Colin founded Equitait Veterinary practice in October 2009. He spent much of his time whilst growing up in the Borders on horse-back competing in a number of disciplines. His passion for riding was a large influence on his decision to study veterinary science at the University of Glasgow.
For two years following graduation, Colin worked in mixed practice in the Midlands before taking a year out to travel the world including working a calving season in Te Awamutu in New Zealand and an equine stud season in Victoria, Australia.
Read more..On his return to the UK, he worked at Cambridge University teaching theoretical and clinical skills to veterinary students, whilst being responsible for the clinical cases which were referred to the University.
Prior to setting up Equitait, Colin was a senior assistant at the Arundel Equine Veterinary Hospital in West Sussex. Here, Colin, along with a busy ambulatory role, had managerial responsibilities within the hospital including a mentoring role for the intern, nursing staff and more junior veterinary surgeons. In addition, he had a large workload of horses and donkeys, including livery yards with more than 170 horses, riding schools in excess of 50 horses and large racing yards. He was fortunate to work for a diverse range of clients from pleasure through to international performance horse riders and racehorse trainers.
During his time at Arundel, Colin gained extensive experience working within the competitive sporting sector of the equine field and was a senior veterinary surgeon at a number of race courses, including Goodwood and also at the British Jumping Derby Meetings and the Longines Royal International Horse Shows at Hickstead.
When deciding to set up Equitait, Colin was keen to return to his roots and has settled with his wife in the Borders. They had their daughter Isabella in September 2016, followed by George in 2020 and also share their home with their Cocker spaniels Buttons and Lucy.
In 2012 Colin was selected to attend the London Olympics as a FEI treating veterinary surgeon where he was privileged to be able to spend 10 days on site at Greenwich Park.
Kirsty was born in the UK but grew up in America. She has always had a passion for all things equine and briefly took part in western riding before getting hooked on eventing at a young age.
Kirsty moved back to Scotland for vet school and qualified from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2013. After working as the equine vet in a mixed practice in Lincolnshire for 3 years she undertook an internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery at the University of Liverpool. She then worked as a locum equine vet in Edinburgh before joining us here at Equitait. She has recently completed a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Practice) and is planning to continue her studies by completing a Certificate in Equine Medicine in the near future.
When not at work Kirsty enjoys exploring the Borders.
Stuart is originally from the Scottish Borders and enjoyed exploring the local Border Hills surrounding his hometown of Selkirk while he was growing up. While at school Stuart developed an interest in horses, this interest grew while at Vet school and resulted in him pursuing a career in equine practice.
After graduating from Glasgow Vet School he spent some time in the south of England working in a busy equine practice in Oxfordshire. While in the south Stuart gained experience seeing ambulatory cases and was responsible for the care of inpatients staying at the clinic. Following on from this, Stuart decided to move back home and joined the team at Equitait in June 2021.
In his spare time Stuart enjoys hill walking with his Jack Russell Hamish. He also enjoys cooking and can often be found rustling something up in the kitchen.
Fran is originally from the Azores, Portugal, where she grew up and developed a passion for horses at a young age. She was trained in classical riding and spent a lot of her free time riding her old horse Pamplona, whom she still visits whenever possible.
Fran qualified in 2018 from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Lisbon and soon after moved to England, where she worked as a mixed vet in a busy practice in Lincolnshire for two years. Her passion for equine medicine prevailed and she joined the Equitait team in October 2020.
Fran enjoys all aspects of equine practice, but takes a keen interest in wound management. When not at work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading and cooking.
Emma returned to the Duns area in 2012 after working in and around Cambridge in Biological research for 8 years.
She then worked at The Moredun Research Institute on the outskirts of Edinburgh for 3 years before having her first little boy.
Emma grew up near Duns on the family farm and has been involved with horses since an early age. She has 2 young sons, a dog called Inca and a couple of ponies.
Katy joined the Equitait team in 2012 for 3 years and has recently returned to us following a period as a freelance groom / shepherd. She grew up in the Duns area and has been involved with horses for many years.
Katy has a Jack Russell Terrier called Alfie.
Her interests include horse breeding, country sports and sheep.
Louise joined Equitait after working in the Hospitality trade for over 15 years.
She has always lived in Kelso and has 2 dogs: a Labrador called Sprite and a Cocker Spaniel called Jake, who she spends most of her free time with.
Louise also enjoy horse-riding and spending time with family and friends.
Kim joined the Equitait Team in 2021 after a career in science and teaching.
She grew up in the Borders and rode from an early age. Although not currently an equine owner, she does ride her Aunties horse regularly and hopes to have her own again one day.
In her spare time, Kim likes to use her creative skills by restoring furniture and renovating the house.
At Equitait we are always looking for the right people. If you feel you are that person then please get in touch.
Should you wish to find out further details or apply, please e-mail admin@equitait.com. Applicants should enclose a full CV and covering letter.
