Equine Surgery Team
Jonathan Anderson
BVM&S DIPACVS MRCVS
American Specialist in Equine Surgery
Jonathan Anderson is a clinical director and surgeon at the Rainbow Equine Hospital. He is a Royal Veterinary College Equine Surgical Specialist, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and an FEI Veterinary Delegate. Jonathan graduated from the Edinburgh’s Royal School of Veterinary Studies in 2000, completed an internship year at the San Luis Rey Equine Hospital in California, before moving to the Rainbow Equine Hospital in the UK for 3 years. He went back Stateside to undergo a large animal clinical fellowship at Oregon State Veterinary Teaching Hospital followed by an Equine Surgical Residency at the University of California, Davis. He achieved diplomate status in 2009, remained as a clinical instructor at UC Davis for a year before moving back to the Rainbow Equine Hospital at the end of 2009 to join the surgical team. He has been involved in advancing the use of CT both as diagnostic and intra-operative imaging modality within the equine veterinary field. His main veterinary interests include all things orthopaedic and poor performance related which includes the evaluation, advanced imaging and surgical treatment of horses with cervical stenosis (Wobblers). He is keen to see a sharing of knowledge and equipping of equine vets to recognise and treat horses with this condition. As an FEI veterinary delegate he officiates at national and international eventing competitions including Bramham, Burghley and Chatsworth horse trials. His biggest asset is his long suffering wife Naomi and he kind of helps to manage a brood of 5 kids which means little time for any other activities although a run or a bike in the hills and mountains every so often is where he likes to recharge his batteries once again!
Moses Brennan
BVSc CertES(Orth) MRCVS
Moses Brennan qualified from the University of Liverpool in 1999 and worked in mixed practice before working at Ashbrook Equine Hospital in Cheshire where he developed an interest in equine surgery. Moses travelled and worked in New Zealand before undertaking a residency in equine surgery at the University of Sydney, Australia. Moses has been a surgeon at the practice since 2008 and is involved in all areas of surgery. His interests are in standing surgery and minimally invasive surgery and particularly advanced equine dentistry and oral surgery. His day-to-day caseload is dominated by head CT scans and performing minimally invasive tooth extractions and sinus surgeries.
Rachel Agass
BSc BVetmed (Hons)
European Specialist in Equine Surgery
Rachel Agass re-joins us as part of a shared surgery residency with the University of Glasgow. Rachel was an intern at Rainbow prior to spending some time in the ambulatory team before most recently working at the well known and respected Bendigo Equine Hospital in Victoria. We are very much looking forward to having her back. She will spend 6-month blocks rotating between Glasgow and Rainbow and will be involved in all areas of lameness and surgery.
Equine Internal Medicine Team
Rachael Conwell
BVetMed CertEM(IntMed) DipECEIM MRCVS
RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine
Rachael graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1997 and initially worked in mixed practice, then completed a Residency in Equine Internal Medicine at the University of Liverpool in 2002. She subsequently worked in equine practices in Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire and Yorkshire, before establishing her own equine internal medicine mobile referral service in 2008, covering the North of England. Rachael joined the Rainbow team in 2019 and is involved with the medicine caseload and laboratory reporting and has a particular interest in gastroenterology and cardiology. She has presented at numerous national and international veterinary conferences and is an examiner for the University of Liverpool CertAVP. She has been part of the veterinary team for Bramham Horse Trials for 20 years and also provides veterinary services for the working equid charity SPANA.
Gemma Tyner
BVSc DACVIM
Gemma grew up on a dairy farm and has ridden horses all her life. She enjoys all equestrian sports; and being and doing things out doors.
Gemma went on to graduate from Onderstepoort in South Africa in 2005, after a year in mixed practice, completed an internship in Equine Emergency and critical care where she spent a foaling season at The Ohio State University before traveling down to Australia and completing a second foaling season at Scone Equine Hospital, NSW. Shortly after which she undertook a large animal internal medicine residency at The University of Pennsylvania. She then did a bit of locum work before being offered a position at St. George’s University, Grenada. Here she taught clinical skills and critical reasoning. There after she spent some time working in Devon before joining the referral team at Rainbow Equine Hospital.
