Frequently Asked Questions — Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery

Welcome to the Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery FAQ — a helpful guide for horse owners across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Whether you’re an existing client or considering joining us, you’ll find clear answers to common questions about our services, care standards, and how to register your horse with our friendly team.

About Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery

  1. Where are you based?

Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery is an independent, vet owned equine practice located on Ashdown Forest, perfectly placed to serve horse owners across East and West Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.
Our purpose-built equine facilities are set in peaceful countryside surroundings, and our team also provides full mobile veterinary care at your yard.

  1. What areas do you cover?

We offer routine and emergency equine veterinary services across:

  • East & West Sussex
  • Surrey
  • Kent
    Including areas around Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Sevenoaks, and Horsham, Battle and Brighton.
  1. What are your opening hours?

Our practice is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm, with a 24-hour emergency service for registered clients.
Whatever time of day or night, you can always reach one of our experienced vets — never a call centre.

Registration and Appointments

  1. How do I register my horse with Priors Farm?

You can easily register online via our New Client Registration Form or by calling the practice (01342823011)
We’ll take a few details about your horse and yard, and our friendly team will guide you through the next steps.

  1. How do I book an appointment?

Simply call or email our office to arrange an appointment. For non-urgent visits, we plan our zone visits to your area to help reduce travel fees.

  1. Can I ask for a specific vet?

Yes — we understand that trust and consistency matter. One of the corner stones of Priors Farm is providing continuity of care with a vet you know and trust.  Please tell the reception team when booking an appointment if you would like a specific vet.

  1. Do you offer both yard visits and on-site facilities?

Absolutely. Our ambulatory vets can visit your horse at home for routine care, while our clinic at Priors Farm is fully equipped for investigations, imaging, dentistry, and surgical procedures.

 

Our Equine Veterinary Services

  1. What services do you offer?

Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery provides a complete range of equine care, including:

  • Routine vaccinations and dental care
  • Worming and faecal egg count testing
  • Digital radiography and ultrasound
  • Lameness and poor performance investigations
  • Reproductive and stud medicine
  • Pre-purchase examinations (vettings)
  • Geriatric horse care and wellness programmes

We combine modern technology with compassionate, evidence-based veterinary care.

  1. Do you offer pre-purchase vettings?

Yes — we offer two-stage and five-stage vettings for horses of all disciplines, with full written reports and optional digital imaging.
Our pre-purchase examinations are designed to give buyers confidence and clarity before making a decision.

  1. What diagnostic equipment do you use?

Our mobile units are fitted with the latest digital X-ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy equipment, enabling advanced diagnostic work right at your yard.
We also have in-house facilities for more detailed investigations.

  1. Do you provide laboratory testing?

Yes. Blood, faecal, and other samples can be analysed in our in-house laboratory or sent to specialist equine labs for rapid results and accurate diagnoses.

 

Payments, Insurance and Visit Fees

  1. How do I pay for treatment?

We accept credit/debit card payments, bank transfers, and direct debit.
Payment is usually required at the time of treatment unless an approved insurance claim is in place.

  1. Can you deal directly with my insurance company?

Yes — we regularly process direct claims for insured horses.
Once the insurance excess and any non-covered costs are paid, we’ll handle the paperwork directly with your insurer.

  1. Do you charge for call-out visits?

Yes, a visit fee applies and varies by distance.
To help reduce costs, we offer zone visits, allowing clients to reduce their costs for routine care such as vaccinations and dentals.
Ask our reception team for the next visit date in your area.

 

Preventative Health Care and Advice

Preventing disease and identifying problems early can reduce the need for more intensive treatment and associated environmental impacts.

  1. How often should my horse be vaccinated and wormed?

We recommend:

  • Flu and tetanus vaccinations every 12 months (or more frequently for competition horses)
  • Faecal egg counts (FECs) every 8–12 weeks to guide worming schedules
    Our vets can tailor a bespoke worming plan for your horse or yard.
  1. Do you offer equine dental services?

Yes — we provide both routine and advanced dentistry, including rasping, extractions, and dental imaging.
Regular dental checks help maintain comfort, performance, and long-term oral health.

  1. Can you create a worming plan for my yard?

Yes. We offer yard-based parasite control programmes based on FEC results, pasture management, and seasonal risk factors.

  1. What should I do if my horse is lame or unwell?

Contact us straight away for advice.
One of our vets can assess the situation by phone and attend promptly if needed.
Our 24/7 emergency service means we’re always here when your horse needs us most.

  1. Will you remind me when my horse is due for vaccinations or dental work?

Yes — registered clients receive automatic reminders via text or email, so you’ll never miss an important health check.

 

Why Choose Priors Farm Equine Vets?

At Priors Farm, we’re proud to offer:

                An independent client focused care for you and your horses

  • A dedicated, experienced equine-only team
  • Compassionate, professional care built on trust and continuity
  • Modern mobile technology for diagnostics and treatment
  • Convenient zone visits to help reduce call-out costs
  • A 24-hour emergency service with our own vets on call

Our mission is to provide outstanding, personal veterinary care for every horse, pony, and donkey in our care — helping them live healthy, happy, and active lives.

Ready to register your horse?
Register online today or call us to speak with our friendly team.