54 | Veterinarian fills crucial market gap Newborn foal and mare. Karen Phelps Equus Veterinary Reproduction and Consultancy, run by experienced veterinarian Lucy Russell, has quickly filled a critical gap in specialised equine care for horse breeders across the lower North Island. Lucy, a third-generation veterinarian with 15 years of experience, established Equus Veterinary on a 400-acre beef and cropping farm run by Lucy and her husband Daniel, a third-generation farmer. The practice offers a comprehensive range of services, including artificial insemination with fresh and frozen semen, embryo transfer, stallion semen collection, processing and shipping, natural cover for Thoroughbreds and foaling and post-natal care of foals and mares. What sets Equus Veterinary apart is Russell’s hands-on approach as an on-site vet overseeing every aspect of the horses’ care – a rarity in the industry. RURAL SERIVCES » Equus Veterinary Reproduction and Consultancy Ltd “There is definitely a hole in the market that is more significant than I imagined,” says Lucy. “Starting with just myself and one staff member, Equus Veterinary has expanded to a team of four within a year, experiencing 100% growth. We’re forecasting another 75-100% growth this year as well.” She says Equus Veterinary is the only business of its kind in the lower North Island and one of just two in the entire country. This uniqueness, combined with Lucy’s expertise, has attracted a diverse clientele ranging from Thoroughbred breeders to sport horses and families with beloved ponies they want to breed from. Lucy started in clinical practice in Palmerston North before working in a neo natal foal ICU in Australia. She returned home and continued working for various vet practices, developing an interest in Thoroughbred stud farm medicine and foal care before starting her own practice. Lucy’s commitment to excellence is clear in her approach. “We are providing an intensive gold standard service. Our clients want everything done properly; no corners cut. This extends to a 24-hour foal watch service during the breeding season.” Lucy and Daniel’s deep roots in the farming and equine world contribute to the success of the business. The couple also lease 100 acres and own another 100 acres nearby where they run sheep and beef. “We feel like we know horse owners want, as we are horse breeders ourselves and also run our own farm. For example Daniel does all the pasture and soil management on the equine side and that contribute to growing great feed that the horses benefit from. We breed Hanoverian dressage horses on the property and for a young breeding operation we are having some significant success. At the last Hanoverian classification tour we picked up multiple mare championships and excellence awards for our mare families. We have some exciting embryo transfer foals due this year. It’s something we really enjoy doing.” Lucy’s expertise is not confined to her practice. Recently elected as President of the NZ Equine Veterinary Association, she is acutely aware of the challenges facing her profession. “It’s very difficult to procure vets full stop but particularly equine vets. It’s about helping to encourage and facilitate the next generation of equine vets,” she explains. Her commitment to nurturing new talent extends to teaching fifth-year veterinary students at nearby Massey University. The proximity to this educational hub has been a bonus for staffing, allowing Equus Veterinary to expand its team during the busy breeding season so it can keep offering its clients a high level of service as the business continues to grow.
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