Together we care

 

Based in Endon, Staffordshire. We are the little rock upon which you lean, to get you back in the saddle.

 

About us
VP of the Year 2022 Finalist

Little Rock Equine Vets was set up by Shelley Cook in 2020. Shelley means “little rock” amongst other things in old English and Hebrew.

Shelley is the “Little Rock” upon whom everyone can depend on in their time of need and this ethos is at the heart of everything we do:

  • Targeted and personalised veterinary care for you and your horse.
  • Care, extensive knowledge, understanding and a personal service.
  • Each visit is a personalised journey for you and your equine partner.
  • We build long-term relationships built on mutual trust.

The hallmark of great veterinary care is understanding what really matters and never losing sight of why we are here. At Little Rock Equine Vets, we pride ourselves on doing “the next right thing”.  Shelley has spent years working alongside clients developing her skills to be able to give the best treatment options. This is the principle the company stands by on a case by case basis; Great medicine, personalised, all-encompassing care and understanding.

Routine Healthcare

We carry out routine health checks at all our vaccinations as standard.

Vaccinations

We insist that all horses under our care are vaccinated for both Tetanus and Equine Influenza.

Routine Dentistry

Horses have teeth that continually erupt throughout their lifetime.

Area Covered

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

area covered map

Medical Investigations

Through the use of our outstanding clinical and diagnostic skills paired with the use of our portable diagnostic equipment, we are able to investigate, diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Microchipping and Passports

You may be aware, as from the 1st October 2020, it is now compulsory to have your horses microchipped and registered. This can be done alongside passporting and can be included as part of a routine visit.

Mile radius covered

years experience

The best horse vet around

Straight talking, honest and reliable. Nothing is too much trouble. The horses welfare is top priority but what I really appreciate is the level of personal service and the fact Shelley genuinely cares for my ponies as well as how I’m coping with any issues that arise. I always have peace of mind knowing my girls are in the best hands. Thank you to Shelley and the team for fixing my girl so we can go and have lots of fun together.

– Joanna Cottrell

Fantastic, informative, no -nonsense approach. Just the way I like it

 

Claire Clay

By far the best vets I have ever dealt with

from Shelley’s no nonsense approach to the check in texts and always being available on the end of the phone. Both of my mares are currently under treatment with Shelley for different reasons but I wouldn’t want anyone else to treat them. Outstanding vets 1000% recommend, in my opinion no other vets come close.

– Emma Denson

Absolutely outstanding!

Shelley is so knowledgeable and brims with passion for the love of horses, animals and humans alike. Shelley has built a team of like minded people to deliver a 24/7 top class friendly service. Little Rock Equine – THANK YOU!!! Your speedy diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation guidance/support has meant we’re back onboard!

– Kathy & Bertie, Jane & Ringo

Had to have a second opinion on my horse as he wasn't getting better so rang Shelley.

She came straight out that day and sorted my boy, no messing and within a week he’s 100% back to normal. Absolutely made up with the service and treatment he got. I would highly recommend and I will not be using another vet again 10/10 shelley, thank you so much again for saving my boy and getting him well in no time.

– Natty Leach

Very precise and to the point, easy to deal with and prompt response when asking for advice.

– Stacey Morris

Absolutely AMAZING equine vets with huge and massive knowledge, who saved my girl.

I highly recommend Shelley Cook and Lucy.  Anyone who has equine friends I can definitely 110% recommend them.

– Amy Langridge

I can’t recommend Shelley enough, she is genuinely a compassionate and caring vet and shows a real interest in her patients.

This afternoon my filly needed investigation of an injury to her jaw and subsequently needed to be admitted to Leahurst. Shelley sorted it all out very efficiently and even helped me to hitch up my trailer, load her up and saw us on our way. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us so far Shelley!

– Rena Roberts

Latest from the Blog

Lumps and Bumps – Sarcoids and Melanomas

Lumps and Bumps – Sarcoids and Melanomas

Sarcoids and melanomas are the two most common skin tumours that we see in horses. They can both affect horses from a very young age, and if they have one, there are usually more lurking.  Although most of them will be considered ‘benign’, they can become very large...

Pregnancy diagnosis in the mare

Pregnancy diagnosis in the mare

There are several ways to diagnose pregnancy in the mare: Ultrasound scan Rectal palpation Blood test Ultrasound scan The most common method of diagnosing pregnancy used by vets is ultrasonography. Timing for this is crucial. There are several important factors to...

Are Gastric ulcers a problem?

Are Gastric ulcers a problem?

We’re sure many of you will know a horse that has had gastric ulcers in the past, but what is actually going on? There are two broad regions of the horse’s stomach; the squamous region and the glandular region. The squamous (non-acid-producing) region sits at the top...

Sepsis – How serious is the wound?

Sepsis – How serious is the wound?

We all find at this time of year, that our noble steeds are looking for ways to self inflict damage. Most wounds are not serious in that a few days of care they are back to fighting fight. However there are certain areas in the body that should receive special...

