The Team | Waterlane Equine Vets

Our Team

Jonathan Bryars BVetMed MRCVS

Director

Jonathan joined the team in June 2020 from a specialist equine hospital and ambulatory practice in the East Midlands where he had worked for the last 7 years. He has a wealth of experience across a range of areas, but has a special interest in orthopedics and dentistry.

Jonathan has previously spent time working in an equine rehabilitation centre in South Africa, as well as spending 3 1/2 months in Botswana and South Africa working on conservation projects involving elephants and leopards. In the past, Jonathan was a keen member of his local Pony Club and participated in various equestrian disciplines.

David Blakey BVetMed CertAVP(EM) MRVCS

Senior Assistant Veterinary Surgeon

David joined the team in 2021 and brings with him a wealth of experience in all aspects of equine practice. David qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2010 and after starting out in mixed practice, quickly followed his calling by moving to a local equine hospital.

David was a keen polo player and avid member of his local Pony Club. He is joined by Welly, his terrier, who can be found supervising from the front seat. In his spare time, he plays hockey, cricket and the occasional chukka or two.

Debbie Smith

Practice Administrator

Debbie joined the team in August 2018 to assist in the office and deal with invoicing and accounts queries. Being a horse owner herself and also from the local area, Debbie has excellent equestrian knowledge and a good understanding of the needs of our clients. Debbie works on a part-time basis and has been a real asset to the practice as it is growing.

She is pictured on the lovely ‘Alfie’ who has enjoyed many days hunting around the local countryside with the Cotswold Hunt. She also owns 1 other horse and 2 dogs including ‘Boodles’, a miniature Dachshund who occasionally accompanies Debbie to the office!

Verity Hardwick

Practice Administrator

Verity joined the team in August 2020. She works in the office 2 days a week and shares the reception duties with Debbie who works the other 3 days. Verity graduated from the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester with a BSc (Hons) degree in International Equine & Agricultural Business Management, which has clearly contributed to her excellent equine knowledge and customer handling skills.

Verity spends much of her spare time looking after the cattle on her farm and also her striking Appaloosa mare, Luchia.

Georgia Heap BVSc MRCVS

Assistant Veterinary Surgeon

Georgia joined the team in October 2021 following graduation from the University of Liverpool where her research project focused on “Third Metacarpal Fractures in Horses”.

In her spare time, Georgia has a passion for baking and riding, when time allows.

Victoria Bodey

Practice Manager

Victoria is our Practice Manager and works alongside Debbie and Verity to ensure smooth running of the practice.

Victoria has been around horses her whole life, enjoying PC and SJ throughout her teenage years, moving into dressage as an adult.

Victoria’s dogs, Bumpa & Twiglet, also play important roles within the office as mascots and greeters to those visiting the practice.

Dr Tim Watson BVM&S PhD MRCVS

Consultant Veterinary Surgeon

Tim set up Waterlane Equine Vets in 2013 after leaving his previous practice in Scotland to move back south of the border closer to Northamptonshire where he grew up. He has over 20 years experience in equine practice and is an accredited FEI vet, and has previously held the post of Chairman of British Showjumping’s International Committee and was the Non-Executive Director for International Affairs at the British Equestrian Federation. Tim has a special interest in lameness, poor performance and back problems and is also pioneering the new autologous adipose stem cell treatment – Lipogems – which has revolutionised the way tendon and ligament injuries are treated.