---
title: "Horse Health Basics in the UK"
description: "UK horse and donkey health basics — colic warning signs, vaccinations, worming and when to call an equine vet. Colic is the most common equine emergency."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-health-basics-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-health-basics-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Horse Health Basics in the UK

**Colic** (abdominal pain) is the most common equine emergency in the UK — call your vet immediately if your horse shows distress, rolling or failure to pass droppings. Register with an equine practice before emergencies arise.

## Daily health checks

Observe appetite, droppings, water intake, digital pulse, and hoof heat. Know your horse's normal temperature (37.5–38.5°C). Report subtle changes early.

## Vaccinations

Core UK vaccines typically include **tetanus** and **equine influenza**. Your vet records boosters in the horse's passport. Discuss additional vaccines (e.g. herpesvirus) for breeding or high-risk yards.

## Laminitis

Painful inflammation of the hoof laminae — common in overweight ponies on spring grass. Signs: reluctance to walk, rocked-back stance, hot hooves. Emergency vet care and strict diet restriction.

## Donkeys

Donkeys need specialist hoof care and diet management — they are not small horses. Register with a vet experienced in donkey medicine.

## Working horses beyond the UK

UK leisure horses and working horses abroad are not the same job. The [World Animal Rescue Network](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/) funds [mobile clinics for working horses](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/working-horses/) — farriery, wound care and emergency veterinary treatment through partners, with Pakistan as the current in-network focus. [Donate to WARN](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/) to keep those clinics running.

## FAQs

### When is colic an emergency?

Call your vet immediately if your horse rolls repeatedly, paws the ground, looks at the flank, fails to pass droppings, or appears distressed. Do not wait — colic can be fatal.

### How often do UK horses need vaccinations?

Most receive tetanus and influenza vaccines on a schedule set by your vet — often annually or six-monthly for influenza depending on competition and yard rules.

### Should I worm my horse on a fixed schedule?

Modern UK practice favours faecal worm egg counts and targeted treatment rather than routine blanket worming. Your vet can advise a yard-specific plan.

## Sources

- [BVA — Advice for pet owners](https://www.bva.co.uk)
- [RSPCA — Horses](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25