Merete Hass

Merete Hass

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from Wiltshire, Merete’s passion for animals began on her family’s dairy farm. After earning a degree in Anatomical Science from Bristol and working in racing with Aintree and Cheltenham, she followed her dream to become a vet, graduating with honours from Liverpool and later completing advanced qualifications in lameness and therapeutics.

With over a decade of experience in equine practice in Cheshire, Merete is passionate about both high-performance athletes and much-loved ponies, with a special interest in lameness, poor performance, and geriatric care. She’s an Official Veterinarian and a regular treating vet at race meetings, and when not working, she shares her home with husband Gillon and their point-to-pointners.

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Merete originates from Wiltshire, where growing up on a dairy farm instilled her desire to have a career working with animals and to become a vet.

Prior to her veterinary career, Merete obtained a degree in Anatomical Science from the University of Bristol. Upon finishing her undergraduate course, Merete was awarded a place on the coveted British Horseracing Association Graduate Programme, and from here went on to work at Aintree and Cheltenham Racecourse.

Life as a veterinary surgeon continued to call, and, determined as she is, Merete followed her dream to study veterinary medicine, graduating from Liverpool University's School of Veterinary Science with Honours.

Merete undertook a further 2 years of study in her ‘spare’ time and in 2019 passed her Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Professional Studies and the RCVS Certificate in Equine Lameness Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Being an advanced-level practitioner means Merete brings a wealth of experience to our team, and your horse!

Merete has worked in equine practice in Cheshire for the past 14 years, and this wonderful county has now become home to her and her husband Gillon, their Point-to-Point horses, and a menagerie of animals. Merete has ridden from a young age, has experience in most equestrian sports, and, with a point-to-point jockey and trainer as her partner, is well aware of the pressures involved with any equine athlete.

Merete loves all areas of equine veterinary medicine, but particularly enjoys the challenge of optimising performance in sport and racehorses, and working with a rider/team to do so. Her other love is for the hairy ponies who look after their young riders and her older equine patients; helping to keep these superstars all comfortable, happy and healthy is a real privilege.

Merete is an Official Veterinarian and therefore able to carry out exports for horses travelling abroad. She is also a member of the Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons (ARVS), often a treating vet at point-to-points and race meetings, and a qualified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

Kathy

Merete Hass

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from Wiltshire, Merete’s passion for animals began on her family’s dairy farm. After earning a degree in Anatomical Science from Bristol and working in racing with Aintree and Cheltenham, she followed her dream to become a vet, graduating with honours from Liverpool and later completing advanced qualifications in lameness and therapeutics.

With over a decade of experience in equine practice in Cheshire, Merete is passionate about both high-performance athletes and much-loved ponies, with a special interest in lameness, poor performance, and geriatric care. She’s an Official Veterinarian and a regular treating vet at race meetings, and when not working, she shares her home with husband Gillon and their point-to-pointners.

BSc (Hons) BVMS Dipl.ECVS
MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from County Down, Northern Ireland, but has lived in Cheshire for 10 years. Kathy has always loved horses, and her particular love of racehorses stemmed from many years following jumps racing with her dad.

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2009 with Honours. Following graduation, Kathy spent a year in mixed practice, providing a solid start to the adventures of veterinary medicine, but also confirming her suspicion that her passion would be to specialise in horses.

She then moved to Montreal, Canada, undertaking an equine internship in a referral hospital, and learned to speak French. On her return to the UK, Kathy worked at a busy racing practice in Yorkshire, where her love of orthopaedics, surgery, and racehorses was reignited under the experienced eye of one of the UK's best racing vets.

Kathy then spent 3 years as a surgical resident at the University of Glasgow, working with specialist surgeon Patrick Pollock, and completed a Master's Degree in orthopaedics. She finished her time in bonnie Scotland with a trip to the American Fondouk in Morocco, where she worked as a senior vet and surgeon with the working equids of the busy streets of Fez- a crazy but brilliant experience.

Continuing her travels, she spent a season working in Australia at the prestigious Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital as a surgeon and hospital vet. Having travelled the world and treated as many horses as she could, Kathy settled in Cheshire, where she has worked as an equine vet and surgeon for the past eight years with her husband Jonny, sons Thomas, Conor and Harris, dog Florence, horse Ratty and a quickly expanding flock of sheep!

Since being in Cheshire, Kathy has passed her European Diploma exams in equine surgery, bringing a world- recognised level of excellence to the practice. Kathy has particular interests in poor performance and airway disease in racehorses, and standing surgical procedures in all horses.

Kathy is FEI and ARVS accredited, enabling our practice to participate as treating veterinary surgeons at FEI events and carry out racecourse work.

Jo Miles

Merete Hass

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from Wiltshire, Merete’s passion for animals began on her family’s dairy farm. After earning a degree in Anatomical Science from Bristol and working in racing with Aintree and Cheltenham, she followed her dream to become a vet, graduating with honours from Liverpool and later completing advanced qualifications in lameness and therapeutics.

