Minster Equine expands with vet acquisition

Minster Equine Vet Clinic has acquired the practice in an agreement which will see Simon Stirk and two colleagues, Stewart Mechie and Emily Pearson, continue to work with their existing clients from their premises in Ripon and Middleham in North Yorkshire.

Minster Equine is one of the larger equine practices in the country with a team of 13 dedicated vets. The racing industry and stud farms are its particular specialisms.

Minster already counts Northern trainers Richard Fahey, Mick Easterby and owner Sir Robert Ogden amongst its clients.

Its reputation is such that practices from across the north regularly refer their more challenging cases to the practice, which has its headquarters at Upper Poppleton, York.

Mark Collins, director of Minster Equine, who is also a member of the RCVS Equine Subject Board representing stud medicine, said: “We are delighted that Simon and his team are joining us. We share a passion for professionalism and clinical excellence, with personal service around the clock to our customers as a particular priority.

“Both practices are focused on providing quality, professional care and this merger will give our new clients access to the very latest equipment and different areas of equine expertise.”

Mr Stirk added: “Minster Equine are a talented and innovative team. We are looking forward to the opportunities and benefits that the merger creates for our practice and our clients.”

Minster Equine is part of the Minster Veterinary Practice which was originally established in the centre of York in 1900.

The equine department now has premises at two sites – in Upper Poppleton, York and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster.

The whole practice comprises small animal, poultry and farm animals as well as equine.

Currently, it has a team of 10 equine veterinary surgeons at Upper Poppleton and a further three at its Doncaster base.

Minster has a fully equipped equine clinic at Upper Poppleton with operating facilities and an intensive care unit.

The facilities are staffed by a team of medical and surgical staff, which includes two surgical diploma holders and one medical diploma holder – specialist qualifications in the veterinary field – as well as certificate holders in various disciplines.