Ashford Team

The Vets

David McDonald - BVM&S, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon and Partner

David graduated form the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, Edinburgh before joining Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates in Rye.  Following an 18 month term there he completed an internship at Rossdales & Partners, Newmarket where he was responsible for admission and management of critically ill hospital patients, general anaesthesia and lameness diagnosis.  David returned to Kent as an assistant to Peter Cantor before purchasing Milbourn Equine in 2004.  David is Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Folkestone Racecourse and is a JMB Official measurer.  Outside work David keeps himself busy managing his menagerie of horses, dogs and cats with his wife Anna and children Maddie & Archie.

 

Alasdair Graham - BVMS, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Originally form the Isle of Lewis, Alasdair graduated from the University of Glasgow and joined Milbourn in Spring 2010 after 3½ years working in North Yorkshire.  He has a particular interest in ophthalmology, lameness and laminitis including related endocrine and metabolic disturbances.
Alasdair is currently studying towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice and enjoys walking his dog Seondaidh and guitar playing.

 

Nicky Kerbyson - BVMS, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Following graduation from Glasgow University Nicky completed an internship at the Royal Veterinary College Equine Hospital where she was involved in the management of the busy and varied caseload of the Hospital. This was followed by 18 months in general practice in the New Forest before coming to Milbourn in the Autumn of 2009. She is currently  studying for her certificate in advanced equine practice.
Nicky enjoys walking her Labradors Lola and puppy Hamish, as well as riding, socialising and cooking.

 

Sarah Emptage - BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Sarah graduated from London University in 1995, after which she spent 10 years working in a busy large animal practice in Kent.  Sarah joined Milbourn Equine in October 2005.  She would love to own her own horse again, but is somewhat busy dividing her time between the practice and her 3 lovely boys, Henry, William and James.  In any spare time she can find, Sarah enjoys walking, gardening and singing in the choir.

 

Charlotte Stubbs - BSc. Hons, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Charlotte qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011, and joined the team at Milbourn the following October. Having spent many a week with us as a student, and having grown up in Ashford, she is very familiar with the area and has met most of our clients along the way. Having spent many an hour caring for her old pony whilst at University, she has a special interest in care of the geriatric horse, especially liver disease. Outside of work she is a keen "Lindy Hopper," and has a love for performing in, and watching musicals.

 

 

Group Practice Manager

Rita Dingwall - MCMI, CVPM

Rita is a former president and regional organiser of the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA), and was the VBJ practice manager of the year in 2008.  Rita is also a member of the RCVS Communications board and the BVA In Practice Editorial board.  Hobbies include reading, cycling, horse riding, skiing and she has a strong interest in technology.  Rita has in the past, produced show horses and competed in endurance riding events and crewed for the British teams abroad. She is also currently Chief Horse Steward for the Heathfield Agricultural Show.

 

The Nursing Team

Kelly Keefe

Kelly heads the nursing team at Sevington and has competed in most equestrian disciplines throughout pony club and now point to point is her main discipline.  She owns two race horses with her Dad trained by local trainer David Phelan and still finds time to work and walk her dog Murray!  

 

 

 

Penny Walker

Penny has worked at Sevington since 2008 having previously worked within the NHS maternity services.  She has a special interest in Donkeys and surgical nursing and is an enthusiastic supporter of the RDA, Hospital Radio and Bell ringing. 

 

 

 

Steph Bushell

Equine Assistant Nurse

Steff joined Milbourn Equine in August 2010. When not working she enjoys spending time with her horses and her much beloved German Shepherd.

 

The Office Team

Siobhan Park

Branch Manager

Siobhan joined us in 2009 and is Milbourn’s Business Development Manager based at Sevington. She has the mammoth task of managing the day to day running of the office. She is a Celta qualified teacher, EAL & Dyslexia specialist tutor and has worked in schools around Ashford for 19 years. In her spare time Siobhan enjoys spending time with her horse , listening to and playing music and having the occasional glass of wine. Siobhan’s black labrador, Bella helps her keep the office running smoothly!

 

Marion Giles

Marion is one of our strong team of receptionists who is always cheerful and willing to deal with any request no matter how big or small.  In her own time she is a keen gardener and DIYer and enjoys dealing with her horse, dogs and family.

 

 

 

Frankie Hann       

Frankie manages our accounts department and is always available to deal with queries over insurance issues or statements.  She has worked for Milbourn for over 15 years and having been born and bred locally is a font of knowledge of the local area.  Frankie loves horse racing and is a dedicated supporter of local point to points and can frequently been seen stewarding at Hunter Trials and Horse Shows.

 

 

Sonia Tutt

Receptionist

Sonia joined the Team in November 2010. Family is important so she enjoys travelling the length and breadth of the Country with her girls and their ponies to mounted games competitions.