Austen graduated from the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College in Edinburgh in 2002. He started working at the forerunner to Clyde Vet Group in Lanark focussing on Farm animals and Horses. There he got a grounding working within all aspects of farm work. The work was varied from lowland intensive systems to harsh hill farming conditions, the animals served encompassed dairy, beef, commercial and pedigree sheep and cattle.
In 2006, he started specialising in horses working in both the first opinion and referral sides, with a client base ranging from pleasure horses through racehorses and eventers to international show jumpers. He led the Scintigraphy (Bone Scanning) service and was heavily involved in the day and night anaesthetic rotas.
In February 2011, Austen joined the Ardene House team as a Farm animal and Equine Vet. Austen’s interests include fertility, obstetrics, neonatology and colic. He is a Permitted FEI Treating Veterinarian and has officiated at numerous Endurance and TREK events and Championships throughout Scotland. Austen has his own collection of animals to look after including his wife’s endurance horses.