Catherine graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2004, gaining the surgery, large animal and pathology prizes for her year. She worked in equine practice in Suffolk before moving to Dalehead in 2008. Catherine has particular interests in lameness diagnosis and dentistry, holding the BEVA/BVDA Equine Dental Technician qualification. Having ridden and shown Suffolk Punch horses since early childhood, she can now more often be found running up a fell or on her bike in her spare time.

Jane qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1987 and since then has worked in Worcestershire and Dorset but most of her professional career has been spent in the Lake District. Jane enjoys caring for all our patients from childrens' ponies to racehorses. She is also a RCVS Panel Inspector of Riding Establishments and provides veterinary cover at Cartmel Racecourse and other local equestrian events. Jane has ridden all her life but nowadays is more likely to be seen fence judging or acting as a groom for her daughter. Jane is usually seen with her trusty terrier Pip.

Following graduation from The University of Edinburgh in 2005 Paul completed an 18 month internship at The Liphook Equine Hospital, one of the countries largest dedicated equine practices. Paul then spent a further 18 months at the Cliffe Equine Clinic in East Sussex before returning to the Northwest. In 2012 Paul completed his Certificate in Equine Practice and in 2015 was awarded Advanced Practitioner status by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Paul is a regular veterinary contributor to a number of equine publications including 'Your Horse' and 'Horse & Rider' and has vetted at Goodwood Racecourse, the Isle of Wight Grand National and Cowdray Park Polo Club. Paul?s particular areas of interest are in internal medicine and soft tissue surgery.

Richard has come from a very busy equine practice specialising in Polo and Sport Horse medicine, orthopaedics and AI. He has specific interest in lameness workups for pleasure and sport horses, routine dental treatments, wound management and reproductive work. Richard regularly attended The London Polo Club as the duty veterinarian for matches as well as attending matches at Cowdray Park Polo Club and Guards Polo Club. Although originally from Surrey , after qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College Richard’s first job was for a 100% equine practice near Manchester; and he has now decided to move back to the North West. Outside of work Richard is looking forward to fell walking, camping, landscape photography and getting his (rather dusty) bike out again!

Michael qualified from Liverpool in 1990 and worked in Halifax and Skipton before moving to Dalehead Veterinary Group in 1993,continuing his equine work and later becoming a partner. Michael's particular areas of interest are Stud Medicine and infectious diseases. He equally enjoys all aspects of equine work, particularly being out on the road visiting clients . Outside of work hillwalking, swimming and snowboarding are his interests.

Clare qualified from the Royal Veterinary College London in 2000 and has worked in mixed practice with an equine bias in both Cornwall and Australia. Clare is experienced in all aspects of routine veterinary work including field surgery, anaesthesia, lameness work-ups, radiography and dentistry. Clare is married to a sheep and beef farmer and has two children. She enjoys hunting and low level competing with her two horses.

After completing a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science at Hartpury College, Lorna worked in business for a number of years before studying for her veterinary degree at Glasgow. She joined the practice in 2015, enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary work and has spent time in the Gambia doing voluntary work for the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust. Lorna is particularly interested in medical cases and holds an RCVS Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice in Equine Medicine. When not at work, Lorna is likely to be found with her horse Bruno or out walking on the hills.

David started riding in his primary school days and owned horses throughout his teenage years. He qualified from The University of Liverpool in 1993, having achieved a credit in Equine Medicine. On graduation, he was awarded the Duncan Norman Prize in Veterinary Preventive Medicine for his skills in developing health programmes. After graduating, David joined a mixed veterinary practice in Clitheroe where he built-up and developed the equine department over a nine year period. David became a well-respected horse vet in the area with a reputation for providing a reliable and caring service. His ambition of setting up a new practice dedicated entirely to horses and employing only "horsey" people was achieved in 2005 when Aldington Equine Vets was founded, Aldington Vets have since joined forces with North West Equine vets in order to offer even more facilities and expertise to clients. David has been nominated twice for Petplan Equine Vet of the Year. He is registered with the Joint Measuring Board as an Official Measurer and has acted as a senior referee in official re-measurements. Over the years, he has gained experience in most aspects of equine veterinary medicine by treating a wide range of patients from pet ponies to high level competition horses and by attending regular training and development courses. His special interests are in stud medicine and artificial insemination. He has maintained his interest in preventive medicine including equine dentistry and disease prevention. Outside of work, he enjoys hill walking, mountain biking, and caravanning with his family.

Amy graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2014 and initially worked in mixed practice. She then spent two and a half years at Aireworth Vets in Keighley, before joining us in January 2019. Amy enjoys all aspects of first opinion equine practice and has particular interests in wound management, dentistry and internal medicine. Outside of work, Amy enjoys hill walking, mountain biking, snowboarding and baking.

