I’m an equine vet, and everything I do is related to that. I’m now a consultant but I’m still a vet; I never wanted to do anything else. When I was nine, unfortunately I had a pony who was hit by a car and the first thing I did was feel his legs to make sure they were OK. I knew what his legs should feel like and presumed I’d know if there was something wrong, and it went from there.
I got my first pony when I was seven and have had a horse more or less ever since – until six months ago, when I decided to stop as I’m 71. I was extremely lucky; I had a great-uncle in practice in Sheffield, so I started seeing practice when I was 10, which you can’t do these days. Every Saturday when I was at school, I either saw practice or went hunting. I’ve been driven by an interest in equine structure and function, suitability for purpose and what makes the best horse, and that started long before I became a vet.
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin December 21, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin December 21, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change