Horse guides & advice

Health & veterinary care

At Petplan Equine, we understand that caring for a horse involves much more than reacting when something goes wrong. Backed by expert veterinary insight and years of equine knowledge, our health and veterinary care guidance is designed to help you make informed decisions, support your horse's wellbeing, and feel confident in every stage of their care.

Equine first aid - do you know the basics?

Petplan Equine veterinary expert Gil Riley explains how you can help your horse in a crisis, before the vet arrives.

Equine grass sickness 101: How to protect your horse

Equine grass sickness is a debilitating, often fatal disease affecting horses, ponies and donkeys of all ages and types. Here’s what you need to know, including how to protect your horse.

When should you retire your horse?

Knowing when to retire your horse can be difficult. Find out how to spot the signs that it’s time, and how to give your horse a healthy, happy life beyond the saddle.

More guides & advice from Petplan Equine

Buying & loaning advice

Behaviour & wellbeing

Daily care & management

Performance & training

Kissing spine in horses

We delve into the symptoms of kissing spines in horses to uncover how they are caused – and how they can be treated.

How to spot equine lameness

It’s not always easy to recognise when your horse is lame, especially if the signs are subtle. Our experts show you what signs and symptoms to look out for, and discuss what causes lameness and how it can be treated.

How to spot gastric ulcers in horses

Could your horse have gastric ulcers? A hidden yet common health threat, there are clues that can help you to recognise the condition and ways to manage it.

A complete guide to worming your horse

The idea of worms infesting our horses makes our skin crawl – and for good reason. Not only can they leave horses feeling under the weather, they can also cause a lot of damage. Read on for expert tips on how to worm a horse.

How to care for a horse on box rest

Caring for a horse on box rest can be stressful, especially during the summer when you both want to be out enjoying the warmer weather. Petplan Equine veterinary expert Gil Riley has some advice on how you can help your horse stay comfortable during this time.

Horse advice for lumps and bumps

Horses can suffer from a variety of lumps and bumps, some more serious than others. Equine veterinary expert Gil Riley explains what causes them and what action to take.

Equine grass sickness

Equine grass sickness is a debilitating, often fatal disease affecting horses, ponies and donkeys of all ages and types. Here’s what you need to know, including how to protect your horse.

Laminitis

Laminitis is a most common painful and debilitating condition affecting horses and ponies in the UK. Learn more about symptoms and the causes of laminitis.

How to Poultice a horse hoof

Veterinary surgeon Lucy Grieve explains how poultices work, when you should apply one and the steps to follow

19 releases in total

Petplan Equine is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England and Wales with company number 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England and Wales with company number 84638). Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority reference number 121849. Registered address: 15 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 3AR