Equine Science at Edinburgh

04/09/2026

To all equine vets: if you are dealing with a case of equine grass sickness then please do get in touch with us, as your data could be vital to our research. You can contact us on [email protected] or PM us on our page. You can also ring us during office hours on 0131 445 6257. Thank you.

04/09/2026

Please make a donation to the Moredun Foundation Equine Grass Sickness Fund. We rely on your help to fund vital research into the cause and a means of preventing the disease.

04/09/2026

Congratulations Cody and Kim!

29/08/2026

26/08/2026

Good luck Caroline and Kenny!

25/08/2026

It is fabulous to see these new welfare guidelines now available. This body of work has been years in the writing and reviewing process and has drawn on the latest expertise from leading vets, allied professionals and equine sector specialists. Our vets, equine science lecturers/researchers here at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies alongside other professionals have fed into this process. It would not have been possible without a real team approach from our Scottish Regional National Equine Welfare Council members, horse owners across Scotland and the British Horse Society , The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare all working with Scottish Government to bring this to fruition. A massive THANK YOU to all who contributed to this valuable update.
New welfare guidance has been published for owners of equines. The guidance replaces the previous Welfare of Equidae Code of Practice published in 2009, and recognises that animal welfare knowledge, management practices and science have moved on from previous management principles.

New welfare guidance has been published for owners of equines. The guidance provides information on how to care for equines and ensure their welfare and emotional needs are met.

Emphasising the importance of equine welfare, the guidance has been developed in close partnership with the equine sector, and covers everything from diet and environment to horse passports and tethering.

The guidance replaces the previous Welfare of Equidae Code of Practice published in 2009, and recognises that animal welfare knowledge, management practices and science have moved on from previous management principles.

Modern approaches now include mental wellbeing, positive experiences, the need for social interaction and the ability to express natural behaviours as well as the equines physical health.

British Horse Society
BHS Scotland
National Equine Welfare Council
World Horse Welfare

To view the new welfare guidance visit https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781807753627

23/08/2026

It’s the final day of the FEI World Championships in Aachen – but for the grooms, there’s still plenty to do before the last horse leaves the showground. 🐴

As we head into the individual show jumping finals, we’re celebrating the grooms who have kept everything moving behind the scenes. ❤️

Read our interview with Paul Collier, groom to Jack JL and rider Jack Whitaker: https://tinyurl.com/5ahyjc4j

23/08/2026

A study has shed new light on how the double bridle interacts with the horse, revealing that even with little contact, the horse can generate high tensions in both the curb chain and curb cheekpiece.

The research, conducted by Dr David Marlin, Dr Rachel Murray, Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Dr Graham Cross, measured the tension between the rider’s hands and the bit, between the bit and the cheekpiece and in the curb chain in a Prix St Georges level dressage horse ridden in a double bridle with a curb bit.

Read the results of the findings via link in comments.

20/08/2026

Today Katie Reeve from Dengie came and did a super CPD nutrition workshop for our super team of grooms here at the Equine Hospital. Feeding horses in a hospital setting is a challenge, and it was great to see our grooms enjoying this CPD event and advancing their knowledge. A big thanks to Katie and Adam from Dengie.