Out-Patients

At our out-patient clinic we see on average 3,300 animals per month, but this can jump to over 5,000 a month in bad times.  Most are working animals - the horses and donkeys.  We also see a number of other animals who have nowhere else to go for veterinary care and advice. 

The out-patient facility provides the owners with the opportunity to speak with an experienced vet about anything they may be concerned about rather than relying on the old traditions and superstitions which used to be all that they had to turn to.

We always take the opportunity for hands on education when animals are brought into us.  If an animal presents with a saddle sore, we take time, not only to to treat the injury, but also to explain to the owner, how and why the wound has happened, and how it can be prevented in the future.  This is also a good opportunity to replace badly fitting or harsh damaging tack.

We never hand out donated tack and bits without first explaining how to use them, and secondly taking the old tack in exchange.  In the past we have found that tack we give to owners has been sometimes been sold on, and the offending tack put back on the animals. 

This is not always just because they want the money, it is often because they find that the animal is now very hard to control in the new bit.  This is partly because the new bit is not felt as much by the animal due to areas being scarred and desensitised by the old bit, but also a lack of understanding, basic horsemanship and training.  As most male horse's and donkey's are still stallions, and not gelded, they are generally more of a handful to control. 

It is only through years of experience that we have discovered how to build and sustain successful relationships with owners.  Gaining the owners trust coupled with continued and ongoing research into how our methods work, and are accepted or received, is the only way that we can continue moving forwards and what helps make ACE such a success.