Rosie Olley
BVSc MScVPS CertAVP(EM) DipECEIM MRCVS
RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine
Rosie graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2010 and worked in mixed practice in the Peak District before undertaking an equine internship at University College Dublin. Rosie subsequently worked in equine ambulatory practice in the UK and TB stud practice in Ireland. Rosie completed a residency in Equine Internal Medicine at the University of Liverpool and subsequently became a Diplomate of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine in 2021. Rosie contributes to the internal medicine caseload and laboratory reporting at Rainbow Equine Hospital. Rosie’s clinical interests include ophthalmology and abdominal disease and she particularly enjoys emergencies and critical care. Rosie has undertaken research into fasting insulin cut-offs and eye injuries in polo ponies. In her spare time, Rosie enjoys walking and swimming in the great outdoors and training her rescue Staffie.
Equine Anesthesia
Kate Loomes
BVSc(hons) MSc CertAVP(EP) CertAVP(VA) CertAVP(EM) Dip ECVAA MRCVS
European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia
Kate graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 and returned home to Yorkshire working in mixed and equine practice before completing an internship and residency in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia at the University of Liverpool. Kate became a European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2016 and has particular interests in the peri-operative care of colic patients and multi-modal pain management techniques. Kate joined the team at Rainbow in 2017 and is actively involved in the care of horses undergoing general anaesthesia or standing sedation for surgical and diagnostic imaging procedures. Kate also assists with the intensive care of hospitalised horses and foals.
Equine Diagnostic Imaging
Jonathon Dixon
BVetMed MVetMed DipECVDI MRCVS
RCVS & European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Jonathon qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and joined Rainbow Equine Hospital as an intern for 18 months where he developed an interest in advanced imaging. Jonathon then completed a 3 – year senior clinical training scholarship (residency) at the RVC in Large Animal Diagnostic Imaging before returning to Rainbow. In January 2017 he became a European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, and an RCVS specialist the following year. Only a handful of private equine hospitals in the UK have a specialist radiologist on site to be able to perform and interpret MRI,CT and scintigraphy, and assist with radiography and ultrasonography to ensure that all horses coming to the hospital benefit from state – of – the – art diagnostics. He has particular interests in CT imaging of the head and neck, and MRI of the distal limb, and has published scientific work on these subjects and others.
Owen Fletcher
Resident with the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
Having previously undertaken an 18-month internship at the hospital, Owen is likely already a familiar face to many. His main interests alongside ‘all things imaging’, are orthopaedic anatomy and lameness diagnostics, and he eagerly looks forward to the next 4 years working with our team, clients and supporting our advanced imaging modalities.
Ambulatory Vets
Brian Reed
BVMS CertEP MRCVS
Brian qualified from Glasgow University Vet School in 2003 and after a brief spell working for his father’s practice he worked in a large mixed practice in Teeside. It was there he developed his interests in Equine work, specifically pre-purchase examinations, sports horse cases and breeding work.
Brian came to Rainbow in 2008 as a member of the ambulatory team and is now the Senior ambulatory vet. He gained the RCVS certificate in Equine Practice in 2010 and is an FEI treating vet, officiating at Bramham and Burghley International horse trials as well as many local one day events and point to points. He is a DEFRA appointed Official Vet and also regularly officiates at Beverley Racecourse. He became a Clinical Director of the practice in 2015. Outside of work he likes to work his labrador and get out into the countryside.
Joe Mackinder
BVSc CertEP AVP MRCVS BAEDT
Joe grew up in Slingsby and saw practice at Rainbow as a student before qualifying from Liverpool University in 2005. After 2 years mixed practice, Joe spent 8 years in purely equine practice both in the Dales and as clinical lead at The University of Bristol as well as spending a stud season in Australia. He returned home to Malton and Rainbow in November 2014. Joe has a wide range of interests including stud and performance medicine and accupuncture, but is particularly keen on equine dentistry. He is an accredited equine dental technician and is working towards his Certificate in Equine Dentistry. Joe is married to a small animal vet and has 2 daughters. He enjoys walking, swimming, and attempting triathlons as a way of keeping fit.
