Patrick Martin (Partner)
B.Sc.Agric., B.V.Sc., MRCVS
My early years were spent in Durban, South Africa, where I was lucky enough to enjoy the lively outdoor lifestyle encouraged by the fantastic weather. I then moved on to Pietermaritzburg University where I completed a degree in Animal Science, followed by a 2 year working holiday stint across the UK, Europe and the USA. After a late calling, I returned to South Africa to start my veterinary degree in 1993, eventually graduating in 1999. My wife Lizette and I were then married in the Natal Midlands and we headed out to the UK in August 1999. My first job was in a mixed practice on the Isle of Wight, after which I moved to Blaircourt in 2001. Apart from work, my free time is spent entertaining Emily and Jack our kids, as well as playing squash, indoor football, and just about any sport that time will allow!!
Mark Meter (Partner)
B.V.Sc., MRCVS
I grew up on a farm in South Africa with two brothers & an older sister. My first horse was a loveable old cob called “Roman” who first nurtured my interest in horses. My schooling was completed at a boarding school called Maritzburg college, famous for it’s rugby accolades & it was here that I developed an active interest in rugby. After school I joined the army for 2 years & became a Lieutenant in the Intelligence corps. It was then on to University where I completed 3 years of a BSc in Agriculture, which gave me access to apply to Veterinary College. I emigrated to England in 1998 & after working in Worcestershire for 2 years, made the move to Essex & Blaircourt. I have an active interest in rugby (retired!), mountain biking, white water kayaking, long distance running, big game fishing & my family (2 young boys who keep me very busy when I’m not at work!).
Alison Harvey
BVSc., MRCVS
I grew up near Belfast in Northern Ireland, and qualified as a vet from the University of Liverpool in 2009. Prior to starting at Blaircourt, I worked in a 100% equine practice in West Yorkshire. My interests include internal medicine and lameness. As a student I was lucky enough to be involved in the 2008 Equestrian Olympic Games in Hong Kong; which sparked a keen interest in sport horse medicine, with a particular emphasis on eventing. I am very excited to have been selected as one of the veterinary team at the Equestrian events in ‘London 2012’ this coming summer. I love travel and have recently returned from a 2 month trip exploring Australia and New Zealand. I also spent a month volunteering for a small animal veterinary charity in the Cook Islands, which was a far-cry from veterinary practice in the UK! In my free time I enjoy playing with my 2-year-old black lab, Ronnie, as well as riding, skiing and shopping. My first horse was a Connemara x Thoroughbred mare called Scarlet.
Sasha Hall
Equine Veterinary Nurse
I grew up in Cambridgeshire, where I had my first pony. I first moved to Essex when I was 16 to go to college, where I trained for my BHS and ABRS exams. From there I worked locally with International showjumpers, travelling the UK and International circuits. A friend and I ran a successful livery yard for 10 years, in that time I enjoyed competing in all fields. I first started work for Blaircourt in 2000. I enjoy cycling, swimming, riding and spending time on my mother’s narrow boat in Isleham.
Ruth Hood
Equine Veterinary Nurse
I had my first pony when I was 3, when I was nine I had a pony called Honey who could be regularly seen galloping down the road without me. When I first left school I trained and qualified as a stud assistant at Heron Stream Stud. I furthered my experience in this field at local studs and Blaircourt, where I first worked in 1993. Around 5 years ago I spent some time working for another equine practice, then came back to Blaircourt. I have bred my own Arabians and successfully competed them. I currently enjoy cycling and outdoor activities in my spare time.
Jackie Smith
Practice Manager
I started at Blaircourt in 2000, prior to that I worked for South Essex Insurance Brokers as an equine underwriter/claims handler. I had my first horse when I was sixteen, which I show-jumped. After leaving school I worked with hunters and point-to-point horses, produced horses for the show ring and spent a year living in Newmarket where I worked for a large horse transporter taking horses to the races and abroad. More recently I have been successfully competing in dressage competitions qualifying for the Regional Finals 2008. My latest venture is breeding Labrador Retrievers. I have kept a puppy from our first litter that I have called Barney who I hope to train as a gundog and compete in field trials.
Sarah Halfhide
Receptionist/Office Assistant
Prior to joining Blaircourt, I worked at South Essex Insurance Brokers in the equine department after graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2008 with a BSc (Hons) in Bioveterinary Science. Being local to the area and having owned horses since I was 14, I have been a client at Blaircourt for a number of years. Most of my spare time is spent looking after my horses and rather energetic springer spaniel! I have recently bought a young sports horse who I hope to start competing very soon. Away from horses, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, sailing and skiing when time allows!
Rachel Maddocks
Book Keeper /Receptionist
Originally from Northampton, I started riding aged 4 or 5, and got the show jumping bug soon after ! I show jumped through juniors to young riders and then had a break from competition after I left university, to start my career. I worked in finance in Hertfordshire & London and then was moved to Essex with my job 6 years ago. I first became a client of Blaircourt in 2003, and have had cause to use almost all of the services and facilities since then ! I was made redundant in April this year, and was lucky to take over Joy’s position when she retired from Blaircourt in July. In my spare time, I have 2 horses at home with my husband John, and compete at weekends. I still do some show jumping , but in the last year I’ve taken up dressage.. qualifying for BD Winter Regional Championships at Prelim and Novice.
