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Job Vacancy; we're seeking a trainee lab technician

We're seeking a trainee lab technician in Northumberland

Are you friendly and well organised with an eye for detail? We’re seeking a practical, hard-working, animal loving person, to join our super team on the frontline of delivering animal health services from our busy postal laboratory in rural Northumberland. No previous experience is necessary as full job training will be given, just a willingness to learn and a proactive and enthusiastic approach to practical work is required. Must be physically fit to be on your feet for a few hours doing a repetitive physical activity. A passion for horses, chickens and/or farm animals is an advantage to his role.

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Insect Week 2026

Celebrating the Tiny Creatures That Help Our Pastures Thrive

Insect Week is organised by the Royal Entomological Society to celebrate the fascinating world of insects and highlights the vital roles they play in our environment and ecosystems. For horse owners, one group of insects deserves particular recognition, our wonderful dung beetles. Find out how these remarkable insects work tirelessly behind the scenes, helping to keep our grazing land healthy and productive.

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Westgate Labs Celebrates the First Ever National SQP Week

5th - 12th June 2026

We're celebrating the first ever National SQP Week, a nationwide campaign celebrating the vital role that Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), also known as Animal Medicines Advisors, play in supporting animal health and welfare across the UK. Find out about our expert SQP's and details of our week long prize giveaway!

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Summer Parasite Control 2026

This Summer Start with a Worm Egg Count! Every season brings its problems and summer is no exception. So while the battle to control flies is a visible daily trial at this time of year it’s important to remember about other parasites too such as intestinal worms, pinworm, bots, ticks and summer sores that might affect the health of our horses. Parasite control is not a single product or a one off decision, it's a process. Find out more about what to consider this season.

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Rogue Redworm; the large strongyle comeback we could all be missing

the large strongyle comeback we could all be missing

Could your horse be infected with large redworm? What would the signs and symptoms be? How could we test to prevent disease? Large redworms are one of the most dangerous parasites that can infect our horses. Once believed to be almost eradicated in the UK, vets and parasitologists are now warning of a potential comeback. In this video we examine what that looks like, why worm egg counts alone are not enough to protect our horses from this rising threat and what we can do to stay ahead!

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The Power Of Poo Picking

Proven by Research

Resistance means we can no longer reach for a wormer and know it will work. But what if there was another way of reducing parasites that didn’t rely on chemicals? Numerous studies have shown that poo picking can be just as effective as giving a treatment. We're calling horse owners to get more serious about management as a way of tackling the increased threat of disease that wormer resistance poses and to reduce reliance on chemicals.

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Easter & May Bank Holidays 2026

Lab Testing Days

If you're due to send worm egg count samples soon, please be aware of post disruption due to the long weekend for Easter and the two following May bank holidays. We've listed our lab opening times and have some advice on the best times to avoid posting samples to help prevent loss or delay in the postal system.

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Spring Parasite Control 2026

Take a Fresh Perspective

Spring is when parasite pressure builds with increased grazing and favourable weather conditions allowing parasites to thrive. It's a particularly important time to focus on management, making small, practical changes during this period can significantly reduce infection pressure throughout the season.

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Horses Inside Out Conference 2026

Scientific Poster and an Award!

The Horses Inside Out Conference, hosted by Gillian Higgins, 21st and 22nd February at Loughborough University, was a new one for us. Focussing on Soundness and Symmetry, we found a fantastic forum for the sharing of new ideas, discussions and ethos of evidence based and practical ways to improve horse health and even came away with an ward!