Atypical Myopathy – not just an autumn problem

Atypical Myopathy – not just an autumn problem

Atypical myopathy can be a problem in the spring as well as the autumn. The number of cases has been high throughout the UK over the last few winters and spring due to the unseasonal weather we are currently having. Today's blog takes a look at how we can minimise the...

Golden Oldies:

Golden Oldies:

When our beloved horses, ponies or donkeys start slowing down and showing the wear and tear of their lives well lived we need to think of how we can help manage, maintain and support them into retirement or an easier way of life. The BHS website has a great page on...

Changes in weather and its affect on the feet.

Changes in weather and its affect on the feet.

Why do horses get abscesses after a change in weather? The hoof is predominantly made from a tissue called keratin. This is similar to your nails in that it is hard and tough with about 25% moisture in its structure. It is porous, which means that moisture can bet...

Springing into spring:

Springing into spring:

We don't know about you but in the last few weeks, we have been busy spring cleaning and getting ready for the upcoming better weather. This got us thinking about what common bugs, beasties and diseases are seen on horses and ponies at this time of year. Common Skin...

“No Foot, No Horse”

“No Foot, No Horse”

We are all very familiar with this saying and it is still true today. The best people to deal with your horses foot health are your farriers. It doesn't matter if they are shod or unshod, balance of the foot and more so the bones within the foot are vitally important...

How to prepare for the coming season:

How to prepare for the coming season:

To be fit enough to compete at the early competitions, your horse needs to be in full work. Full work is being ridden 5-6 days per week in a varied set of exercises and surfaces. This will build a basic level of fitness. Once you have established basic fitness you can...

Weight loss:

Weight loss:

As we approach the competition and show season, it's time to start looking at waist lines in our horses and ponies. Horses are designed to gain weight in the spring and summer and become more insulin resistant as their fat to muscle ratio gets higher. If this...

Cold snaps and colic

Cold snaps and colic

When I stepped outside the door this evening, I suddenly realised that the ambient temperatures we have had over the last few weeks have come to an end and the colder nights and mornings are here. As horse owners, the cold always worries us, as cold weather and horses...

Horse insurance is a minefield:

Horse insurance is a minefield:

The old saying "buy once and buy right", is very true for insurance: There are cheap policies out there but they can cause issues both at renewal and during the insured period.  Unfortunately veterinary care can be expensive.  The average cost of a wound to a leg can...

Winter lameness issues:

As the nights draw in and the weather starts to change, we need to start thinking about how to keep our horses going through the winter months. Common winter lameness issues: These are commonly seen in the winter months and can be prevented with careful management....

Skin issues in horses.

Skin issues in horses.

Horses can get a number of issues with their skin, we are going to do a run of posts on a few common skin issues over the next week: Sarcoids. Sarcoids are cancerous growths on the skin. They can appear anywhere on the horse and range from small skin tag size lesions...

Sometimes we are truly humbled…..

Sometimes we are truly humbled…..

We had our interview as one of three finalists for the Equestrian Business Awards on Wednesday night. It was a full team effort and we hope we passed muster and didn't let any of our wonderful nominators down. We received an Email this morning and the whole team has...

The sun has got his hat on…

The sun has got his hat on…

Bright sunshine can be a great thing. However it can also cause eye issues in horses. It's important to ensure that your horse has adequate UV protection from the sun. Sun and it's warmth in the summer can cause a few issues; UveitisConjunctivitisUlcers Uveitis:...

Worm resistance….How worried should we be????

Worm resistance….How worried should we be????

As reports released this week show, we as horse owners, are getting frightening close to the point where the wormers we have will become useless. The reasons for the increase of worm resistance have many factors: Over wormingLack of worm egg countsNot poo picking...

Laminitis risks:

Laminitis risks:

With the weather over the last few weeks, the grass has been growing fast. At this time of year the grass is very high in sugar and this means that the amount of calories per mouthful increases. This means that horses and ponies are more likely to put on weight. As...

Summer lovin…..

Summer lovin…..

We all love a bit of the warmer weather and it's lovely to finally see the big yellow disc in the sky. However, heat waves like the one that is expected in the next 7 days brings it's own issues for our four legged friends. Impaction colic (from reduced water intake),...

Scabby legs….

Scabby legs….

.....it's been a rather warm and wet spring. As a consequence we've seen a fair few horses with mud fever (or to give it the technical term, pastern dermatitis). This usually occurs in the pink skin areas of the horse. The term can be used to refer to a wide range of...

Sarcoids

Sarcoids

There are many types of sarcoid six to be exact: Nodular, verrucous, occult, fibroblastic, mixed and malevolent. These cause heartache to many horses and owners. Some interesting sarcoid facts: Sarcoids can develop anywhere on the skin, but some are more common than...

External parasites:

External parasites:

External parasites such as lice, leg mites and pin worm are commonly seen coming out of spring and into summer. Here are some of the clinical signs seen with each: Lice:hair loss over face and bodybiting at body"walking dandruff" in the mane and top of tail Leg...

Skin issues in the horse.

Skin issues in the horse.

