Off Duty

With an increase in strangles cases and a lot of misinformation circulating on social media, we’re bringing you a short bonus episode of Off Duty to answer your questions. We managed to catch Off Duty co-host and equine vet Sabrina in the middle of a busy schedule to respond to real questions sent in by horse owners who are trying to do the right thing and want clear, factual advice. This listener-led Q&A covers how strangles spreads, early signs to watch for, managing risk when competing or travelling, vaccination considerations, and what to do if your horse or yard is affected. The aim isn’t to create panic, but to cut through the noise, address misinformation, and help owners make sensible, informed decisions. If you’re concerned about your own horse, always contact your own vet or Dooneen Vets for advice. We hope to return to this topic in a future full episode, looking more broadly at equine infectious diseases and how to create an effective infectious disease plan for your yard.

If you’ve ever heard us say “Just email Catherine” — this is why. Catherine Griffin from Snout & About joins us to break down what behaviour actually means, why it’s not the same as training, and why so many cases have pain or emotional distress at the root. We talk: Puppy foundations Overstimulation & modern dog lifestyles Why muzzles shouldn’t carry stigma The importance of early intervention And how behaviour work starts long before you ever “train” a dog This is a collaborative, evidence-based approach to behaviour — and honestly, it changed how we think in clinic. Thanks to Chanelle Pharma for supporting this episode. Part 1 of a multi-part series. If you would like to contact Catherine  www.snoutandabout.ie

Are you preparing for your Pony Club D+ Test? Wondering what examiners look for in stable management, riding and horse care? In this episode of Off Duty, we share a practical, step-by-step guide to passing the Pony Club D Plus Test — covering everything candidates must know before progressing to the C Test. This episode is ideal for Pony Club members, parents supporting riders, and instructors revising D+ stable management topics. In Part 1 we cover: ✅ D+ Test format and requirements ✅ What to wear for the Pony Club D+ exam ✅ Riding expectations, including jumping (up to 65cm) and riding on undulating ground ✅ Basic needs of a pony living in a field ✅ Daily health checks and field safety ✅ How to put on a saddle and bridle correctly ✅ Correct tack fitting (noseband & throatlash rules) ✅ How to clean and care for tack properly ✅ How to safely catch and turn out a pony ✅ How to lead and trot up a pony in hand ✅ Safe tying techniques (and why baler twine matters) Whether you're sitting your D+ this season or helping your child prepare, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance to build confidence before test day. 🎧 Follow Off Duty so you don’t miss Part 2 — where we’ll cover grooming kits, picking out feet, colours and markings, rugs, turnout, and performing a proper pony health check.

In this episode, Sabrina Barnwell is joined by Vincent O’Hara as they work through Stable Management for the C Test, starting with one of the most important foundations of horsemanship: remembering that your pony is an animal, not a machine. We cover: Pony welfare and behaviour (including the famous three F’s: freedom, forage & friends) Why kindness, patience and understanding matter more than force Keeping ponies at grass – advantages, disadvantages and daily checks The five key things to consider when choosing a field Safe fencing, shelter and water Poisonous plants every Pony Club member should know (including newer risks like sycamore) Field care, worm control and good management habits This series is designed to be accessible, practical and friendly – perfect for Pony Club members preparing for their C Test, parents trying to understand the syllabus, or anyone who wants a solid grounding in good horsemanship.

Welcome to Mini Off Duty, where we learn cool things about animals in ten minutes 🐾 In this episode, Mairead chats with Catherine from Snout & About, a dog behaviour consultant, all about how dogs feel, think, and communicate — and how kids can be the best kind of friend to their dog. Together we learn: How to safely say hello to a dog Why dogs don’t like being hugged like teddy bears The three-second rule for petting Fun sniffing games dogs love (using things you already have at home!) Simple safety rules to help dogs feel calm and safe There’s also a fun quiz at the end to test what we’ve learned 🎉 ✨This is proudly supported by Chanelle Pharma, who have been supporting vets for over 40 years by providing high-quality, affordable, Irish-made veterinary medicines for farm and companion animals. This episode is perfect for kids, parents, and anyone who wants to help children build kind, confident, and safe relationships with dogs.