Originally from London, Luke graduated from Liverpool University in 2014 Luke moved to Yorkshire and Joined Aireworth Vets in January 2015 as an Equine veterinary surgeon, he then joined us here at North West Equine Vets in July 2019 to continue his equine work. He enjoys all aspects of equine work but his particular interests include Sarcoids, Colic and Gastroscopy. Outside of work, Luke enjoys hiking, climbing and playing the guitar. If he is not out in the Yorkshire Dales or the beautiful Lake District, you will most likely find him sampling the fine beers Yorkshire has to offer.

Alice graduated from the University of Liverpool in July 2020. Alice has a keen interest in all aspects of equine related work, particularly in medicine, nutrition, and lameness. She is passionate about promoting high welfare, particularly in the geriatric population. She loves working with people to allow them to get the most out of their horses. In Alice's spare time she rides and competes her Traditional Gypsy Vanner and loses the constant battle to keep him clean.

Caitlin graduated from Liverpool University in 2021 receiving the Equine Clinical Rotation prize. Whilst enjoying all areas of Equine practice, She has a specific interest in lameness diagnostics and orthopaedics. Caitlin has been working with horses since she was young, and competes her Dales Pony Flash throughout Europe as part of the Great British TREC team. As well as riding she likes to spend time doing any outdoor activity, especially those that involve her two spaniels!

Kate graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2021. Kate's main veterinary interests are lameness diagnostics and soft tissue surgery. Kate has worked with horses all of her life, competing in endurance for team GB both as a young rider and a senior. Kate's family own Readwood rehabilitation and livery yard, so Kate has been involved in rehabilitation of sport horses from a very young age. Outside of work and horses, her hobbies are trials bike riding and exploring new places with her border collie puppy Bug. Kate is even a metal welder, making beautiful sculptures in her spare time!

Helen qualified from Liverpool Veterinary School in 2007. Since graduating she has worked within the Lake District in mixed practice with an equine bias and joined our practice in April 2022. She is interested in all areas of equine practice but has a keen interest in stud work and internal medicine. Helen has been an active member of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team for over 10 years. She was a member of the Kendal Mountain Rescue Team for 5 years before joining the Patterdale team. She has supported the search and rescue dogs on a veterinary basis since starting work in Cumbria 15 years ago. She also offers help and advice to Patterdale and other teams for animals rescues. In her spare time Helen enjoys being out and about in the countryside with her family and dogs. She also enjoys walking, swimming and biking.

Beginning life as a mixed animal Vet in deepest Devon, Harriet soon developed an interest in equine and bovine reproductive medicine. This lead to working multiple equine stud seasons alternating between the UK and Australia, alongside studying toward her Advanced Veterinary Practice certificate in Stud Medicine. Harriet enjoys all stud work and looks forward to each season! She thoroughly enjoys the varied caseload associated with first opinion Equine practice, especially internal and emergency medicine.

Following graduation, Phil completed an internship in Ocala, Florida followed by a surgical residency at Michigan Sate University. Phil is double board certified equine surgeon recognised as a specialist in both Europe and the USA. He is also an RCVS recognised specialist in equine surgery. Phil is a Director and founding member, along with his wife Caroline, of Hambleton Equine Clinic, North Yorkshire which has a busy and varied caseload of over 500 surgeries a year. He is a general surgeon with over 15 years of experience and a particular focus on racehorse and performance horse work. He has spoken at numerous national and international meetings, is part of the BHA Veterinary Committee, a member of BEVA Council and is the Chair of ECVS examination committee. He has 3 young children and spends most of his time ferrying them around to various sporting activities.

Nicola is our Practice Manager. She has previous experience in a large animal referral centre and also in the insurance industry, specialising in equine insurance, arranging policies and handling claims. Keeping her horses at the family farm, Nicola competed for many years in affiliated showjumping around the UK. Nowadays she competes on her show cobs. Nicola also enjoys walking in the hills and dales with her pug, Doris.

India joined NWEV in January 2016. India has been around horses since the age of 4 and has a thorough knowledge of all things equine. India has schooled, trained and competed a number of her own horses at various levels. To further her education India attended Craven College where she gained a National Diploma In Horse Management, and also her British Horse Society Stage 3. She has also worked within the equine industry on Competition yards and was Head Girl at the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre. She enjoys the clinical and rehabilitation side of the industry and is looking forward to assisting our vets. In her free time she enjoys riding and competing her own horse.

After 20 years setting up and running a busy riding school in the South Lakes, breeding Irish Draught horses, dabbling and enjoying riding side saddle and a brief sojourn in Hampshire helping to manage a large Equestrian Centre, Careth returned to the Lake District in April 2016. Presently at the Calvert Trust, Keswick working with disabled riders 3 days a week, also teaching Pony Club and RDA, she is delighted to become part of the team at NWEV and hopes to use her equine experience to benefit the business. Mink is her Irish Draught homebred baby – although 10yrs old now! Mink worked at Myerscough College for a time and is now back with Careth enjoying pub rides and the Lake District countryside.

