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- About extra-mural studies (EMS)
- EMS requirements
- Information for vet students
- Information for EMS providers
- Information for vet schools
- Temporary EMS requirements
- Practice by students - regulations
- Health and safety on EMS placements
- EMS contacts and further guidance
- Extra-mural studies fit for the future
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- Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons
- Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
- Contact the Advice Team
- XL Bully dog ban
- 'Under care' - new guidance
- Advice on Schedule 3
- Controlled Drugs Guidance – A to Z
- Dealing with Difficult Situations webinar recordings
- FAQs – Common medicines pitfalls
- FAQs – Routine veterinary practice and clinical veterinary research
- FAQs – Advertising of practice names
- GDPR – RCVS information and Q&As
Equine placement hints and tips
Get ready for your EMS equine placement with our helpful hints and tips.
Protect your feet
Boots or wellies with integrated protective toecaps are the most appropriate footwear. Horses are heavy, and it only takes one foot in the wrong place to send you to A&E.
Wear suitable clothing
Stable work can be physically demanding and messy, so it's important to ensure you're wearing appropriate, comfortable clothing. Layers are preferable as you can easily remove or add them depending on your activity. You don't need to rush out and buy specialised gear such as jodhpurs and riding boots – tracksuit bottoms or leggings will be acceptable in most circumstances.
Be proactive
If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs at any point, pick up a broom. Always make yourself useful to the team by asking if there's anything that needs doing.
Show enthusiasm
Even if horses and ponies are not your preferred species, the people you are working with will be passionate about them. Be respectful and open-minded, as you never know where a placement might lead. Many of the skills you gain through equine EMS can be applied to other species and settings.
Be prepared for unsociable hours
Stables operate early. Horses may need mucking out, feeding, medication and turning out or bringing in from the field before a typical workday has even started. As you'll quickly discover, working with animals can be unpredictable as they rarely stick to a schedule.
Learn about equine equipment
If you don't know your crupper from your curry comb, take some time to learn the basics. For example, it’s useful to know how to put a halter on a horse and tie a bowline. Understanding the difference between ropes, reins and other common equestrian equipment will demonstrate your readiness for the placement.
Review common illnesses and diseases
Ensure you can recognise the symptoms of common equine diseases, such as the early signs of colic. Not only will you get more out of your experience if you're up to date with common conditions, but you could be the first person one morning to observe a horse acting restlessly, pawing at the ground and rolling.
Ask questions
Being surrounded by people who have an extensive knowledge of horses is obviously the perfect time to ask questions. Don’t be embarrassed if you think your question sounds daft – when it comes to increasing your knowledge, there's no such thing as a silly question.
Don’t be late!
Good timekeeping is essential. The days will be structured according to the needs of the animals and staff on the placement. Being late is disrespectful to those who have given up their time to offer you this experience. It also disrupts the running of the day, taking time away from the tasks that need to be completed.
Try not to worry
This type of experience may be very new to you. Be assured that you have a valuable role to play and the team will welcome the extra pair of hands. By the end of your placement you’ll have gained numerous valuable experiences, expanded your professional network and created some wonderful memories!