Calling all equine enthusiasts! We've got the perfect course for you.
We've teamed up with the A Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme (HEROS) to launch a five-day crash course in equine ambulatory essential skills in the UK.
The highly practical is designed to prepare you for the vast majority of conditions equines may throw your way, as well as the hardcore work our team faces abroad, where we often see in excess of 100 cases per day.
Under the guidance of experienced equine clinicians, you'll be put to the test. Attending a variety of cases, you'll triage, treat, and manage the caseload, and gain knowledge through practical hands-on experience.
A large focus of the course is how our teams deliver equine care abroad, including how to overcome obstacles such as lack of equipment or referral facilities and shortage of consumables. Whether we're treating a horse in India or donkey in Mozambique, we need to be able to provide the animal with the best care possible – with whatever supplies are on hand.
Dr. Francesca Compostella, International Project Director for WVS and course director, wants to prepare you for our work abroad in the hope that one day you'll able to join us, and provide veterinary care to animals around the world who desperately need it.
"Throughout the course, expect to deal with all types of scenarios and emergencies – from wound and colic care, to lameness cases and other common scenarios seen on ambulatory clinics. It will be an unforgettable experience for any vet – students or graduate – willing to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of all aspects of working abroad,” explains Dr Fran. The course is offered year-round at HEROs, which is housed on North Stud Farm in Wantage, Oxfordshire, and home to more than 120 horses – from foals to geriatrics, athletes to rescues.
Grace Muir, CEO for HEROS is delighted to partner with WVS and to be able to support veterinary students facing a national shortage of practical placements in equine care, due to the impact of the coronavirus.
“We have been taking veterinary students for handling and work experience for over 15 years, and are therefore thrilled to partner with WVS in this new venture. This course will provide essential training at HEROS Charity for vets in training. The horses we get presented with are so diverse that participants will gain a widespread view of many ailments and emergencies, which will allow them to gain quality knowledge and experience," said Grace.
To learn more about the course, what it involves and our availabilities, click here.
The course is best suited for veterinary students from their third year upwards, as well as new veterinary graduates or veterinarians seeking a change of specialities.