The skin is the largest organ in any animal. It protects the body from infection, injury and disease. However there are quite a few ailments horses can get that affect this organ. External parasites: These are parasites such as lice, leg mites, and pin worm. They are...

The importance of good dentistry….

Our horses health is important; from getting the right farrier, the best riding instructor, the properly qualified physio, and correctly fitted tack. Why do we then go to look for a cheap deal for our equine dental care? It's a question that has plagued me for many...

The importance of good fitting tack:

The importance of good fitting tack:

All horse owners love a good saddle and a smart bridle. However, regardless of what make or brand the most important thing is that it fits. Ill fitting tack, can lead to tight muscles, pain and in the wort situations lameness and back issues. Therefore it is important...

No Foot, No Horse ………..

No Foot, No Horse ………..

Foot balance is important. If the shoe doesn't fit correctly and help maintain the foot balance then potentially you line your four legged friend up for work related injuries. If the weight of the horse is being supported unevenly then stresses on the soft tissues...

The importance of fitness and nutrition:

The importance of fitness and nutrition:

It is important that we prepare our horses correctly to ensure they stand up to the work we are asking of them. Fitness: Its important that you build the fitness of your horse. Below is a short list of what you should be doing to build fitness: Preparation before you...

Other toxic plants:

Other toxic plants:

Buttercups: These are a common sight across the rolling hills of staffordshire.  Buttercups thrive on poor horse poor ground and whilst they are usually not tempting to horses we do find that if grazing is restricted that horses will eat them.  Toxins are...

Sycamore and other acers

Sycamore and other acers

This is known as a seasonal toxin.  It is thought that the helicopter seeds in autumn, and the saplings in spring, contain Hypoglycin-A that causes atypical myopathy in horses. Not all seeds or saplings will have the same amount of the toxin in them therefore...

Ragwort – The yellow killer.

Ragwort when it is fresh and growing has a very bitter taste.  This means that horse’s are unlikely to eat it unless limited grazing is available.  It tends to grow tall and when it is knocked down and becomes dried, it is more palatable to equines. This is...

Vaccinations – why do we do it?

Vaccinations – why do we do it?

Routine vaccinations allow us to take our horses out and about safely.  There are diseases that we can't easily vaccinate for (strangles) and therefore when out and about mixing with horses from different yards it is important to maintain biosecurity to ensure...

Impaction Colic:

Impaction Colic:

We have been busy with impaction colic's over the last few weeks and with more storms and changeable weather to come, that unfortunately we will be seeing more of them.  This has been down to the awful storms we have been having and the number of “duvet days” some...

Clinical Examination and why it is important.

You know your horses well. That is why any vet worth their salt will listen to you first before starting a clinical exam. However we thought it was important that you know your horses clinical parameters so that if you suspect something isn't quite right you can check...

The pitter patter of little hooves…

The pitter patter of little hooves…

We are getting ever closer to foaling season and as a consequence we thought we would do a blog on how to get prepared for this exciting time. Things to have in your foaling kit: Phone number of your vet on speed dial (just in case)Iodine/purple sprayTail...

Insurance the good, bad and the ugly

Insurance the good, bad and the ugly

We often get asked about which insurance companies equine owners should go with. Legally we are not allowed to recommend an individual company and we cannot give you more than guidance as it depends on what you need and what your budget is. Here are a few useful...

Nutrition why is it important?????

Nutrition why is it important?????

Nutrition especially in the older horse is vital. With the common underlying conditions such as Cushings disease, poor dental alignments, diastema and general old age, the winter season can be very tough on some. Whilst we vets go on about weight loss with a large...

Time to shed the excess weight.

Time to shed the excess weight.

Weight loss. This is a really important issue at this time of year. We are half way through winter and those horses who are still carrying excess weight from the summer and unseasonably warm autumn/winter really need to lose the weight before the spring grass comes...

The importance of vaccination:

The importance of vaccination:

In the UK routine vaccines are commonly carried out for both Equine Influenza and Tetanus. These are the main part of your horses vaccination programme. These safeguard them against two of the diseases which can impact both them and (in the case of Equine flu) others...

What constitutes an emergency???

What constitutes an emergency???

Every vet you ask, will have differing opinions on what their top emergencies are and they vary depending on the circumstances. However there are some hard and fast rules in the equine vet world when it comes to emergencies that get us to drop everything and run.........

What a Welcone and Fat Horse Slim

What a Welcone and Fat Horse Slim

We cannot believe the reaction we have had from folk since we launched last week. We have over 215 folk following us on facebook in less that 7 days and we have been overwhelmed by the messages of support, I might have even got something in my eye when reading...

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud:

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud:

It's that time of year when we are all knee deep in the wet and sticky stuff. Whilst this topic comes up every year, it is one that is most definitely worth talking about. Hopefully by talking about it on this blog the weather will finally start to improve. Mud fever...

Contact us Today

We cover Staffordshire moorlands, North Staffordshire and North Staffs county. If you have any equine veterinary needs we would love to hear from you.

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