Annual equine bootcamp inspires vet students through practical learning

Spearheaded by Jacqui Paton, Clinical Director of Scarsdale Farm & Equine and Chair of Equine Clinical Board, and Charlotte Bonsall, Assistant Practice Manager, the Equine Bootcamp was created to give aspiring equine vets better access to practical clinical experiences in a supportive environment.

Who can apply to the inspiring vet care equine bootcamp?

Aimed at veterinary students in their second, third and fourth years, this year’s bootcamp was delivered by equine colleagues at Scarsdale Farm & Equine, Pool House Equine Clinic and Oakham Veterinary Hospital across the Midlands.

Day one began at Scarsdale Farm & Equine with a warm welcome from George Dymond, UK & Ireland Chief Executive, Paula Nugent, Equine Regional Head, alongside Jacqui Paton and Charlotte Bonsall, before students moved to practical skills stations.

What does the equine vets bootcamp cover?

The programme covered a range of key topics in equine practice, including suturing and surgical techniques, diagnostics, dentistry, horse handling, lameness assessment, and ophthalmology. Students explored real life case studies while hands-on workshops helped them to prepare for a career in clinical practice.

One unusual session involved practising laser surgery techniques on bananas, providing a safe way for attendees to build confidence and develop new skills.

Networking and career advice from equine vets

Alongside practical sessions, evening social activities offered students the chance to connect with experienced equine vets and discover different career pathways in equine veterinary medicine. One of the highlights included a donkey-painting session followed by a barbecue dinner with the Scarsdale Vets team. 

The week concluded with a presentation from Rhiannah de Carteret, Equine Vet Surgeon at Scarsdale Vets, titled “It Shouldn’t Happen to an Equine Vet”, combining career advice with humour and honest reflections from practice, which proved an engaging and memorable session for attendees. 

Reflecting on the week, Jacqui Paton said: “A sincere thanks to everyone at Scarsdale Farm & Equine, Pool House Equine Clinic and Oakham Veterinary Hospital whose expertise, dedication and collaborative spirit continue to make the Equine Bootcamp possible.  

“Together, they create the unique learning environment that has made the Equine Bootcamp such a successful and rewarding experience year after year.” 

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