In this episode of Off Duty, we’re joined by Claire Kinslla, a veterinary nurse with over ten years’ experience across referral practice, first opinion clinics, small animal and equine work. Claire shares her honest journey through veterinary nursing — from starting out in a high-pressure referral hospital in the UK, to returning home to Ireland and navigating the realities of equine and small animal practice. We talk openly about mentorship, imposter syndrome, CPR cases, emotional burnout, and why crying can sometimes be the reset button we all need. This is a must-listen for: anyone considering vet nursing as a career students and new graduates finding their feet vets and nurses who’ve ever taken a tough case home with them parents wondering what really goes on behind the scenes in a vet clinic We also discuss: why work experience matters how veterinary nursing has changed (for the better) the importance of team culture and debriefing why “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” applies across all species As always, this is a real, unfiltered conversation — about animals, people, and learning to look after ourselves as well as our patients. ☕ Grab a cup of tea — this one’s worth sitting with.

An Unofficial Audio Guide to the Pony Club C Test This podcast is an unofficial support and revision guide designed to help listeners understand the horse care and stable management topics commonly covered in the Pony Club C Test. While it’s especially useful for Pony Club members preparing for their C Test, this series is not just for Pony Club children. It’s suitable for anyone who owns, rides, cares for, or is learning about ponies — including riders, parents, helpers, and young people who enjoy learning best by listening. Episodes focus on: Everyday pony care and stable management Clear explanations using real-life examples Building understanding and confidence, not memorising answers This audio guide is intended to be used alongside official Pony Club materials or as a general learning resource for pony care. It is not an official Pony Club publication.

January can feel a little long — the days are short, the weather is grey, and everything feels quieter after Christmas. You might hear people talk about Blue Monday, a day that’s said to feel a bit heavier than usual. This short Mini Off Duty episode is a gentle pause for kids — and the grown-ups listening with them. In this episode, we: Talk about Blue Monday in a reassuring, child-friendly way Take a few calm breaths together Let busy thoughts rest for a moment Remember that it’s okay not to feel happy or motivated every day Finish with a small, fun mission to make January feel a little brighter Perfect for listening in the car, before school, at bedtime, or anytime you need a quiet reset. No pressure. No fixing. Just a pause.

Una O’Donnell joins Off Duty to share her journey from a horse-mad child in the Dublin mountains to respected coach, dressage judge and thoroughbred producer. We talk about learning the hard way, riding everything from donkeys to racehorses, balancing family life with a busy yard, and what really matters when producing riders and horses. A warm, funny and insightful chat about confidence, planning, parenting, pressure – and the magic of growing up with horses.

For every child who counts down the days to riding, who knows the smell of a stable, who finds their calm beside a pony. Whether you compete, hack, or just love being at the yard – this one’s for you. In this Mini Off Duty, Una O’Donnell shares gentle, practical advice on planning, preparation, confidence and enjoying your pony – without pressure, without stress, and without losing the fun. A little pep talk for young riders (and their parents) to listen to on the way to the yard or the show. Full episode with Úna out Thursday!

Every vet has a story — and this week, we’re sharing ours. From childhood horses and vet school struggles to early jobs, unexpected turns, family life and finding balance, this episode is all about how real life shapes the professionals we become. No perfection. No polish. Just honest conversation about animals, work, motherhood, mentorship, and learning when to say “I don’t know — but I’ll find out.” 👉 Up next: we’re joined by Una O’Donnell, talking riding, training, warm-up rings, and why everyone needs a bit of Una in their life.  

This Christmas special of Off Duty was recorded live at Santa Paws, so if you hear kids laughing, dogs snoring, ponies being discussed very seriously, or Santa having strong opinions about mince pies — that’s exactly how it’s meant to be. This is Christmas, Off Duty style. In this episode, we chat with children, families, pony owners, goat keepers, photographers, vets, and of course Santa himself. Conversations range from Christmas wish lists and naughty lists to ponies, goats, dogs, elf mishaps, and why Santa absolutely does not deliver live animals. Along the way, we gently weave in important pet safety reminders — because Christmas is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming (and risky) for our furry friends if we’re not careful. The episode finishes with a festive poem from Mairead, reminding us to slow things down, keep routines where we can, mind our pets, and enjoy the small, quiet moments in between. Thank you to everyone who joined us at Santa Paws, to everyone who has listened and supported Off Duty this year, and to this wonderful little community we’ve grown together. Happy Christmas — and mind each other 🎄🐾 More conversations coming in 2026.