Aimi Duff
BVM&S CertAVP (EM) MRCVS
Aimi graduated from Edinburgh in 2009 and spent some time in mixed practice before concentrating on equine work. Over the years she has gained experience working with both pleasure and competition horses in all manner of disciplines. She obtained her Advanced Veterinary Practitioner Certificate in Equine Medicine in 2016 but maintains enthusiasm for all aspects of equine practice. Outside of work Aimi can be found onboard her horse, training away at dressage for fun or blasting about the countryside. She also enjoys time with her menagerie of animals and running / cycling / generally being outside and active.
Amy Smith
BVetMed MRCVS
Amy joins us after working in Northumberland in first opinion equine practice, with an interest in stud medicine. Before this she completed an internship at the R(D)SVS Equine Hospital in Edinburgh, after working in the Scottish Borders initially after graduation from the RVC. She is currently studying for a certificate in Stud Medicine and is an FEI Treating Vet, and an Official Veterinarian. Amy has two horses, Pepper and Teddy, and enjoys eventing and show jumping when work allows. She also has two miniature sausage dogs, Juniper and Damson, who will often be out in the car with her.
Catriona Moon
BSc BVSc CertAVP(EP) PGDip VetPhys MRCVS
Catriona graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2008. She has worked in equine practice in Northumberland, the West Country and Yorkshire, gaining a wealth of experience as an ambulatory vet and also undertaking general anaesthetics, MRIs and scintigraphy in a clinic setting.
During her career Catriona has sought to further her knowledge and experience and now holds an Advanced Veterinary Practitioner Certificate in Equine Practice and a Post Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy, as well as having trained in Veterinary Acupuncture. She enjoys all aspects of equine practice but particularly enjoys helping clients to take an holistic approach in managing their horses to maximise welfare and performance.
You may often see her out officiating at competitions as she is an FEI Permitted Treatment Veterinarian, a level 1 FEI Official Veterinarian and a level 2 FEI Endurance Veterinarian.
Outside of work Catriona can usually be found outdoors, either training her horses or keeping herself fit. She has taken part in most equestrian disciplines over the years but has been lucky enough to represent Team GB in Endurance on 8 occasions at European and World Championships, as well as the World Equestrian Games.
Mandy Platt
BVSc MRCVS CertAVP(EM) MRCVS
Mandy Platt joined the practice in February 2011. After graduating from Massey University in 2009 she worked in stud and racing equine practice in New Zealand for 2 years before moving to the UK. Her professional interests include internal medicine, routine preventative care and welfare work. She obtained her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Internal Medicine) in 2017. Mandy enjoys spending her free time travelling, sailing and exploring the countryside with her Labrador, Ella.
Equine Nursing Team
Rebecca Stiles – Head Nurse
Rebecca, better known as BT, started at Rainbow in 2005 and qualified from Myerscough college as an Equine Veterinary Nurse in 2009. She has been in the reserve forces as a medical sergeant since 2002 and has served in Iraq and The Falklands. In the hospital she, with Lucy, is responsible for MRI, CT and scintigraphy.
Lucy Woodhead
Lucy has worked as a nurse at Rainbow since 2003. She became a qualified equine vet nurse in 2009. Her main interests at work are CT, MRI and scintigraphy and training student nurses. Outside of work she enjoys socialising with husband Dave, keeping fit, walking her dogs and competing her horse Crazy Mazy.
Bella Whittle
Bella has worked at Rainbow through the summer for a number of years whilst studying for a zoology degree. She graduated from Newcastle University this Summer and we are very pleased that she has now joined us full time. Outside of work she is a keen eventer and has brought her own horse on up to 1* level.
Amy Green
Amy spent 6 years on racing yards before joining Rainbow as a theatre nurse in 2013. She has a national diploma in sports therapy, health and fitness and is studying towards become a qualified veterinary nurse. Amy likes to shop, go racing and also enjoys long walks with her Labrador.
Grace Leak
Grace was brought up with horses, used to show jump ponies, and came to Rainbow straight from school having worked at Rainbow during summer holidays. Consequently she knows everyone here very well despite being one of the youngest members of the team!
