We salute the vets who come to our horses’ rescue with their blend of skill, care and professionalism
Stuart Duncan, 60
Liphook Equine Hospital, Hants
Best thing about being a vet: “I work with a really professional team at Liphook. With all the expertise and help available, we can provide the best possible care for our equine patients and dedicated clients. It’s very rewarding when horses recover and go on to bigger successes.”
The hardest part: “Some of my toughest, but most rewarding, jobs have been working with the emergency services, helping extricate horses from overturned trailers, swimming pools and cattle grids.”
2018 highlights: “Looking after and helping prepare team horses for WEG and the Asian Games, plus working with FEI para dressage horses and their riders.”
Alastair Field, 37
Field Equine Vets, Worcs
Best thing about being a vet: “I love being able to work with horses to help them and their owners in varied, and sometimes challenging, environments and situations.”
The hardest part: “Seeing how unlucky some owners and horses are is tough. Sometimes even with the best husbandry and care, horses still get injured and ill.”
2018 highlight: “Having set up a new equine practice in 2016, we received accreditation under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standards Scheme. It was a very proud moment and a reflection of all the hard work my colleagues have put in since we began.”
Natalie Sim, 26
MBM Vets, Kilmarnock
Best thing about being a vet: “The constant variety of cases I get means every week is diverse and interesting. I also love seeing and hearing how well our equine patients are doing, whether they are out competing or enjoying life as a much-loved pet.”
The hardest part: “Finding time for my own horse!”
2018 highlight: “It was hugely satisfying to witness a client’s horse beat the odds and come back into work following a horrific wound last year that required months of intensive management.”
Katie Robinson, 42
Hampden Equine Vets, Bucks
Best thing about being a vet: “I love the variety of work and the outdoor lifestyle.”
The hardest part: “Definitely the out-of-hours rota, followed by the number of phone calls and messages I get while not working.”
2018 highlights: “Seeing a horse who had a horrendous radial fracture go back out in the field. Also, becoming equine clinical director of Hampden Vets.”
Voting is now closed
The Award winners will be revealed at the H&H Awards dinner on 8 November at Cheltenham Racecourse, to which all those shortlisted will be invited with a guest.
