There are said to be more than 200,000 stray dogs in Cyprus and close to two million feral cats. Of the abandoned dogs, 90% of them are categorised as hunting breeds. Some of them get rescued. Some of them find homes. Many more die alone and unloved.       …

As Covid-19 restrictions ease, many equine competitions are starting up again. It is important to plan ahead for getting out and about again with your horses and ponies, not only from the point of view of Covid-19 and your own health, but also in terms of ensuring your horse or…

If there’s one word bound to instill fear into the hearts of all puppy owners, it’s parvovirus. This common and dangerous virus is one of the leading causes of deaths in puppies all over the world. But what is parvovirus? How is parvovirus transmitted? Is there any treatment? We’ll have…

For equestrians, there is nothing more exciting or nerve-racking than welcoming a new horse into your life, especially when that horse is a Hanoverian warmblood youngster who has travelled 2,900 miles to fulfil your long-held wish.And therein also lies the guilt – because it’s a hell of a journey to…

Colic is one of the most common reasons equine veterinary surgeons are called to attend a horse in an emergency, so as a horse owner it is crucial to know the signs of colic to look out for. If you care for your horse or pony on a day-to-day basis,…

What is a sarcoid?Sarcoids are the most common type of tumour in equine species worldwide, and account for more than 50% of all equine skin tumours. It is estimated that up to 12% of all horses are affected by sarcoids; donkeys are also particularly prone. They are caused by the…

I had never heard of the equine herpesvirus before February – and following the deaths of 18 horses, I hope I never hear of it again. This disease, that swept through a Spanish showground with devastating consequences, has proved to be swift and brutal, leaving many horses so utterly weak…

Brachycephalic literally means ‘short head’. It describes those breeds of dogs with flattened faces and short muzzles, such as Pugs or Bulldogs. If your pup is a brachycephalic breed, then I’m sure you know by now that they need special care. While of course not all brachycephalic dogs will have…

Skin disease in any animal is highly emotive for owners, as it is a condition which is visible all the time – a constant reminder that your animal has a problem. Allergies can be incredibly frustrating for horse owners to manage, at best irritating for the horse, and at worst…

Some equestrians change yards more often than they change numnahs, but not me – in the eight years I’ve been a horse owner, my home-from-home has been George’s Ranch in Peyia, Cyprus.With two sand arenas – one for jumping, the other for dressage – a lunge pen, shower area, tie-up,…