Dick Vet Equine

27/08/2026

Well done to the R(D)SVS equine welfare and behaviour team.

This guidance reflects significant advances in our understanding of equine welfare. Alongside physical health, it recognises the importance of mental wellbeing, positive experiences, social interaction and opportunities for equids to express natural behaviours.

It's fantastic to see the expertise from the School extending beyond our campus and helping to support the welfare of horses, ponies and donkeys across Scotland and beyond.

Experts in equine welfare and behaviour from the School have contributed to Scottish Government guidance for horse owners.

The 2026 Welfare of Equids: Guidance reflects significant advances in our understanding of equine welfare. Alongside physical health, it recognises the importance of mental wellbeing, positive experiences, social interaction and opportunities for equids to express natural behaviours.

Contributions from the School were led by Mrs Bryony Lancaster, MSc Equine Science programme director, Dr Sarah Brown, equine welfare lecturer/scientist and Dr Gemma Pearson, who is the only Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) recognised Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine (Equine). They were supported by a number of colleagues associated with Equine Science and the Animal Welfare Centre.

It is fantastic to see the expertise from the School extending beyond our campus and helping to support the welfare of horses, ponies and donkeys across Scotland and beyond.

Welfare of Equids: Guidance: https://www.gov.scot/publications/welfare-equids-guidance/
Equine Science: https://edin.ac/46w3oeb
Equine Behaviour: https://edin.ac/4zKylbE
Animal Welfare Centre: https://edin.ac/3DTjC5H

21/08/2026

We're delighted to announce that our next full-day DENTISTRY CPD is scheduled for 28 October and is now OPEN for registration!

This one-day practical programme is led by our equine dental specialists and is aimed at first-opinion equine and mixed practice vets who regularly undertake equine dentistry. Delegates will have the opportunity to look at real clinical cases to assess common dental problems, interpret diagnostic findings, select appropriate treatments and recognise when referral is in the horse’s best interests.

Gain the knowledge and confidence to make evidence based decisions, deliver appropriate dental care in the field, and communicate treatment options effectively with owners.

All equipment is provided, and numbers are limited to allow for the maximum benefit so sign-up NOW!

https://vet.ed.ac.uk/education/cpd/courses/in-person/dick-vet-equine-cpd-sessions

20/08/2026

JOB OPPORTUNITY: We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join our team at the Dick Vet Equine Hospital.

This full-time post offers an opportunity to contribute to a leading equine referral hospital, working across our Medicine, Orthopaedic, and Soft Tissue Services.

The successful candidate will become part of a supportive team of 10 friendly equine nurses, with responsibilities including theatre nursing, assisting with investigations and diagnostic imaging, inventory management and supporting the teaching of veterinary students.

Salary: £34,610 – £39,906

For more information about this full-time, permanent role, visit: https://edin.ac/4xSUX83

If you require the job description in an alternative format, please contact HR by email at [email protected].

Apply before 23:59 on 1 September 2026.

17/08/2026

JOB OPPORTUNITY: We are looking for a part time Vet Services Assistant to join our Vet Services team predominantly in the Equine and Large Animal Hospitals.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced, highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills and attention to detail. They will be part of a friendly, supportive team whose emphasis is on delivering a high level of administrative support across our veterinary hospitals.

Salary: £29,588 - £33,951 pro rata based on 35 hours per week

For more information on this part time (14 hours a week), permanent contract, visit: https://edin.ac/4hzzKep

If you require the job description in an alternative format, please contact HR by email at [email protected].

Applications close at 23:59 on 31 August.

13/08/2026

Congratulations to two of our recent prize winners from the 2025-2026 final year!
Kirsten Jenkins won The Val Pate Award 'In recognition of outstanding final year performance and dedication during the Shelter Medicine Rotation and/or work with All for Paws'. This was presented by Practice vet John Pate, in memory of his mother, who was a small animal vet in Glasgow who worked primarily with the SSPCA and PDSA and believed passionately in the delivery of high quality shelter medicine. Val Pate passed away in 2019, having made a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of the animals and people who use these important services.
Hugh Craig was an exceptionally talented student and we have no doubt will have a sparkling career in equine veterinary work. He was dedicated, knowledgeable and always helped the day go with a swing. Head of The Dick Vet Equine Hospital, Padraig Kelly, presented Hugh with the Joe Fraser Prize for 'Best Final Year Student in Equine Surgery'.
Very well done to both Kirsten and Hugh!

23/07/2026

Veterinary Nurse Rae and Resident Surgeon Aaron had a fabulous time at the Musselburgh ride out this week in perfect evening sunshine on their trusty steeds, Athos (from Kelzie Stables) and Captain (from Tower Farm)!

21/07/2026

Nothing cheers a horse vet up like an ice lolly on a hot day! Thank you Bart's Bank Stables !

Rocket Man hard at work today ❤️ Thank you Chris
Dick Vet Equine
Excellent service as always!
🐴🦄🐴🦄🐴🦄

21/07/2026

We are SO happy to have two wonderful Veterinary Nurses back from maternity leave today: Kirsty Poll and Cara Baillie.
Top mummies and top horsewomen! Tomos was visiting the Hospital today so met them both.
Welcome back!

16/07/2026

Following on from the below post about 'Reclining Horse Rising' we had a lot of people asking to see this beauty in-situ today, so here you go! These pictures show all the incredible work that went into the restoration and the plinth that it so proudly sits upon outside the Equine Hospital & Practice🐴

12/07/2026

Do you recognise this beautiful horse, now restored to its former glory, and sitting proudly outside the Dick Vet Equine reception? Known as 'Reclining Horse Rising', it was commissioned by the founder of our vet school, William Dick, and carved by A. Wallace to sit atop the gateway at the first purpose-built Clyde Street location of the veterinary school in 1833. When the school outgrew the original buildings, it moved to the Summerhall premises in 1916 where it remained until 2003. This photo was thought to be taken when carefully relocating it to the small animal teaching building in 1971. The marvellous statue finally came to live on the Easter Bush campus in 2003, and we hope it will be with us for generations to come. We all love seeing it every day and it's a great reminder of where we started out and how far we have come!