A VETERINARY practice which serves the Malton equestrian community has invested more than £100,000 in state-of-the-art equipment for their equine unit.

Minster Equine, which has branches in York and Ripon, as well as Malton, now owns new digital x-ray machines for the three branches, as well as the latest ultrasound equipment for its Ripon unit at the Old Dairy in Galphay.

The new equipment is wireless and doesn't need a power supply so can be used by vets when visiting clients at stable yards, instead of owners having to transport horses to the practice.

Gemma Dransfield, Minster Equine director, said: "The new equipment will enable us to offer the best possible service for clients, and because it is fully mobile and transportable, it enables our vets to work out of their car boot.

"The image quality of the equipment is phenomenal, and not having wires makes it safer to use around horses."

The X-ray machines, which cost £118,000 in total, will be used on lame horses to diagnose orthopaedic problems, including joint problems, laminitis and arthritis.

Ms Dransfield added: "There is further investment in the pipeline to ensure we continue to provide a great service for our clients and their horses."

Minster Equine, which looks after racehorses, competition horses, pleasure hacks and children’s ponies throughout the district, is part of the Minster Veterinary Practice, which has six small animal surgeries across York.