• IF you use a specialist veterinary surgeon from outside a reasonable distance from your yard, ensure they have a written agreement with a local practice for provision • A vet can prescribe some medication based on a clinical assessment. They can then decide whether a hands-on clinical examination is needed. Antibiotics can be prescribed only based on a clinical examination or culture and sensitivity. • Equine anti-parasite medications (wormers) can still be prescribed by a suitably qualified person, with the exception of praziquantel only (tapeworm treatment). • The Animal Welfare Sentencing Act 2021 has increased sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years. • The Flexible Working bill is due to become law in April. This might mean that your favourite vet isn't always available for appointments. • Use CANTER's risk-profiling tool to decide whether your horse requires treatment for parasites. Keep horses off pasture for 48 hours post-worming. • Health problems are often caused by husbandry issues. Focus on vaccination and good pasture management in order to reduce usage of medicines. • Ensure horses are dosed correctly as per body weight. Give all unused antibiotics to your veterinary surgeon for correct disposal. • The RCVS practice standards scheme for sustainability aims to reduce carbon without reducing animal health and welfare. Ask your practice about their sustainability policy. • Carry out an on-yard energy audit to see where you could save energy (and money); then act on the results. Switch off lights, use LED bulbs, use water-saving devices on taps and switch to appliances with better energy ratings.