With over a decade of experience in equine practice in Cheshire, Merete is passionate about both high-performance athletes and much-loved ponies, with a special interest in lameness, poor performance, and geriatric care. She’s an Official Veterinarian and a regular treating vet at race meetings, and when not working, she shares her home with husband Gillon and their point-to-pointners.

RVN
Director & Practice
Manager

Growing up in local Burwardsley, Jo’s life has been shaped by horses. When she was able to walk, she was able to ride- from ponies she went on to work for a local Point to Point trainer as well as at her aunt’s riding school.

It’s safe to say Jo has vast experience in handling and caring for horses and ponies. At the tender age of 18, Jo started work at a local mixed veterinary practice initially as a receptionist but then found her passion in veterinary nursing, qualifying as an RVN in 2009. She was later appointed as head nurse and, in 2010, became a clinical coach, serving as a key mentor and training many student nurses, as well as running a busy clinic.

Jo has also supported the equine vets in conducting work at large racing yards, as well as the veterinary teams at Aintree, Bangor and Chester racecourses. Jo is a founding partner of Heath Equine Veterinary Practice and undertakes the day-to-day running of the diary and practice… and the vets!

Crucially, she brings a wealth of experience caring for and treating our patients and continues to advance the role of ambulatory veterinary nursing, providing essential support to our veterinary surgeons and clients. You’ll be relieved to hear Jo’s dulcet tones when you ring our office number- always on hand to offer advice, put you in touch with one of the vets, and calm any storm!

Jo is also an animal lover, and her pride and joy is her own horse, Frodo. Frodo is the ultimate gentleman and is a bit of a local celebrity at the family farm when Christmas tree season hits! Jo is passionate about the care of all our patients and their owners- from a child’s pony to an elite athlete, she loves to see them doing what they love, and most importantly, making horse ownership fun; that’s what it’s all about!

Laura

Merete Hass

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from Wiltshire, Merete’s passion for animals began on her family’s dairy farm. After earning a degree in Anatomical Science from Bristol and working in racing with Aintree and Cheltenham, she followed her dream to become a vet, graduating with honours from Liverpool and later completing advanced qualifications in lameness and therapeutics.

With over a decade of experience in equine practice in Cheshire, Merete is passionate about both high-performance athletes and much-loved ponies, with a special interest in lameness, poor performance, and geriatric care. She’s an Official Veterinarian and a regular treating vet at race meetings, and when not working, she shares her home with husband Gillon and their point-to-pointners.

BVetMed Cert
AVP VPS MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon

Laura grew up locally in Cheshire and can't remember wanting to be anything other than a vet! 

After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005 Laura spent 3 years in mixed practice in Warwickshire and was finally able to realise her dream of having her own horse - an ancient and cantankerous Warmblood! Despite enjoying the variety of mixed practice, a desire to pursue a career in equine practice along with a calling to head back home led her to relocate back to Cheshire in 2008 where she has been ever since. In 2014 she gained her post graduate certificates in Veterinary Professional Studies and Advanced Veterinary Practice.

Having worked in the local area for many years now Laura brings a wealth of experience to the team. Laura enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, but particularly enjoys medicine work ups and neonatal and youngstock problems - she can't resist a poorly foal! She also enjoys getting to meet all the wonderful equines and owners that are out there and enjoys the excitement and unpredictability that being a vet brings.

Out of work Laura is normally found running around after her two sons, Rory and Dylan who keep her on her toes. She also enjoys spending time together as a family along with husband Matt (also a vet).

Geri

Merete Hass

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from Wiltshire, Merete’s passion for animals began on her family’s dairy farm. After earning a degree in Anatomical Science from Bristol and working in racing with Aintree and Cheltenham, she followed her dream to become a vet, graduating with honours from Liverpool and later completing advanced qualifications in lameness and therapeutics.

With over a decade of experience in equine practice in Cheshire, Merete is passionate about both high-performance athletes and much-loved ponies, with a special interest in lameness, poor performance, and geriatric care. She’s an Official Veterinarian and a regular treating vet at race meetings, and when not working, she shares her home with husband Gillon and their point-to-pointners.

BVSc Cert AVP PG
Cert VPS MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon

Geri originates from Essex and being a farmers daughter has been a lover of all animals and the countryside from a very young age. Her original career plan of becoming a gamekeeper was soon overtaken by her love of horses (and also the fact that a fox ate all her pheasants!) and then the desire to become a vet stuck. Geri has still retained her love of birds however and keeps a number of Brahma chickens at home!

Geri graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2016 and completed an internship in Cheshire before working in North Wales for a number of years. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but has a big soft spot for donkeys and enjoys the challenge of emergency work and poor performance cases.
Geri is also an approved Riding for The Disabled (RDA) treating vet and has worked for the Shire Horse Society as part of the veterinary team. Not only that but she is also and Official Vet (OV) which means she is also qualified to export horses abroad for competitions.

