Meet the Team

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.

Catherine is a Director at North West Equine Vets and played a key role in establishing the practice in 2016.

A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in 2004, Catherine received recognition for her achievements, earning prizes in Surgery, Large Animal, and Pathology. She began her career in equine practice in Suffolk before moving to the North West, where she has continued to develop her expertise.

Catherine has a particular interest in diagnosing and treating lameness, as well as equine dentistry. She became a qualified Equine Dental Technician (EDT) in 2010 after completing the BEVA/BVDA examinations and combines these skills to provide high-quality advanced dental care.

Having ridden since childhood, Catherine is a lifelong equestrian with a special fondness for Suffolk Punch horses, which she worked with as a teenager. She now shares her passion for horses with her daughter, who is equally pony-mad. At home, she enjoys spending time with her young Dales Pony and balances her equestrian pursuits with hobbies like cycling and fell running.

Catherine’s dedication to equine health and her approachable nature make her highly valued by both clients and colleagues.

Richard graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and has gained broad experience in equine veterinary medicine since. He began his career in Equine Ambulatory practice near Manchester, followed by locum work in Suffolk. He then spent nearly four years focused on sports horse practice, particularly polo, near Midhurst, Sussex. Richard joined NWEV in early 2018, bringing his experience and dedication to equine health to the team.

As a Director at NWEV, Richard has particular interests in orthopaedics, wound management, and managing out-of-hours emergencies, which he finds especially rewarding. He is also actively involved in training UCLan veterinary students, helping them develop skills and confidence in equine practice.

Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time outdoors, with hobbies including fell walking, climbing, and mountaineering. He also has a passion for photography, capturing the landscapes he explores.

Lorna graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2015 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) and has been working at NWEV since the practice was formed in 2016. Lorna has gained further qualifications in equine medicine, earning her CertAVP(EM) qualification.

In addition to her veterinary expertise, Lorna is also a Chartered Accountant (ACA) and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), bringing valuable business and leadership skills to her role as a Veterinary Surgeon and Director of the practice.

Lorna has particular interests in internal medicine, mentoring, and staff development, and she enjoys supporting new veterinary professionals as a VetGDP advisor.

In her free time, Lorna loves spending time in the outdoors with her husband and dog, whether exploring the fells, cycling, or traveling around Scotland and its islands.

Nicola plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of NWEV as Practice Manager. She graduated from Bishop Burton in 1996 with a degree in Equine and Business Management, combining her passion for horses with strong organisational skills.

Her career began as an equine nursing assistant at Oakhill in Goosnargh before moving into equine insurance, where she gained valuable experience in underwriting and claims handling. In 2012, she transitioned into Loss Adjusting, further developing her expertise in managing complex cases. Nicola joined Dalehead Veterinary Group in 2015, and her role evolved with the formation of NWEV, where she now oversees the operational side of the practice.

Nicola has a particular interest in insurance claims, practice administration, and ensuring the best possible service for both clients and their horses.

Outside of work, she enjoys competing top-class show cobs, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Carole graduated from Edinburgh University in 1999 and brings extensive experience to her role as Marketing and Project Lead. With over 15 years in project management and design, she has developed strong skills in strategic planning and branding. Carole’s entrepreneurial background includes founding a successful international sportswear brand, where she applied her creativity and business acumen.

With a decade of experience in veterinary practice, Carole has gained valuable insight into client communication, education, and preventative health. She is also a Registered Animal Medicines Advisor (AMTRA RAMA). Outside of her marketing work, she has a small livery yard and holds a BHS Stage 3 qualification, which reflects her passion for and knowledge of horse care. Carole is dedicated to creating informative and engaging content for clients, ensuring effective communication across various platforms.

Outside of work, Carole enjoys showing horses, particularly Irish Draughts, and has a deep connection to farming. She is also a skilled animal portrait artist.

Carole’s unique blend of professional expertise and personal interests make her an invaluable part of the team.

Amanda is an experienced receptionist based at the Rathmell & Martholme clinics. With a diverse background in various fields, Amanda brings a unique skill set to her role, she excels in steering the office team and providing exceptional customer service.

Before joining the NWEV team, Amanda gained valuable experience in retail, where she developed strong customer service skills. She then worked in medical recruitment, focusing on recruiting and compliance processes.

Amanda has several professional interests. She serves as the EMS Coordinator, overseeing and coordinating the EMS process. She also plays a key role in arranging surgeries, managing scheduling to ensure everything runs smoothly for both clients and patients. Amanda is especially proficient in using the practice management system, where she excels at running reports and navigating the system with shortcuts, improving the practice’s efficiency.

Outside of work, Amanda has a keen interest in fell ponies and competes with Greenholme Juliette. Amanda also enjoys playing netball and making Christmas wreaths in her free time.

