Sally Strachan - BVSc. Cert. VA., MRCVS (Partner)

Sally joined Hird and Partners in June 1991, after spending two years working in mixed practice in Staffordshire. In 1993, Sally attained her certificate in veterinary anaesthesia, and contributes to the anaesthesia service at our Shelf Equine Clinic. Her main clinical interests include stud medicine; equine ophthalmology, equine dentistry and cattle herd health planning. Sally has attended many recent CPD courses, including the launch of the Emergency Services Protocol at Buckingham Palace. Sally’s hobbies include horse riding, swimming and reading.

Chris Lockett - BVM&S MRCVS (Partner)

Chris graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1991. After spending time working in mixed practice in the Lake District, Chris joined Hird and Partners in July 1993 and subsequently joined the partnership. Whilst having a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all areas of equine and farm animal medicine and surgery, Chris’s particular interests in equine dentistry, camelid medicine and bovine medicine and surgery. In his spare time, Chris’s hobbies include mountain biking, skiing and gardening.

Tim Booth - BVSc Cert AVP
(ES-Orth) MRCVS

After qualifying from Bristol University, Tim spent the first few months of his career with working donkeys and horses at the SPANA clinic in Morocco. After working for an equine practice in Devon and as a Houseman at the Liphook Equine Hospital Tim joined the team of clinic vets at the Shelf Equine Clinic in 2008 and enjoys the varied surgical caseload and lameness investigations, especially the maintenance of performance horses. Tim is also interested in equine surgery, colics, laparoscopy and has recently attended a seminar in advanced orthopaedics. In his spare time Tim enjoys Skiing, tennis, squash and breeding warmbloods.

Peter Scholefield -
MA VetMB, MRCVS

Having graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1986, Peter spent time working in mixed practice in Suffolk and Colne before joining Hird and Partners.  An experienced equine orthopaedic clinician Peter has been fundamental in the inception and continued development to the Shelf Equine Clinic.

Ian Macpherson -
BVM&S, BSC (Hons) MRCVS

Ian joined Hird and Partners in January 2013 after spending five and a half years in mixed practice in West Wales. He has particular interests in Equine surgery and stud medicine and recently attended CPD in Norway on the use of lasers in surgery. Ian is currently enrolled in the RCVS cert AVP in Equine soft tissue surgery and hopes to have completed this in 2016. In his spare time he enjoys walking his dogs, point to point meetings and spending time with his family.

Alexis Kent -
BSC (Hons), BVetMed, MRCVS

Alexis joined Hird and Partners in February 2012. Alexis moved to the Halifax area from Blackpool.  Alexis enjoys all aspects of equine medicine especially lameness investigations and treatment. Alexis has attended a pre purchase examination course and a course on equine muscoskeletal ultrasound techniques. In her spare time she enjoys walking her two dogs, Lotty and Betty, eating chocolate! and socialising with friends and horse riding when time allows.

Amy Booth -
BVM&S. BSc (Hons). MRCVS

Amy graduated from Edinburgh University and joined us in August 2009. Amy also holds a first Class BSc (Hons) in equine Science and assists us on the Equine/Farm ambulatory side of the Practice. Interests within the practice include anaesthesia and outside work, enjoys spending time with her two daughters, competing on her own horses, walking the dogs, skiing and travelling.

Becci Fincham -
BVSC (Hons) MRCVS

Becci joined Hird and Partners in September 2012, after graduating from Liverpool University the same year. She enjoys equine medicine, anaesthesia and all aspects of sheep work and is currently enrolled in the RCVS cert AVP for Advanced Practitioner. In her spare time she enjoys walking her dog Biscuit, cooking nice meals and she regularly rides and competes her own horses at dressage.

Maja S. Andersen -
DVM MRCVS

Maja joined the practice in 2005 as an associate large animal Veterinary Surgeon, primarily involved with work carried out Shelf Equine Clinic. Maja has a keen interest in all areas of equine orthopaedic cases and diagnostic imaging, particularly MRI.

