍

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! 👇

🐎

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.