Iain McKenzie BVM&S CertAVP(ES-O) MRCVS
Iain originally hails from Scotland and qualified from the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies in 1999. After spending 2 years in mixed practice around Loch Lomond, he accepted an internship at Troytown Equine Hospital on the Curragh, at the heart of the Irish Thoroughbred racing industry.
Iain moved to Berkshire in 2003 to work at a large equine practice where he treated a wide spectrum of patients from racehorses and eventers to pleasure horses. After 16 years working as an equine vet and building up a loyal client base in the area, in 2019 Iain branched out to start up his own ambulatory equine veterinary practice based in Ascot. The aim of the practice is to provide a bespoke, tailored service to yards and individual owners, utilising exceptional clinical skills, advanced equipment and consistent communication with owners and riders throughout.I
Iain obtained a Certificate in Equine Orthopaedics in 2013, and can regularly be found on the surrounding high profile racecourses or regional equestrian events providing veterinary cover. He has completed the prestigious International Society of Lameness Practitioners (ISELP) course, allowing him to provide an advanced and experienced diagnostic service to his clients and undertake pre-purchase examinations all across the country.
Outside of work, Iain is a keen outdoor enthusiast and enjoys trail running, skiing and hunting with his wife Becca. They have 2 young children, Isla and Hamish who have future ambitions of being pirates and mermaids.
Chris Neal BSc(hons) BVSc MRCVS
Chris graduated in 2012 from Bristol University and joined the practice in October 2021 having worked with Iain a few years beforehand.
During his career, he has spent time at large practices both in the UK and Australia working with a variety of horses, including high performance thoroughbreds and eventers. His main interests lie in sports medicine and rehabilitation techniques, placing an emphasis on how we can keep our horses healthy and competing for longer.
He has published work on inflammatory airway disease and equine asthma syndrome, and is currently on the editorial board for the Equine Veterinary Journal, where he produces podcasts on a variety of new evidence within the industry. He is an accredited racecourse veterinary surgeon, official government vet (holding export qualifications), and an FEI permitted treated veterinarian, being able to follow his clients to events and provide support and advice.
Chris is currently studying for an advanced certificate in equine diagnostic imaging and is working towards the International Society of Equine Lameness Practitioners (ISELP) diploma.
When not working, Chris works his trusted gundog Albi the working cocker, and manages to still play off a low single figure handicap at golf. After an enforced break, he is hoping to get back in the saddle as his young child grows and demands it! Should you need to get hold of Chris, please call the office on 01344937897 for 07828215857
Carlos Egea Escriche DVM PgCert (VPS) CertAVP(ELDT) MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon. RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Equine Lameness.
Carlos graduated in Spain having chosen to study veterinary medicine after building his passion for horses through riding and competing at national level since he was a child. After qualifying, his interest in travelling the world led him to undertake two internships in the USA. He came to the UK in 2016 to work in a practice in Berkshire where he started as a junior clinician and progressed to be head of the hospital. After Working for IVC for a short period of time, he decided to join the practice in 2023.
In 2020, he completed a certificate in equine lameness (CertAVP) after undertaking a postgraduate programme at the University of Liverpool. In 2022, he passed the RCVS synoptic exam for this modality. In 2023 he was recognised as an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Lameness, which only two more vets hold in the UK to date.
Carlos enjoys most aspects of equine medicine with special focus in Equine lameness and he is keen to deliver a high standard service that he has acquired through his experience and studies.
In his spare time he enjoys travelling, eating good food with a good Spanish wine and riding his horse.
Jess Blagden
Jess is our operations manager and has been there with Iain since the start. She has extensive experience in the veterinary administration industry and has worked with both Iain and Chris previously for many years.
Jess has completed a range of courses including customer service, veterinary insurance and dispensary management, as well as recently passing an equine emergency and first aid qualification. She is very adept at answering all your queries, dealing with insurance related questions, managing the diaries and providing support whilst the vets are on their way - she is colloquially known as the glue that holds everything together!
When not working, Jess rides and competes her 23-year-old Irish Sports Horse Dixie and is kept busy keeping her Shih Tzu Harry out of mischief.
Should you need to speak to Jess please ring the office on 01344 937897.
Katie Digweed
Katie Joined us in December 2023 as a full time Receptionist/Office Administrator. Having worked previously in an Equine Administrator role she has a vast amount of customer service experience and has previously worked with Carlos for many years. Prior to joining us Katie worked at an established International Equestrian Centre/Riding school, this role enabled her to continue using her excellent customer service and communication skills as well as being involved in organising equestrian events and ensuring a smooth running of the office associated within the riding school.
When not working Katie enjoys going on holiday , time with her horse and walking her dogs, Gus and Art.