Exciting new sponsorship with Lintbells Equine

I am delighted to announce a new sponsorship partnership with Lintbells Equine, a UK based company providing equine supplements.  In my work as a vet, I have had good responses from my canine and feline patients using the equivalent Lintbells pet products.  Yumove Advance for dogs is the only joint supplement to be clinically proven to work in 6 weeks through research at the Royal Vet College and I have seen brilliant results especially in those who are starting to get stiffer.  Cats also benefit from this product, which means they too can stay more active for longer without the need for anti-inflammatory drugs.  For skin problems and support, I have used lots of Yumega Plus, which has helped many itchy dogs especially those prone to allergic responses to become more comfortable and improves skin and coat quality.  Also the probiotics in the YumPro range have proved useful in gut problems too.

So I am excited to get started using two of the Lintbells Equine Products:

Yumove Horse Active Joint for 9 year old Ali, who is being aimed at Advanced and 3 Star level this season.  This product is specifically designed to support the joints during the stresses undergone by performance horses.  It should help to keep Ali supple and aid recovery on our quest for competing successfully at the top level eventing!

Thanks to Spidge Event Photography

Yumega Skin and Coat for 6 year old Flicka, who has suffered with mild sweet itch that we have managed well with rugs but means she is inclined to get dry scurfy skin especially around the mane and tail therefore not always looking as shiny and smart as we’d like.  Yumega will help to soothe, calm and support the skin as well as containing antioxidants to support skin defences.

I look forward to working with Lintbells and giving you all feedback on these products, which I already find excellent for my smaller patients!  As well, of course, as keeping you updated with our progress this season now that our first event is entered!!

If you would like more information on Lintbells products visit their websites:

www.lintbells.com

www.lintbellsequine.com

Please do also follow them on Facebook: Pet Health page and Equine Page and Twitter: @LintbellsPet and @lintbellsequine for updates!

 

A Useful Guide to Stable Mats

With winter arriving we all start to trying to think of ways to safe time (and bedding) for those long nights inside the stable.  Having never had the opportunity to purchase mats I was interested in learning more about which type of matting would be suitable for my needs, especially as a couple of our horses are rather keen on vigorous rolling once they get into their stable!!  Take a look at the quick guide below…

If you already have a row of stables fitted out with matting then you know your horses are enjoying the warmth and comfort equivalence of a memory foam topped mattress. Lucky them! However, if you are still considering the options for this investment then here is some food for thought before your purchase.
There are a variety of different types of matting available, from the traditional 100% rubber matting to the more light weight version which is rubber topped but no less soft and protective for your horse.

 
Lightweight Stable Matting – EVA Stable Mats
This matting is not fixed to the floor of the stable and usually comes in interlocking sections that you fit like a jigsaw into your stable. The mats are made from a foam and composite material and are ideal for one person to move around, fit and be able to clean easily. They usually have a variety of textures on the top, so you can choose from ‘easy sweep’ or ‘extra grip’. They are a cost effective way of getting matting into your stable.

Traditional Heavy Weight Stable Matting – Solid Rubber Mats
If you choose this type of matting ensure you are getting ones that are made from 100% quality rubber. These mats will give you years of use, they are very durable and hard wearing. Once they are laid down they will stay put without the need to bond them to the floor. They are a good choice for rough surfaced floors, for example bricks and cobbles or even earth floors.

Hardwearing but Lightweight – Rubber Topped EVA Stable Mats
This can be a great compromise between the lightweight and heavyweight mats described above. These mats are rubber topped EVA mats. They benefit from the hardwearing characteristics provided by the rubber but are still easy to use, install and maintain.

Maintenance and Cleaning
A daily skip out and brush will usually suffice to keep your stables clean and tidy. Having stable mats will greatly reduce the time it takes for you to keep your stables clean.
These days most stable mats are designed to drain well so urine should run off and not fester in the stable. However for loose fitted stable mats you will still need the occasional clean to avoid urine odours. With the lightweight mats this is relatively easy for one person but if you have the solid rubber mats you will need more than one person to help move them due to the sheer weight of these mats.

Avoiding Injuries in the Stable
Keeping our horses safe and sound sometimes feels like a full time job. If you are the owner of a horse who enjoys rolling even in the confines of the stable, it can be a bit disconcerting when you hear them bashing against the sides of the stable. One recommendation to help avoid injuries is to use stable mats on the floor AND on the stable walls.
Mats that need NO periodic cleaning!

 

Our favourite option for stable matting is the fully bonded mats that fit on the floor and are also bonded to the stable wall. Like a padded box, this will protect your precious stead from the worst knocks and bruises they could sustain in the stable. These mats stop any urine seeping under them so no odorous smells will fester and cleaning is limited to the daily skip out and brush.

How much bedding should I use with my stable mats?
Stable mats can be used on their own, but we would still recommend creating a bank of bedding around the edge of the stable for extra comfort and safety. A small amount of bedding on the floor will also stop urine spraying around. Total bedding used can still be reduced dramatically and in the long term stable matting will become a cost effective investment thanks to the reduction in the day to day stable bedding costs.

If you would like any more information about stable mats please visit the stable matting page at EquinePlus by clicking here. Or pick up the phone and call the team on 0800 756 9670 who would be very happy to help you with your query.