Linda Greaves - BSc (Hons) Vet Sci, BVetMed, MRCVS

Linda joined Hird and Partners in March 2014, after qualifying from London in 2011 Linda has worked In Equine practice and has spent a year as an intern at Leahurst. Linda is interested in colic medicine and surgery, equine dentistry and dermatology. In her spare time Linda enjoys walking her springer spaniel Bill and baking.

Victoria Beck -
BVSc (Hons), MRCVS

Vicki joined Hird and Partners in July 2014 and having lived in the Huddersfield area is fairly familiar with the area that the practice covers. Vicki enjoys all of her equine and large animal clinical work, especially equine lameness and general equine medicine. In her spare time Vicki is kept busy chasing after her dogs, clay pigeon shooting and running.

Kate Thompson - BVSc (Hons) CertAVP (EP)(VA) MRCVS

Kate qualified from the University of Sydney (BVSc hons) in 2005 and then returned home to Yorkshire and worked in mixed practice before joining Hird and Partners in 2008. In 2012 Kate started a residency in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Liverpool and upon completion she returned to Hird and Partners in Spring 2015 as a member of the team at Shelf Equine Clinic. During her residency Kate undertook clinical research in anaesthesia and presented the findings at an international conference. Kate has gained RCVS certificates (AVP) in Equine Practice and Veterinary Anaesthesia and is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Professional Studies and preparing for the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (ECVAA) diploma examination. Kate’s main interest is in equine anaesthesia and all aspects of internal medicine. Outside work, Kate is training for a triathlon which will be her first and probably last!

Laura Kitchen

Laura started at Hird and Partners in 1999, having previously worked as a head girl in both showjumping and eventing yards.  Laura obtained her group instructor and BHS AI.  Laura is responsible for the nursing team at the clinic and is also in charge of the client bookings. In her spare time she rides her horse, Swannie and plans to start showing him this season.

Becky Hedges

Becky joined Hird and Partners as an equine nursing assistant in January 2011. Becky has achieved  BHS stage 1 Diploma in horse care and also her BHS Riding and Road Safety examinations. Becky has recently started BTEC 1st Diploma Nursing technician. Becky enjoys radiography, assisting vets and nursing staff during lameness examinations and surgery and helping with intensive care of inpatients. Before joining Hird and Partners Becky worked at a Riding School for 3 years. In her spare time she enjoys competing on her own horse, walking her dog and socialising with friends.

Sue Andersen

Sue started at Hird and Partners in 2004, having previously worked as a lab technician. At the clinic Sue is responsible for keeping everything in order and is our pharmacy and theatre technician. In her spare time she enjoys horse riding with her daughters and walking their dog, Bonnie.

Katie Summers

Prior to joining Hird and Partners Katie studied a National Diploma in Horse Management at Bishop Burton College.She has now begun her veterinary nursing qualification and hopes to have this completed by 2017. In her spare time Katie enjoys helping out at her farm at home, showing the pedigree limousine's and commercial cattle. She also enjoys horse riding, skiing and socialising.

Lucy Gatenby

Lucy joined Hird and Partners in April 2014 as a nursing/yard assistant and is now working towards the Hallmarq MRI technician qualification. In her spare time she enjoys hacking and schooling her horse and walking her dog.

Tara Wilkinson

Tara is currently working towards her level 3 in horse care. She competes in carriage driving where she came first in her class in Austria in 2012 and won an FEI junior bronze medal in Poland 2014.

Harriet Ballans

Harriet joined Hird and Partners in January 2015. She holds a national diploma in equine management and BHS stage 1. In her spare time she likes to spend time with her horse Chester showjumping and hunting.

Becky Dunn

Becky joined Hird and Partners in December 2014 after graduating University with a BSC in Equine Science and is now working towards the Hallmarq MRI technician qualification. In her spare time she enjoys riding her own horses, fencing and photography.

Holly Oldham

Holly joined Hird and Partners as an equine nursing assistant and receptionist in July 2012. Prior to this Holly had worked on professional showjumping and showing yards. Holly enjoys all aspects of being a nursing assistant and enjoys assisting clients with their enquiries on reception. She has also recently started her Diploma in Equine Nursing Technician and has previously completed her BHS in levels 1-3. In her spare time Holly enjoys horseriding, skiing, socialising with friends and baking.