Carole joined the NWEV team in May 2016. Carole is also part of the Westmorland Veterinary Group in Kendal, providing a familiar face in both practices. Carole was born and brought up on a local dairy and sheep farm where she also has a small livery yard. She has been involved in horses from a young age, gaining her British Horse Society Stage 3 and is passionate about the Irish Draught breed. When not at the practice Carole is an animal portrait artist and previously worked as a Design Director for a number of International clothing brands and subsequently her own business. Carole is also a Registered Animal Medicines advisor.

Amanda has recently joined the team as a full time receptionist, she brings a wealth of secretarial experience and equine knowledge to the business. Amanda has grown up around horses on a family farm in Lancashire where she keeps her Fell pony. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys competing with her pony as well as volunteering for the Fell Pony Society, she is currently the Secretary for the North West area support group and helps arrange and participate in events to promote the rare breed. If not with horses Amanda will be in the company of her Bichons!

Anna joined the NWEV team as Veterinary Care Assistant in April 2018, and works with the vets alongside managing her own freelance horse training business. Based in Killington, Anna is a key member of her family-run show team who operate under the banner of the Ryehouse Native Show Team. As the name suggests, Anna mainly pilots mountain and moorland ponies and currently has her own Fell pony. At the weekends Anna will be found out and about on the national show circuit competing in the hotly contested Horse of the Year Shows (HOYS) qualifiers, and will never be too far away from her podgy pug, Ted. She also has aspirations of competing in working hunter classes in the future.

Annabelle joins us from Aldington Equine Vets where she has worked for over 10 years. She is based at our Martholme clinic and undertakes the organisation and management there. Belle, as she is known, also has two horses, Jim and Gucci kept near her home in Rossendale. She has her teaching certificate and has worked on many different yards including army, polo and riding schools. She also has 2 human boys and a husband to look after. Her home is also full of little furies, a dog and three cats!

Jackie joins us from Aldington Equine Vets having been there for over two years. Jackie was born and raised in Lancashire she started her equine passion at a young age working on a showing yard. Jackie previously worked as a mixed practice veterinary receptionist for 29 years, she joins us with a wealth of knowledge and is super organised! Out of the office she has her Highland pony, Quliby and two beautiful miniature dachshunds. Jackie also enjoys spending any spare time with her grandson.

Cat also joins us from Aldington Equine Vets where she has worked part time for a year. Cat originally comes from Newcastle and moved to the area to go to Myerscough College where she studied her Equine Science degree. Cat has surrounded herself with horses from a young age and now has a stud yard in Chorley where she breeds sports horses. Her Elite AES stallion ‘Challenge’ is her pride and joy, currently competing grade A, internationally with Tracey Newman alongside performing his stud duties. Cat also has a dog, Poppet who is a ball of energy.

Eleanor joined us part-time in 2019 whilst studying for her Master’s degree in Equine Science at Aberywsyth University, which she completed in 2021. Having a keen interest in nutrition, she focused her dissertation on the effects of probiotics on the hindgut microbial population. As well as being on hand to answer your nutritional queries, Eleanor is currently studying for her diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing, which she is finding highly rewarding. Outside of work, Eleanor loves walking and horse riding.

Lois has joined North West Equine Vets nursing team. She will work at our Crabtree & Rathmell practices. Lois has loved horses all her life, she has her own pony named Edward, which she enjoys competing in multiple disciplines. As well as horses, Lois loves her dogs and getting out and about in the Lake District. Lois will be studying an Equine nursing apprenticeship whilst working part time as a Veterinary Care Assistant.

Jessie has had horses since a young age and has been involved in an equine rehabilitation center for a number of years. She currently has two Arab horses which she competes in Endurance. Jessie has also been part of team GB’s endurance crew whilst competing in Europe. Away from horses, she enjoys being active in the great outdoors. Jessie hopes to study an equine nursing apprenticeship whist working full time at North West Equine Vets.

Ellie will be based full time at our Rathmell office. She has grown up with horses, working within the flat racing and eventing industry for a number of years since leaving college. Ellie has worked for Oliver Townend and Laura Collett eventing, along with training her own horse Chester upto BE Novice. Ellie has produced Chester since purchasing him as a 7 year old with only light dressage experience.

Sarah joined the NWEV office team in June 2023. Sarah is based at our Crabtree clinic and may be a familiar face to some. Sarah joins us with 15 years’ experience within veterinary practice, so, she knows a thing or two regarding how to best help you with your requirements! She has had horses most of her life, competing in dressage and showing cobs. When not at work Sarah loves being out in the countryside, walking with her dog Lilly. She is also a valuable member of the community First Responders group. A first responder is a person with specialized training who is among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident, disaster or medical emergency.