Tabitha Billington
pending
Caitlin Houston
Caitlin has loved horses since her first pony ride at 5 years old. Caitlin went to university at Nottingham Trent and achieved her degree in Equine Sports Science and Equestrian Psychology. Caitlin then worked for Oliver Townend before spending a year working as an Animal Rescue Officer in the SSPCA.
Caitlin began Vet Nursing in Derby in 2016 and stayed there for 4 years before travelling to Australia to nurse at a big referral hospital in Victoria.
During her spare time Caitlin enjoys riding and walking her 2 dogs Wylie and Cruise
Izzie Welch
Sophie Wrench
Sophie grew up in Cheshire where she was a groom for top event rider Ben Hobday before joining Cheshire Equine Clinic working as a veterinary care assistant for two years. She then spent some time down in Newmarket which solidified her ambition to become a qualified equine veterinary nurse before joining us at Rainbow in May. Outside of work Sophie enjoys keeping fit and riding out for a point-to point trainer.
Jenna Reilly
Jodie Livsey
Kiera Colgan
has ridden since the age of 4, attending racing college for a year in County Kildare, Ireland and working for Mick Halford and then in England and Dubai. She also has competed under British Eventing, showjumping and dressage rules.
Laura Robinson
Laura completed her riding and teaching level 3 qualification at Bishop Burton College. She then went on to be a hunt groom for two years before joining the Rainbow team in July 2018. She hopes to pursue her nursing career by qualifying in the next couple of years.
Nick Fensome
Nick joins us from a background of horses and care. He worked in the brain injury care unit called York House for six years before moving into the racing industry working for Ruth Carr, where is stayed for 3.5 years.
Nick then tried his hand at plumbing working for his father, his love of horses brought him onto Rainbow where he is a great asset to our yard team and is now working towards a career as a vet nurse.
Practice Manager
Lorraine Colgan
Lorraine started at the practice in November 1996, coming from an Accountancy/book -keeping background. She has run the office and watched the practice grow from a 4 vet team while bringing up her 2 girls and has many contacts with the horse/racing fraternity.
The Yard Team
Domonic Crolla – Yard Manager
Dom was head lad at Malcolm Jeffersons for many years and now is our Yard Manager.
Stuart Jeffery (Snowy)
Snowy has worked with horses his whole life, in stables and owning them and looks after the maintenance of the yards too.
Kirsty Hanson
Anna Donkin
worked for Richard Fahey racing for 6 years, riding out initially and then taking care of the horses with great care and attention. She still owns her childhood pony.
Allison Stark
was assistance to Richard Hughes Racehorse Trainer and has a wealth of knowledge in the industry.
Tina Carr
Mia Scholefield
The Lab Team
Ian Rogers – Lab Manager
BSc (Hons)
Ian graduated from the University of Hull with a BSc in Biology. Through his
undergraduate training he developed an interest in clinical laboratory work and has been working in this area ever since. He has 12 years’ experience in animal health and has particular interests in microbiology, molecular biology, serology and parasitology. He has published in laboratory journals and undergone extensive post-graduate training in microbiology and parasitology. Ian moved to Rainbow in 2015 to supervise the development of the equine laboratory.
Alice Gardner
BSc (Hons) MSc Equine Science
Ali has always been involved with horses and gained a BSc in Equine Management followed by an MSc in Equine Science from Aberystwyth University. As part of her Masters she spent time at The University of Liverpool researching antimicrobial effectiveness against biofilms in equine chronic wounds. This fuelled her ambition to work within an equine clinical laboratory and be involved in veterinary medicine and she tells us it was dream come true to join the Rainbow Laboratory team.
Harry Boreman
Christie Hewitt
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Christie graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with BSc in Biomedical Sciences. She then completed an MSc in Biomedical Sciences specialising in blood sciences and spent time researching the effect of steroid hormones on coagulation factors. She then worked in clinical trial specimen management before joining the Rainbow team in June 2019.
Megan Worrall
James Nottingham
Reception & Office Team
Emma Corner – Accounts Manager
Julie Render – Office Manager
Diane Cowdy
Hollie Cook
Emily Allen
Lisa Evans
Hannah Worrell
Emma Milson
Stewart Walker
Jackie Moon
Kirsty Cole
Lily Hutchinson
Sabrina Coultas