The Background......

My interest in all things veterinary began from an early age and remains my greatest passion 36 years later! Over the course of my career and both degrees I have had exposure to all levels of veterinary care and medicine, from small animal clinic work to world leading equine hospitals and rural farm work.

My equine interest remains the greatest driving force in my career, and yet all aspects of veterinary care and medicine in all species interests me. My first real taste of the veterinary profession outside of animal care came when I joined the BVA - British Veterinary Association in London in 2000 as part of the New Development Team. It was very much a changing time for BVA and the profession too, and I gleaned an awful lot of knowledge from involvement with students from all the veterinary schools including a realistic outlook of life in practice and my own career expectations.

Having met a number of wonderful veterinary surgeons during my tenure at BVA, many of whom have remained great supporters if my career to date, I was very fortunate to meet Professor Tim Greet from Rossdales Equine Hospital. It was during the course of my first degree at Hartpury College that I was able to see practice and work for Rossdales, the largest equine veterinary hospital in Europe. Having graduated I went on to work full time at Rossdales, which gave me access to world class veterinary facilities, practitioners and caseloads.......

The Beginning.....

This is my story about my journey to become a veterinary surgeon! I am a 36 year old who has already graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Equine Sports Science from Hartpury College, University of the West of England (2004-2007) and a Masters Degree in Equine Science from Aberystwyth University, Wales (2009-2010).

I have always loved animals be they my own pets or otherwise, and my life has been enriched by a considerable number of them! I have ridden horses since my childhood and went on to qualify as a British Horse Society Instructor, which enabled me to travel and gain some wonderful experiences. Horses have been and still are my greatest passion, and despite not owning one presently I am fortunate enough to be able to ride regularly.

Home is on the North Wales coast in the most delightful village called Abersoch, and due to its rural location I have taken a keen interest in all aspects of animal husbandry/farming since an early age. I am lucky to have such great farms at my fingertips to gain the experience which proves so valuable.

During my MSc at Aberystwyth University we had to carry out a research project which formed the basis of our dissertation. I was incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity to travel to the USA and work at the Gluck Equine Research Centre in Lexington Kentucky. It was during my time in Kentucky that my desire and passion to study veterinary medicine became more of a reality..........