Helen Harrison

Helen began working at Hird and Partners in 2002.

Gillian Crossley -
Accounts

Gillian has been a constant contact for many of our longstanding clients at the clinic for over 20 years and is responsible for the accounts at Shelf Equine Clinic. In addition to this, Gillian is a qualified AI technician and assists with Arificial Insemination. Outside of work, Gillian breeds horses many of which you will see in the paddocks around the clinic, she also breeds aberdeen angus cows.

Rachel Lund -
Insurance Administrator

Rachel has worked at Hird and Partners since August 2001, initially in large animal reception, later taking up her current role as Insurance Administrator. Rachel has successfully  completed the Level 2 qualification in business  and administration with distinction. Rachel particularly enjoys client contact in her day-to-day role. Outside work, Rachel enjoys entertaining her children and caring for the animals on her family smallholding.

Sue Burrows -
Shelf Clinic Receptionist

Sue joined the practice in 2008 and after initially working as a nursing assistant has now joined our shelf reception team. Sue has a BHS stable management qualification to level 3 and gained an Equine nursing technician diploma with distinction in 2012. Sue enjoys meeting and greeting clients and assisting them with their enquiries. In her spare time Sue enjoys riding and showing her own horses and walking and training her two dogs.

Shelley Lyons - RVN, HND (Practice Manager)

Shelley joined Hird and Partners in 2004 as our Practice Manager. Having qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1992; her previous positions include Veterinary Nurse in a large mixed practice in Somerset and Head Nurse in an equine practice. Shelley then moved to Manchester to become Clinical Manager of the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, a position she held for 11 years. Away from work, Shelley’s wide range of hobbies includes horse riding, walking, art and playing various musical instruments.

Nula Smith

Nula joined Hird and Partners in October 2010 after working as a dental receptionist for many years at a practice in Hebden Bridge. She likes the day to day interaction with clients that her position requires. Nula lives on a farm and enjoys walking, cricket and gardening.

Laura Adam -
Equine Receptionist

Laura joined the practice in January 2011 as a nursing assistant and later joined our Shelf Equine Clinic reception team in September 2014. Laura holds a BSC(Hons) in Equine Science and Management and completed her Hallmarq MRI Technician qualification in 2012. Laura is responsible for the organisation of referral clients and enjoys the interaction with our varied clientelle on a daily basis. In her spare time Laura enjoys riding and walking her two dogs, Fly and Molly.

Beth Mallinson -
Accounts Administrator

Beth joined Hird and Partners in June 2014 having previously worked at Design & Display Ltd, managing personnel and accounts. Beth enjoys spending time with family and friends, photography, long walks and touring in camper van with husband and 2 dogs, Badger and Doug.

Christine Lumb -
Receptionist

Christine joined the practice in 2006, originally working at our Ripponden branch surgery and currently working in the large animal office at King Street. Christine is responsible for the smooth running of the yard visit scheme and is one of the main points of contact for our farm and equine clients and ensures the running of the large animal diary. When not at work, Christine enjoys travelling and often visits the Yorkshire Dales and further flung destinations within Europe.

Jane Moorhouse - Receptionist

Jane joined Hird and Partners Large Animal Reception team in 2008, after working for the Halifax RSPCA. Jane assists with the running of Large Animal Reception and carries out the booking and administration of Ministry (DEFRA) cattle testing schemes. Jane enjoys spending time with her family away from work.

Pat Harwood

Pat joined Hird and Partners admin team in January 2013 as  a book keeper. Pat has previously worked for Midland bank Ltd, HSBC bank plc and in the imports industry. Pat has completed her R-SQP qualification at Askham Bryan college as she also works part time for a local business who supply goods to the dairy industry.In her spare time she enjoys swimming, looking after her 4 cats and holidays in the sun.

Liz Greenwood -
Equine Receptionist

Liz has been brought up with both horses and farm animals. She has bred her own horses and competed BSJA on the county circuit. Liz lives on a hill farm where they lamb approximately 450 sheep. She has a BETEC National diploma in business studies. In her spare time she enjoys riding with her son and watching him compete both on his pony and at YFC competitions.