AN INDEPENDENT PRACTICE PROVIDING THE BEST VETERINARY CARE FOR HORSES & PONIES
James graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2001 and worked in Devon doing large animal and equine work. He then went on to work in New Zealand for four years the start of him specialising in horses. He came back to his roots here in Devon starting up with well renowned local vet, the late Ray Dilliway. James has built up a good following and is passionate about providing an affordable and realistic approach for his clients.
James was Chairman of the Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons for 6 years and is seen at many of the local point to points across the Devon and Somerset region providing veterinary cover. James has a vast experience behind him and is passionate in particularly about his racing and stud work.
James and his family share a passion for horses. James has evented up to One Star level in three day events here and abroad, and enjoys country sports with the children.
His passion for animals extends to running a small farm at home.
VETERINARY STAFF
SANNE WILMINK DVM CertAVP MRCVS
Sanne graduated from Utrecht University in the Netherlands (guess the accent!) in 2009. She then worked in a busy equine hospital before moving to the UK in 2011 to start her residency in Equine Internal Medicine with the University of Bristol.
She joined James and the team as a locum for a month immediately after the completion of her residency, and never really left. She has regularly been back in the area to cover busy times, holidays etc in the practice, alongside her job at another practice closer to Wiltshire.
When she isn’t working, she loves walking in the hills and enjoying the water, either kitesurfing at Woolacombe or Saunton Sands or on a stand-up paddleboard at Lee Bay (Ifracombe).
ZOE PIKE BVSc MRCVS
Zoe joined the practice in May 2025 having graduated from Bristol University.
Driven by a lifelong passion for horses that began in her childhood, Zoe chose to specialise in equine medicine. She has a wealth of experience across various equestrian disciplines, including eventing. Although her professional duties have placed competitive riding on hold, Zoe continues to maintain her close connection with horses by riding out for a local trainer whenever her schedule permits.
Zoe displays genuine enthusiasm for working with racehorses and has willingly volunteered herself as part of the emergency veterinary team at point-to-point meetings. Her proactive attitude and readiness to take on responsibility have swiftly made her an indispensable member of our team, earning the respect of both her colleagues and clients.
PRACTICE STAFF
CLAIR PARNHAM - OFFICE MANAGER
Clair has predominantly worked with racehorses from foal to track for most of her life. She prefers to now take the spectator view of all aspects of the equestrian world from Pony Club to Badminton and The Grand National.
Clair and her partner Freddy have successfully trained several National Hunt store horses from unbroken to winning first time out over the years.
LARA POPE - RECEPTIONIST & STABLE MANAGER
Lara Pope joined the practice in the summer of 2021 and has been a key member of the team ever since. Lara has had an association with horses especially racing throughout her life and will be a familiar face and name to many. She has worked for several well-known trainers within the racing industry and has herself successfully ridden in Point-to-Points.
Lara regularly rides out for a local racehorse trainer and at weekends will often be seen supporting her son who competes in Team Chases. Lara is passionate about horses and brings with her a wealth of experience to the team.