Regional Vet

We are delighted that Katie Snalune, owner and Head of Hospital at Newnham Court Equine, Maidstone, has agreed to take on the position of Regional Vet. This is a vital role in the South East Region team and Katie will be officiating at our regional events as well as delivering equine training modules for the coaching pathway. We are sure that her extensive knowledge and experience will be an enormous asset to the Region.

Having been part of a team that looked after 2 RDA centres over the past 20 years, I have seen the dedication and hard work that goes into RDA as well as the positive effects it has on individuals. Personally, I have seen family members and close friends affected by developmental disorders, dementia and stroke, benefit enormously, both physically and mentally, from the RDA. After nearly 24 years as an equine vet, I feel privileged to look after these amazing creatures and am constantly bowled over by the positive impact they can have on people. Being asked to be the RDA SE Region Vet was an honour, and I hope I can help and contribute, in some small way, to this amazing charity.

Katie Snalune

Biography

Board Eligible Internist and RCVS Approved Advanced Practitioner in Equine Internal Medicine and Soft Tissue Surgery, Owner/Head of Hospital

Katie graduated from Cambridge in 1998 and after 2 years in mixed practice, completed an internship at a large referral hospital, gaining experience in internal medicine, critical care and soft tissue surgery. Katie then went into ambulatory equine practice where in 2006, she gained the RCVS Certificate in Equine Internal Medicine. In 2007, she joined the equine department of the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital at University of Cambridge, where she provided a clinical service in internal medicine and soft tissue surgery, was a lecturer in Equine Internal Medicine and a Fellow at St. Edmund's College, where she assisted with admissions and pastoral care of veterinary students. 

Katie gained her RCVS Certificate in Equine Soft Tissue Surgery in 2010 and then underwent a specialist training residency in Equine Internal Medicine. She is currently finishing the Specialist European Diploma in Equine Internal Medicine, the completion of which has been delayed by the purchase of a business and a hospital to build! In 2015, Katie became an RCVS Approved Advanced Practitioner in Equine Internal Medicine and Equine Soft Tissue Surgery. 

Katie’s main clinical interests include medical and surgical oncology, and gastroenterology (in particular colic and weight loss). She is also passionate about teaching the next generation of vets and vet nurses. Katie continues her clinical research collaborations in practice and published her first textbook on Equine Cancer medicine with the renowned Derek Knottenbelt in 2015. This is the only textbook dedicated to Clinical Equine Oncology. Katie also interviews, lectures and examines for the University of Surrey Vet School. After her specialist diploma, Katie plans to concentrate on a new hospital build and perhaps a part time PhD!

In what little spare time she has, Katie enjoys spending precious time with her family, walking her Irish Wolfhound and terrier, training for the London marathon, skiing and Gin and Tonics!