Colic is one word that strikes fear into the heart of every horse owner — and when surgery is mentioned, that fear often doubles. In this episode of Off Duty, we share the powerful real-life story of Mr Trigger, a much-loved pony who developed a surgical colic and came through the other side. Through his owner Ruth’s honest account, we talk about: The early signs of colic and how quickly things can change What surgical colic really means today The importance of prompt action, teamwork, and collaboration How far equine veterinary medicine has come And why surgery is no longer the last-ditch option it once was This is a hopeful, informative conversation for horse owners, parents, and anyone who has ever sat up all night worrying about a pony. 🎄 Christmas Bonus Special coming next week! We’ll be sharing a festive extra episode featuring wonderful children from Santa Paws at Arra Vets — full of warmth, laughter, and Christmas magic. 🎙️ Off Duty is a podcast about pets, ponies, people — and the stories that happen beyond the clinic and the yard.

“Colic” is a word that strikes fear into the heart of horse owners — but it doesn’t have to. In this Mini Off Duty episode, Sabrina breaks colic down in a clear, reassuring way, with help from two young pony experts who know their ponies inside out. We cover: How to spot when your pony isn’t quite right Normal behaviour vs early warning signs Why poo, appetite and attitude matter Simple checks you can do at home When to watch… and when to call the vet Perfect listening for pony-mad kids, parents and carers.

Is your dog shaking before the vet even touches the thermometer? Does your cat know you turned left instead of right and start planning its escape? This week on Off Duty, Maireád and Sabrina deep-dive into Fear Free veterinary care — what it is, why it matters, and how tiny changes at home can transform the entire clinic experience for pets. We cover: 🐾 Why nail clipping becomes a lifelong trauma (and how to undo it) 🐾 What a FAS score is — and why a “5” means “stop everything!” 🐾 How clinics can design calmer consult rooms, kennels, scents & colours 🐾 Emotional records: the notes that matter just as much as medical history 🐾 Cat carriers (and the hilarious ways owners accidentally ruin them) 🐾 Why groundwork at home helps both dogs and horses 🐾 How sedation, pre-visit meds and pheromones can change everything 🐾 “Happy Visits” — and why every puppy needs them Plus, we tease next week’s festive episode: 🎄 Christmas safety for pets and ponies — and what not to put in a stocking! Based on real experiences at Arra Vets and Dooneen, this episode is packed with practical, kind, fear-free advice for the pets (and owners) we love

In this week’s Mini Off Duty, we dive into dog safety for kids and families — especially important at this busy time of year. We chat about why dogs don’t want to bite, the moments when dogs feel scared or unsure, and the simple things children can learn to keep everyone safe and happy at home.   We cover: • Why dogs sometimes bite (and why it’s nearly always fear) • When to leave dogs alone — eating, sleeping or hiding • The 3 W’s of meeting dogs safely: Wait, Watch & Wag • How to “stand like a tree” if an unknown dog runs up • How to create a calm “safe zone” at home for your dog • Plus a fun safety quiz at the end with Donal! 🐾   We also share a little festive update about Santa Paws at Arra Vets this Saturday, where families can enjoy photos, treats and a peek inside the upgraded dental suite.   A short, friendly episode perfect for the school run, bedtime wind-down, or helping kids understand how to read and respect dogs.

Veterinary hosts Sabrina Barnwell and Mairead Leahy speak with parasite expert Nikki Wall about the new prescription-only rules for horse wormers, why parasite resistance is accelerating, and how outbreaks are affecting horses and herds. The episode covers practical advice on pasture management, risk-based testing, working with your vet for bespoke parasite plans, and myth-busting common assumptions like relying on calendar worming or single fecal egg counts.

Join Mini Off Duty with Dr Nicky Walsh as she explains what parasites (worms) are, how they live in ponies, and the signs to watch for like loose poo or weight loss. Learn simple prevention tips—pick up poo, use pasture management (and even ruminant "worm hoovers"), and when to ask a vet for help. The episode also clears up the confusion about ringworm and skin infections. Featuring listener questions, a fun quiz, and a call for kids to send voice notes about their pets, this ten-minute episode is perfect for young animal lovers.

Why vaccinate? Because prevention is cheaper, kinder and far safer than cure. In this episode, we break down tetanus, equine influenza, vaccination rules, foals, mares, competition requirements, and the biggest myths we hear every week in practice. If you own a horse—this is one not to miss. 🎧 Listen now.

Our newest Mini Off Duty star, Vincent, wants to know: “Why do we vaccinate our pets?” Dogs, cats, ponies — we break it all down in child-friendly language. 🎧 A perfect listen for little animal lovers!   Don't miss the full episode on decoding vaccinations in horses...out on Thursday night