Careth brings over two decades of experience in the equestrian world. Throughout her career, she has gained valuable knowledge in equine management, customer care, and veterinary services.

As a veterinary receptionist with North West Equine Vets since its early days, Careth has become an essential part of the team, known for her commitment to equine welfare and customer service. She holds several qualifications, including various British Horse Society (BHS) and Equestrian Tourism exams, the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC), and a Certificate in Education (Cert Ed). Careth is also a Registered Animal Medicines Advisor (AMTRA RAMA).

Careth’s passion for horses led her to run her own riding school for 20 years, where she provided inclusive equestrian education and care. She is also the County Coach for Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in Cumbria, helping make riding accessible for individuals with physical or learning disabilities.

In addition to her professional roles, Careth owns two homebred Irish Draughts, aged 31 and 18, who have been an important part of her life. She also enjoys spending time with her dog.

Careth’s experience and love for horses make her a trusted figure in the equestrian community.

Annabelle is an experienced and valued member of our team, serving as the Martholme Office Manager. She earned her British Horse Society Assistant Instructor (BHS AI) qualification in 2002, providing her with a strong foundation in equestrian training and education.

Before joining NWEV, Annabelle worked in both retail and the equestrian world, gaining experience with polo ponies, riding schools, and army yards. This diverse background has given her excellent organisational skills and a client-focused approach.

Annabelle has a particular interest in debt collection and works hard to provide support to clients and team members, helping to ensure smooth operations.

Outside of work, Annabelle enjoys riding horses, with her son often as her riding partner. She also enjoys cooking, baking, and trying new recipes, followed by a good film.

Annabelle’s professional experience, combined with her personal interests, makes her a friendly and approachable member of the team.

Jackie is an experienced receptionist who has been a valued member of the veterinary profession for nearly three decades. She joined the profession after completing her education at Accrington High School for Girls in 1975 and has since developed a wealth of experience in client communication and organization.

With 8 years of experience at NWEV, Jackie has a particular interest in follow-up communication, including supporting preventative health measures like vaccination reminders and wellness checks. She is passionate about promoting proactive health care and helping clients stay informed and engaged.

Outside of work, Jackie enjoys gardening, reading, and taking short trips to explore the countryside. Above all, she loves spending time with her grandchildren and making cherished memories with her family.

Jackie’s friendly and caring nature, along with her attention to detail, makes her a valued member of the team.

Cat brings extensive experience and a passion for equine care to her role at NWEV. She holds a degree in Equine Science from Myerscough College and is also a BEVA qualified Artificial Insemination Technician.

With a strong background in equestrianism, Cat has worked at several well-regarded yards across different disciplines such as eventing, hunting, showing, and breeding. Her hands-on experience includes stud work and working with young horses, making her a valuable member of the team.

Cat has a particular interest in stud work, supporting the vets with lameness cases, and working with challenging horses—a skill she has developed over time.

Outside of work, Cat enjoys spending time with her dog, pursuing her love of horses, and planning holidays to unwind. Her combination of experience and enthusiasm ensures she provides excellent care for both clients and their horses.

Ellie joined our team with a strong, experianced background in equine care, bringing a wealth of knowledge and an organized, friendly presence to her role.

She graduated from Newton Rigg in 2014 with a Diploma in Horse Management and holds certifications as a Mental Health First Aider and in First Aid. Ellie’s experience in the equine industry is wide-ranging, having worked on flat racing yards, supported professional eventers such as Oliver Townend and Laura Collett, and worked as a freelance groom and riding school instructor.

Ellie’s professional interests include managing emergencies, supporting the veterinary team, and handling medication with care and attention to detail. Her dedication to providing great service and supporting both clients and colleagues makes her a valued member of the practice.

Outside of work, Ellie enjoys outdoor activities, training her dogs, and following her passion for racing and eventing.

Ellie’s background and approachable nature make her a great point of contact for our clients.

Sarah has been a part of the local veterinary community for over 16 years, gaining valuable experience across a variety of veterinary practices, including small animal, exotics, mixed practice, and equine care. This broad background has allowed her to develop a strong understanding of animal and owner needs.

As a receptionist at the practice, Sarah is instrumental in managing client interactions and supporting the team in providing excellent care. With a focus on worming, preventative healthcare, and customer service, she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the practice. In 2024, Sarah expanded her knowledge by completing the Equine AMTRA exam and earning her status as a Registered Animal Medicines Advisor (AMTRA RAMA), which enables her to offer valuable advice on equine healthcare.

Outside of work, Sarah is involved with a local Community First Responder Group, where she assists in medical emergencies. She also enjoys fell walking and felting, combining her love for nature with creative pursuits.

Sarah’s dedication to animal welfare, customer care, and her community make her an essential member of the team.