Outside of work, Geri loves nothing more than to take her Welsh X Cleveland Bay horse 'Oakley' out in the Cheshire countryside, her Jack Russell terriers Gyp and Lil her trusty sidekicks are never far behind! Geri's husband Matthew breeds and shows Shire and Clydesdale horses and also breeds Easycare sheep so these also keep her busy when she's not working. 

Gaby

Merete Hass

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from Wiltshire, Merete’s passion for animals began on her family’s dairy farm. After earning a degree in Anatomical Science from Bristol and working in racing with Aintree and Cheltenham, she followed her dream to become a vet, graduating with honours from Liverpool and later completing advanced qualifications in lameness and therapeutics.

With over a decade of experience in equine practice in Cheshire, Merete is passionate about both high-performance athletes and much-loved ponies, with a special interest in lameness, poor performance, and geriatric care. She’s an Official Veterinarian and a regular treating vet at race meetings, and when not working, she shares her home with husband Gillon and their point-to-pointners.

BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon

Gaby grew up in South Wales and her passion for horses started before she could walk! She was fortunate to get her first pony at 2 years old, and has had many horses since, progressing from Pony Club through to BE and BS. Gaby also has fond memories of attending various racecourses with her late grandfather to watch his horses race.

Gaby wanted to be a vet from a young age, which led her to study Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool. Following graduation, Gaby completed an internship at a busy equine hospital in Shropshire before spending a few years as an ambulatory equine vet covering North Wales and Cheshire. Gaby enjoys all aspects of equine practice, but has a particular interest in medicine and poor performance and is hoping to undertake a certificate in the near future. Gaby loves the variety that each day brings and driving around the countryside meeting clients.

During her time off Gaby can be found spending time with friends, skiing, running, cooking and exploring the countryside with her partner, Bedwyr (who is also a vet), and Hungarian Vizsla, Oakley. She also still loves to ride whenever she gets a chance!

Helena Moore

Merete Hass

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from Wiltshire, Merete’s passion for animals began on her family’s dairy farm. After earning a degree in Anatomical Science from Bristol and working in racing with Aintree and Cheltenham, she followed her dream to become a vet, graduating with honours from Liverpool and later completing advanced qualifications in lameness and therapeutics.

With over a decade of experience in equine practice in Cheshire, Merete is passionate about both high-performance athletes and much-loved ponies, with a special interest in lameness, poor performance, and geriatric care. She’s an Official Veterinarian and a regular treating vet at race meetings, and when not working, she shares her home with husband Gillon and their point-to-pointners.

BSc Hons
Vet Tech

Helena’s passion for horses and riding started at a young age at Willington Hall Stables as part of the Pony Club. Born in Cheshire, Helena lives with her family and two ponies Seany, an Irish Connemara and Izzy a miniature Shetland. Helena’s passion for horses focused her decision on a career in the equine industry, and she attended Hartpury University in Gloucestershire where she obtained a BSc Hons in Equine Management. During her final year she was employed part-time at Overbury Stud where she gained experience handling and caring for mares and foals, including yearling prep for the sales.

On leaving Hartpury, Helena was based with Helen Bates, a 5* event rider as her groom. Here she gained invaluable experience of the high standards required in the care of her team of horses as well as travelling to both national and international events.Deciding on a slight shift in career and prior to working at Heath Equine Vets, Helena gained vast experience and knowledge working at Three Counties Equine Hospital in Gloucestershire.

Helena is passionate about the welfare of horses and the valuable experience and knowledge gained supports the high level of care and service she gives in her work.In her spare time, she enjoys schooling Seany and going on long hacks and fun rides in the Cheshire countryside.

Izzy Dale

Merete Hass

BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP
(EL) PgCert VPS MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon

Originally from Wiltshire, Merete’s passion for animals began on her family’s dairy farm. After earning a degree in Anatomical Science from Bristol and working in racing with Aintree and Cheltenham, she followed her dream to become a vet, graduating with honours from Liverpool and later completing advanced qualifications in lameness and therapeutics.

With over a decade of experience in equine practice in Cheshire, Merete is passionate about both high-performance athletes and much-loved ponies, with a special interest in lameness, poor performance, and geriatric care. She’s an Official Veterinarian and a regular treating vet at race meetings, and when not working, she shares her home with husband Gillon and their point-to-pointners.

BSc Hons
Vet Tech

Izzy grew up locally and has had a passion for horses as long as she can remember, thanks to her mother, who had her on ponies before she could walk. Throughout her childhood she participated in Pony Club and tried her hand at a variety of disciplines. After working with racehorses in her free time around school, she decided to study Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management at university with the goal of working in the equine industry.

Around her studies Izzy expanded her experience working on both dressage and show Jumping yards, learning from some fantastic riders and horse people as well as spending a summer working as part of the office team at Beaufort Polo Club, before returning home to Shropshire in 2023.

Izzy took the opportunity to become a veterinary technician with Heath Equine to pursue her interests in equine welfare and veterinary care. In particular, she has an interest in equine gut health and lameness cases and finds the best part of the job is seeing happy horses who have recovered to full health.
Outside of work, you’ll find her out and about riding her own horse; Evie, or walking her spaniel Albie with family and friends.